Did you know that the original New Testament was written in greek. In the original Greek manuscript of the New Testament, two different Greek words were used to refer to the “word of God”? One is Logos, and the other is Rhema. We are going to see how Logos & Rhema are used in the new testament?
The word “logos” and “rhema” are both (mainly) translated into English as Word. The word “Logos” was used around 316 times where as the word “Rhema”was used around 67 times in the New Testament. The Logos refers mainly written word of God and Rhema is spoken word of God.
Lets see some examples of Logos;-
Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings (logos) of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Mark 4:14 The sower sows the word (logos).
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word (logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
John 1:14 And the Word (logos) became flesh, and lived among us…
Acts 6:7 Then the word (logos) of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God(logos) is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Lord Jesus himself is the word of God( John 1:1), means Logos. It is the word of God that reveals the God, his purpose and His will to us.
The second Greek word is “Rhema”, which refers to the spoken word of God. The word “Rhema” literally means an utterance or spoken word of God.
Some examples of the use of Rhema–
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word(Rhema) that proceeds from the mouth of God.’
Luke 5:5 Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word(Rhema) I will let down the net.”
John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words (Rhema) that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words(Rhema), the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word(Rhema) of God.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word(Rhema) of God;
We should be thankful to God for His written words(logos). Though the written word, we can know about God, His ways, His plans for salvation, and what He wants from us. Without the logos, we would have no way to know God’s purpose, or our place in that purpose.
God is not silent, he speaks to us. His written word is a record of His speaking. But also he speaks to our situation and circumstances. He continues to speak today, and He wants to speak directly to us. His spoken word in particular situation of our life is called rhema.
God can use His “logos” Word to speak His “rhema” word to us. What God is speaking to you never contradict his written words (logos). God can speak to you from logos, or he can speak to you in your heart or mind. You can confirm what God is speaking to you from the scriptures. God generally will not speak anything what His words (Logos) does not agree.
