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When we study the Bible, sometimes looking a little deeper at the words behind our English translations can help us see connections we might otherwise miss. In Part 1 of this series, we began in Psalm 119 and saw the many ways Scripture speaks about God’s Word – His statutes, testimonies, precepts, commandments and judgments. Now we move into the New Testament and consider two important Greek words that are commonly translated simply as “word”: logos and rhema. Understanding how these words appear in different passages gives us another useful tool as we learn how to study Scripture carefully.
We begin with an essential foundation from 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” The Bible is God-breathed and has been preserved for our instruction, correction and growth. Yet that does not mean that every sentence recorded in Scripture was spoken directly by God. The Bible faithfully records the words of prophets and apostles, as well as those of kings, false prophets, and even Satan. Matthew 4 gives us a clear example. Satan quotes Scripture while tempting Jesus, but Jesus answers him with Scripture rightly understood and applied. That should remind us why context matters. We cannot simply isolate a verse and make it mean whatever we want – faithful Bible study asks who is speaking, what is being said, why it is being said, and how it fits within the wider revelation of Scripture.
Throughout this study, we examine examples of logos and rhema in passages including Matthew 12, Matthew 13, John 5, John 12, Acts 10, Romans 10, and Ephesians 6. Jesus says that man shall live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Paul tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God, and describes the sword of the Spirit as the Word of God. At the house of Cornelius, Peter speaks, and the Holy Spirit falls upon those who hear. These passages help us think about the relationship between the words spoken, heard, and written, and the truth of God taking root within the heart. This is not merely information to collect – God’s truth is intended to be heard, believed and lived.
Most importantly, Scripture ultimately directs us beyond words on a page to Jesus Christ Himself. John opens his Gospel with the remarkable declaration, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” before telling us that “the Word became flesh.” Revelation 19:13 gives Christ the same glorious title: “The Word of God.” That is where this study is leading. We study the Scriptures because through them God reveals Christ to us. As His truth is heard and understood, faith grows, hearts are changed, and lives bear fruit. The goal of learning how to study the Bible is therefore much greater than acquiring knowledge – it is to know Christ more truly, allow His Word to abide within us, and learn to walk faithfully according to what God has revealed.
