Filed under: 2B - Word Study of "Logos"
“λόγον” (logon) [singular accusative masculine]. Grammatically this is the objective form of the noun. “Accusative is the grammatical case used to mark the direct object of a transitive verb.” It is used 128 times in the New Testament, the most use of this part of speech for the noun “logos.” The following are again phrases from scripture (in some what chronological order) where “logon” is used, using the NASB (http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-American-Standard-Bible-NASB/). Again, I have put an asterisk (*) by those that could be referring to our personal indwelling Christ Jesus our Lord or a name for Christ. Again you may see it differently:
Matthew:
12:32; Whoever speaks a word (logon) against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
12:36; But I tell you that every careless word (rhema) that people speak, they shall give an accounting (logon) for it in the day of judgment.
(*)13:19; When anyone hears the word (logon) of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. (The word “it” is not in the original Greek. This seems to be indicating hearing Christ “the Word of the Kingdom.”)
(*)13:20; The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word (logon) and immediately receives it with joy; (same reason in previous verse)
(*)13:21; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word (logon), immediately he falls away. (same reason in previous verse)
(*)13:22; And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word (logon), and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word (logon), and it becomes unfruitful. (same reason in previous verse)
(*)13:23; And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word (logon) and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” (same reason in previous verse)
15:6; he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And by this you invalidated the word (logon) of God for the sake of your tradition.
15:12; Then the disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement (logon)?”
15:23; But He did not answer her a word (logon). And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.”
19:11; But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement (logon), but only those to whom it has been given.
19:22; But when the young man heard this statement (logon), he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.
21:24; Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one thing (logon), which if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.
22:46; No one was able to answer Him a word (logon), nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.
25:19; “Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts (logon) with them.
26:44; And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing (logon) once more.
Mark:
1:45; But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news (logon) around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.
2:2; And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word (logon) to them.
(*)4:14; The sower sows the word (logon). (The sense is sowing or sharing about Christ “the Word.”)
(*)4:15; These are the ones who are beside the road where the word (logos) is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word (logon) which has been sown in them. (same reason as previous verse, also seems to indicate hearing Christ “the Word” and forgetting what He has said.)
(*)4:16; In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word (logon), immediately receive it with joy; (same reason in previous verse)
(*)4:17; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word (logon), immediately they fall away. (same reason in previous verse)
(*)4:18; And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word (logon), (same reason in previous verse)
(*)4:19; but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word (logon), and it becomes unfruitful. (same reason in previous verse)
(*)4:20; And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word (logon) and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” (same reason in previous verse)
4:33; With many such parables He was speaking the word (logon) to them, so far as they were able to hear it
5:36; But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken (logon), said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.”
7:13; thus invalidating the word (logon) of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.”
7:29; And He said to her, “Because of this answer (logon) go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”
8:32; And He was stating the matter (logon) plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him.
9:10; They seized upon that statement (logon), discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant.
11:29; And Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question, and you answer Me, and then I will tell you by what authority I do these things. (NASB deletes the word logon in this verse. Literal Greek translation of the first part of Jesus’ question is: “I will question you one logon, and answer you me…”)
14:39; Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words (logon). (Literal Greek translation is: “And again going away he prayed the same logon saying.”)
[16:20; And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word (logon) by the signs that followed. (A few late manuscripts and versions contain this paragraph (verses 9-20), usually after verse 8)]
Luke:
(*)5:1; Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word (logon) of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; (This seems to indicate hearing Christ “the Word of God.”)
(*)8:12; Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word (logon) from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved. (This seems to indicate hearing Christ “the Word of God” and forgetting what He has said.)
(*)8:13; Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word (logon) with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. (Same as previous verse.)
(*)8:15; But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word (logon) in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. (The word “it” is not in the original Greek. This seems to indicate hearing Christ “the Word of God”)
(*)8:21; But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word (logon) of God and do it.” (The word “it” is not in the literal Greek. The literal Greek translation of Jesus’ words are: “Mother of me and brothers of me these are the ones the logon of God hearing and doing.”)
10:39; She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word (logon). (Is it possible to replace “His word” with “Him?” Seems it is possible)
(*)11:28; But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word (logon) of God and observe it.” (The word “it” is not in the literal Greek. The literal Greek translation of Jesus’ words are: “Nay rather blessed the ones hearing the logon of God and keeping.”)
12:10; And everyone who speaks a word (logon) against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.
16:2; And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an accounting (logon) of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’
20:3; Jesus answered and said to them, “I will also ask you a question (logon), and you tell Me:
John:
4:39; From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word (logon) of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.”
4:41; Many more believed because of His word (logon)
5:24; “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word (logon), and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
5:38; You do not have His word (logon) abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent.
8:43; Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word (logon).
8:51; Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word (logon) he will never see death.”
8:52; The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word (logon), he will never taste of death.’
8:55; and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word (logon).
14:23; Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word (logon); and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.
15:3; You are already clean because of the word (logon) which I have spoken to you.
