The Divine Expression – Logos vs Rhema

I would like to share what I feel is the proper interpretation of some mistranslated and misunderstood passages in the near future, but before I do that I would like to build a foundation with the proper understanding of some key Greek words used in the scriptures.

As a young believer in Bible College I was taught that there were two key words used in the scriptures translated “word” or “the word”. They were the Greek words “logos” and “rhema”. My professors as well as most preachers taught that the word “logos” was the written word and “rhema” was the spoken word. However, quite a few years later in my study on these words I found that what was being taught was only partially true in that the word ‘rhema” did refer to a spoken word, however the word “logos” never referred to a word that was written, and also not one that was always spoken with voice.

Ok, you say “What’s the big deal?” and I say, much, humongous much! By not having a true and proper understanding of these words the church is being robbed of one of the greatest blessings taught in the scriptures. I have a cliché that I use a lot, “Words are important!”, especially God’s words, and of course I am referring to the understanding of God’s words as inspired by the Holy Spirit.

I apologize for the long introduction so let’s move on to the words at hand. Here are a couple of verses that will be the setting and illustration for this study.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (NASV)

Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (NASV)

In our first verse the phrase “the Word” is “the Logos”. It is Strong’s number G3056 and is defined as follows;

“From G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (that is, Christ):

The word logos is not only a spoken word but it is a word that refers to thoughts reasoning and expressions of what is being communicated, and not always by spoken words. Notice Strong’s meaning of the word when the definite article appears, “the Divine Expression”. In other words the word “logos” can be expressed by a non-verbal action prompted by a thought. One can express love for example without voicing a word, it my be a kind deed, or a touch of the hand, or by dying on a cross for the sins of the world.

“In classical Greek logos meant ‘the word or outward form by which the inward thought is expressed and made known,’ or ‘the inward thought or reason itself’.” WUEST

So in the light of this definition let me translate John 1:1 for the best understanding:

“In the beginning was the Divine Expression (of the Father), and the Divine Expression (of the Father) was with God, and the Divine Expression (of the Father) was God.” Of the Father added by me for emphasis.

Now most Christians know and agree that “the Word” refers to Jesus and this is verified by verse 14. “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us,…”.

You can now understand what Jesus meant when he said to his disciples, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.” Jesus was a perfect representation and Divine Expression of the Father in both word and deed. This is the meaning of “the Logos.”

Now what does the word “rhema” mean.? The word simply means an utterance, voice, oratory. (See Strong’s G4487) So translating Romans 10:17 we see that rhema refers to the voice.

“So Faith comes by means of hearing, and the hearing through the voice of Christ.”

Here is the meaning of “logos” and “rhema”. Logos has everything to do with the meaning and expression of what is being thought, said and conveyed, but very little if anything to do with the voice or oratory. Rhema on the other hand does not refer directly to thoughts or expressions but simply voice, sound, oratory. This does not in any way diminish the power of God’s voice, let me explain.

When God speaks or the Spirit of God speaks it is meant to produce faith, belief, persuasion, and is in fact the only way one can come to faith or belief, that is why we call it “a rhema word” . But, just because someone is hearing the voice of God does not guarantee that that person is going to understand or believe and come to faith.( Has something to do with free will.) There are many examples in the bible of God trying to convince men to believe and yet they would not. Take for example Hebrews 6:5,

“and have tasted the good word of God…” (NASV)

First of all this is a bad translation so cross the words “have tasted” out of your bibles and insert, “were tasting”. The Greek refers to something that was in the process, not that had be concluded.

Now the word for “word” here in this passage is “rhema”. These Hebrews were hearing God’s voice but not comprehending the meaning and were remaining in unbelief. If you compare Heb 5:11 you will see where the writer uses the words, “the Logos” because these Hebrews were dull of hearing and could not comprehend the expression and truth of Christ’s finished work in the believer. I am going to post the full explanation of this passage in another teaching soon.

So if you will do a little studying and compare Heb 5:11 and 6:5 where the two words we are looking at in this study appear, it will clear up this difficult passage of chapter 6 for you. Also, look at the parable of the Sower and the Seed in Luke chapter 8 and look for “the Logos” there in that passage, some great revelation will come when looking for the Logos (the Christ) in all the book.

Now just one last living illustration on how the born again Christian is a living logos.

One night I was coming out of Friendly’s Restaurant. A s a young couple approach me on the sidewalk the Holy Spirit said to me, “They need Jesus!” (Rhema word) I obeyed the voice and put my hands up to stop the young couple and said, “You need Jesus!” (Logos expressed through me) Suddenly their knees buckled and they went down on the sidewalk crying. I knelt down and led them to Jesus and went on my way.

You see the voice of God spoke to me and produced faith to speak the logos, the Divine Expression. I was in a resting place with God, I obeyed His voice and He reached out through me and embraced that young couple with salvation. At that moment I was one with my Father and a partaker of His divine nature, I was a living logos, an expression of His Divine love.

As always, I invite feedback. However, these publications are not for argument sake but for the seeking of the Truth that is in Jesus. Let us seek for the Truth, not just to prove we are right in some doctrine.

May you be found full of His grace and peace today and experiencing what it means to be a living logos, an expression of your Father.

By George Youket