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λόγος (logos)

logos

word

G3056 · Greek · New Testament · 318 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
318 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The Greek word logos refers to a spoken expression that carries meaning, not merely a sound or grammatical unit. It encompasses specific statements, commands, and promises, such as when Jesus references the authority of God’s decrees in Matthew 5:18. In everyday usage, it describes discourse or instruction, appearing frequently in Acts to denote the preaching of the apostles (Acts 6:4) and in Paul’s letters to describe the message of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Its range extends from simple utterances to the deeper faculty of reason and account. In legal contexts, it can mean a reckoning or charge, while in philosophical thought, it signifies the rational principle governing the universe. This breadth allows it to bridge human communication and divine logic, serving as the term for both the written text of Scripture and the living voice of God.

The most significant theological development occurs in the Gospel of John, where logos identifies Jesus as the pre-existent Word who was with God and was God (John 1:1). Here, the word transcends mere speech to become the personal wisdom and power through whom all things were made. This usage connects the abstract concept of divine reason with the historical reality of Christ’s incarnation.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word logos reminds us that God’s communication is never empty noise. It carries weight, intent, and power. When you read Scripture or hear a promise from Jesus, you are encountering a logos—a specific statement designed to shape your reality. This means the Bible is not just a collection of ancient stories, but a living message that speaks directly into your current circumstances.

In moments of uncertainty, this word offers stability. Just as a centurion trusted Jesus’ single command to heal his servant, you can trust that God’s words accomplish what they intend. Whether it is a call to repentance or a promise of presence, these are not vague suggestions but firm foundations. You do not need to decipher hidden codes; the meaning is clear and accessible to anyone willing to listen.

Ultimately, logos points to Jesus Himself, the Word who became flesh. This connection assures us that God is not distant or silent. He has spoken clearly through history and through His Son. Resting in this truth allows you to face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that the same power that formed the universe now speaks peace into your heart.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 318 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • word145×
  • words48×
  • word,12×
  • [the] word8×
  • a word7×
  • speech6×
  • saying6×
  • account6×
  • message5×
  • Word5×
  • talk4×
  • statement4×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • λόγον115×
  • λόγος62×
  • λόγῳ36×
  • λόγους22×
  • λόγου22×
  • λόγοις15×
  • λόγων10×
  • λόγον,10×
  • λόγοι10×
  • λόγῳ,7×
  • λόγου,4×
  • λόγος,3×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 8:8
    The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

    The centurion recognizes that a single logos from Jesus carries enough authority to heal without physical presence, highlighting the power inherent in God's spoken word.

  • Matthew 7:24
    “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

    Jesus links hearing His logoi (words) with doing them, showing that true wisdom comes from acting on divine instruction rather than merely listening to it.

  • Matthew 13:19
    When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown by the roadside.

    This verse illustrates the danger of hearing the word of the Kingdom without understanding, as it leaves the message vulnerable to being stolen by the evil one.

  • Matthew 12:36
    I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

    Jesus warns that every idle logos will be accounted for in judgment, emphasizing the serious moral responsibility attached to how we use our speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between logos and rhema?

Logos generally refers to the word as a concept, message, or body of teaching (like Scripture itself), while rhema often points to a specific utterance or spoken word that becomes relevant in a particular moment. Christians sometimes distinguish them by saying logos is the written text, and rhema is the personal application of that text.

Why is Jesus called the Word (Logos) in John 1?

In John’s Gospel, calling Jesus the Logos connects Him to the Old Testament concept of God’s creative and revealing speech. It signifies that Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s mind and will, making the invisible God known to humanity in a personal, historical form.

How does this word apply to daily Christian life?

It encourages believers to view Scripture not as abstract theory but as active instruction. Since logos carries intent and power, reading the Bible is an encounter with God’s will. It invites readers to listen carefully and respond in obedience, trusting that God’s words shape their character and decisions.

Every Occurrence (318 verses across 24 books)

Matthew 31 verses
Matthew 5:32

but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and…

Matthew 5:37

But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

Matthew 7:24

“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on…

Matthew 7:26

Everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

Matthew 7:28

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,

Matthew 8:8

The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…

Matthew 8:16

When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all…

Matthew 10:14

Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.

Matthew 12:32

Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it…

Matthew 12:36

I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Matthew 12:37

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 13:19

When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away that which…

Matthew 13:20

What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it;

Matthew 13:21

yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word,…

Matthew 13:22

What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of…

Matthew 13:23

What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit and…

Matthew 15:6

he shall not honor his father or mother.’ You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition.

Matthew 15:12

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”

Matthew 18:23

Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Matthew 19:1

When Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.

Matthew 19:11

But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given.

Matthew 19:22

But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.

Matthew 21:24

Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what…

Matthew 22:15

Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk.

Matthew 22:46

No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Matthew 25:19

“Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them.

Matthew 26:1

When Jesus had finished all these words, he said to his disciples,

Matthew 26:44

He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.

Matthew 28:15

So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until…

Mark 23 verses
Luke 32 verses
John 36 verses
Acts 65 verses
Romans 7 verses
I Corinthians 14 verses
II Corinthians 9 verses
Galatians 2 verses
Ephesians 4 verses
Philippians 4 verses
Colossians 7 verses
I Thessalonians 7 verses
II Thessalonians 5 verses
I Timothy 8 verses
II Timothy 7 verses
Titus 5 verses
Hebrews 12 verses
James 5 verses
I Peter 5 verses
II Peter 4 verses
I John 7 verses
III John 1 verse
Revelation of John 18 verses