15:20; Remember the word (logou) that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word (logon), they will keep yours also.
17:6; “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word (logon).
17:14; I have given them Your word (logon); and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
19:8; Therefore when Pilate heard this statement (logon), he was even more afraid;
Acts:
1:1; The first account (logon) I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,
2:41; So then, those who had received his word (logon) were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
4:4; But many of those who had heard the message (logon) believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
4:29; And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word (logon) with all confidence,
4:31; And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word (logon) of God with boldness.
(*)6:2; So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word (logon) of God in order to serve tables. (The thought here is the apostolic function has a work that is a separate work from the congregation, a work of expressing the Word of God, the indwelling Christ, to those who need to hear Him.)
(*)8:4; Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word (logon). (The last part of the verse is literally translated: “announcing the good news the logon.” Interestingly, in the next verse, verse 8, Phillip is said to have “proclaimed to them the Christ.”)
(*)8:14; Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word (logon) of God, they sent them Peter and John,
8:25; So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word (logon) of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. (The statement “preaching the gospel” is for the one Greek word which is literally “announcing the good news” which does not necessarily imply someone “preaching a sermon.”)
(*)10:36; The word (logon) which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)— (This seems to indicate the Father sent His Son and through the Son the Father was “announcing good news (of) peace through Jesus Christ.”)
(*)10:44; While Peter was still speaking these words (rhemata), the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message (logon).
(*)11:1; Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word (logon) of God.
11:19; So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word (logon) to no one except to Jews alone.
(*)13:5; When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word (logon) of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper.
(*)13:7; who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word (logon) of God. (It is possible that this Greek construction of “sought to hear the word of God” could refer to him seeking to hear “the Messiah,” “the Word of God.”)
(*)13:44; The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word (logon) of the Lord.
13:46; Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word (logon) of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. (The word “it” is in the Greek and possibly indicates only the announcement of the good news of Christ.)
(*)13:48; When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word (logon) of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (Seems to indicate worshiping Christ, the Word of God, since we do not worship words whether spoken or written but the Christ.)
14:25; When they had spoken the word (logon) in Perga, they went down to Attalia.
(*)15:7; After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word (logon) of the gospel and believe.
(*)15:35; But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching with many others also, the word (logon) of the Lord. (Again the literal translation of the Greek word used in this verse for “preaching” is “announcing good news.”)
(*)15:36; After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word (logon) of the Lord, and see how they are.”
(*)16:6; They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word (logon) in Asia;
(*)16:32; And they spoke the word (logon) of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. (The literal Greek translation for the first part of this verse is: “And they spoke to him the logon of God…”)
(*)17:11; Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word (logon) with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
(*)18:11; And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word (logon) of God among them.
18:14; But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable (logon) for me to put up with you;
(*)19:10; This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word (logon) of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
19:38; So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint (logon) against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another.
19:40; For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s events, since there is no real cause for it, and in this connection we will be unable to account (logon) for this disorderly gathering.”
20:7; On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message (logon) until midnight.
James:
(*)1:21; Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word (logon) implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Galatians:
(*)6:6; The one who is taught the word (logon) is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. (Interestingly this verse is after what Paul describes as living by the Spirit, the life of Christ, and before his comments on sowing and reaping.)
1 Thessalonians:
(*)1:6; You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word (logon) in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit
(*)2:13; For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word (logon) of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word (logon) of men, but for what it really is, the word (logon) of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. (The literal Greek translation for the last part of the verse is: “but as truly is the word of God, which also operates in you the believing.”)
2 Thessalonians does not mention the singular accusative masculine “logon” in its letter.
1 Corinthians:
4:19; But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words (logon) of those who are arrogant but their power.
2 Corinthians:
2:17; For we are not like many, peddling the word (logon) of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.
4:2; but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word (logon) of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
(*)5:19; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word (logon) of reconciliation. (The last part of this verse is literally: “and placing in us the logon of reconciliation” and in the next verse it continues: “on behalf of Christ therefore we are ambassadors as God beseeching through us..” Our indwelling Christ is the Word of reconciliation.)
Romans:
9:28; FOR THE LORD WILL EXECUTE HIS WORD (logon) ON THE EARTH, THOROUGHLY AND QUICKLY.”
14:12; So then each one of us will give an account (logon) of himself to God.
Philippians:
(*)1:14; and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word (logon) of God without fear.
(*)2:16; holding fast the word (logon) of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
4:15; You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter (logon) of giving and receiving but you alone;
(*)4:17; Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account (logon). (The literal Greek translation is: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit increasing to logon of you.” The sense seems to be of Paul’s desire to see the increasing of the fruit of Christ in His body.)
Colossians:
(*)1:25; Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word (logon) of God (The word “preaching” is not in the original Greek. The literal Greek translation is: “of which became I a servant according to the stewardship of God given to me for you to fulfil the logon of God” and continues in the next verse with “the mystery having been hidden from the ages…” The sense is that the Word of God is the mystery which has been hidden from the ages and Paul is now involved in the fulfillment of God’s purpose.)
2:23; These are matters (logon) which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
Philemon does not mention the singular accusative masculine “logon” in its letter.
Ephesians:
(*)1:13; In Him, you also, after listening to the message (logon) of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
Hebrews:
(*)6:1; Therefore leaving the elementary teaching (logon) about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God (The first part of this verse, the literal Greek translation is: “Wherefore leaving the of the beginning of Christ logon on to maturity let us be borne, not again a foundation…” This is a difficult Greek construction and could possibly be translated based on previous verses: “Wherefore leaving the rudiments of the oracles of God on to logon of Christ maturity let us be borne…” This seems to suggest moving forward from just knowing Christ from the scriptures but experiencing the indwelling Christ in community.)
12:19; and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words (rhemato) which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word (logon) be spoken to them.
(*)13:7; Remember those who led you, who spoke the word (logon) of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. (The word “led” is an improper translation and means “guiding.” This is an institutional bias. The literal Greek translation is: “Remember the guiding of you, who spoke to you the logon of God of whom looking at the result of the conduct imitate the faith.” The sense here is Paul is encouraging the brothers and sisters to remember those in the body whom Christ has been using to guide His people into living by a life of faith and learn Christ like they have.)
(*)13:17; Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account (logon). Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (Interestingly this verse seems to reflect directly back on the previous verse, verse 7. The first part of this verse could be literally translated: “Be persuaded of the guides of you and yield to them; for they watch on behalf of the souls of you as logon rendering…” The sense being that because these brothers and sisters who have lived by Christ’s life are examples of what Christ desires for His body, it is important to listen to what they are saying and doing so each member can express their measure of Logon in love to the benefit of the entire body growing to the fullness of Christ.)
1 Timothy does not mention the singular accusative masculine “logon” in its letter.
2 Timothy:
(*)2:15; Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word (logon) of truth. (The words “accurately handling” is not an accurate translation of the Greek word. The literal Greek translation is: “Be eager thyself approved to present to God a workman unashamed, cutting straight the logon of truth.” The sense could be that Paul is telling Timothy to live by Christ’s life as close as possible so that when he speaks or does something for others to speak and do only what Christ says, since the truth is in Jesus.)
(*)4:2; preach the word (logon); be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (those with an apostolic function preach Christ Jesus by His life and Timothy is called to so live by Christ’s life that Christ can be manifested at all times by what he says, does, or does not do.)
Titus
(*)1:3; but at the proper time manifested, even His word (logon), in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior
2:8; sound in speech (logon) which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
1 Peter:
3:15; but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account (logon) for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
4:5; but they will give account (logon) to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
2 Peter:
(*)1:19; So we have the prophetic word (logon) made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. (The first part of this verse is literally translated: “And we have more firm the prophetic logon, to which well ye do taking heed as a lamp…”)
1 John:
2:5; but whoever keeps His word (logon), in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: (The first part of this verse is literally translated: “but whoever keeps of him the word, truly…”)
2 John, 3 John, and Jude do not mention the singular accusative masculine “logon” in their letters.
Revelation:
(*)1:2; who testified to the word (logon) of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. (The first part of this verse is literally translated: “who bore witness of the logon of God…”)
(*)1:9; I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word (logon) of God and the testimony of Jesus.
3:8; I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word (logon), and have not denied My name.
3:10; Because you have kept the word (logon) of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
(*)6:9; When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word (logon) of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained;
12:11; And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word (logon) of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.
(*)20:4; Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word (logon) of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
The above passages describe all instances where the singular accusative masculine “λόγον” (logon) is used in the New Testament. In context many of the passages seem to reflect our personal indwelling Christ Jesus our Lord, the Word of God, at least 57 of 128 instances of the use of the word seem to reflect our Lord or the name of our Lord as “the Word.” The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke specifically focus on Christ as the “logon” of God, the seed for others to hear and believe and not to forget while, interestingly, the gospel of John uses “logon” to describe what Jesus says we are to hear and believe. We could possibly replace “My word” in the gospel of John and perhaps see something extra from our Lord, to hear Him and believe Him. Additionally, the letter of Acts uses “logon” to describe what others announced and proclaimed and what others were to hear and believe. We could possibly replace “logon of God” with Christ and perhaps see something extra from our Lord, that it wasn’t the Bible or verses of scripture that was announced, although surely that was part of what was spoken, but Christ was announcing Himself by His life in His people, proclaiming Himself to those who heard Him, who would believe Him and so His life might find residence in those who believe and grow organically out from His life through His people. This is almost the same description for the use of the word “logos” in Acts where the sense is of the spreading and growing, organically, of Christ, the Word of God, as He is welcomed and becomes the life of those who hear and believe what He says and He is manifested by His people. Again where “logon” is not necessarily the personal indwelling Lord or His name as “the Word” it does seem to indicate the Spirit of Christ is at work either through the written or spoken word given by the scripture or those living by His life, in other instances it refers to an expression of a thought by the words of the one speaking. So again context is important to distinguish this truth.
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