The Greek Word 'Logos'

The word "LOGOS" is used 330 times in 316 different verses of the New Testament. John 1:1 is the best-known verse with this word. Here are some other places where it is used. I have rendered its translation in capital letters.

1.) SPEAKER

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius (Greek = Hermes), because he was the chief SPEAKER. (Acts 14:12)

2.) CAUSE

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for THE CAUSE of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. (Matthew 5:32)

3.) ACCOUNT

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take ACCOUNT of his servants. (Matthew 18:23)

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give AN ACCOUNT of this concourse. (Acts 19:40)

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your ACCOUNT. (Philippians 4:17)

4.) DOCTRINE

Therefore leaving the principles of THE DOCTRINE of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (Hebrews 6:1)

5.) SHOW

Which things have indeed A SHEW (NKJ = APPEARANCE) of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. (Colossians 2:23)

6.) DEALINGS

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have TO DO (NKJ = to whom we must GIVE ACCOUNT ... i.e. "pros hon h�min HO LOGOS"). (Hebrews 4:13)

7.) TREATISE

The former TREATISE have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, (Acts 1:1)

8.) REASON

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you A REASON of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)

And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O [ye] Jews, REASON would that I should bear with you: (Acts 18:14)

9.) MATTER

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this MATTER: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. (Acts 8:21)

10.) INTENT

Therefore came I [unto you] without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what INTENT ye have sent for me? (Acts 10:29)

11.) FAME

But so much the more went there A FAME abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. (Luke 5:15)

12.) RUMOUR

And this RUMOUR of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. (Luke 7:17)

13.) THE WORK

For he will finish THE WORK (LOGOS), and cut [it] short in righteousness: because A short WORK (LOGOS) will the Lord make upon the earth. (Romans 9:28)

14.) COMMUNICATION

But let your COMMUNICATION be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5:37)

15.) SAYINGS

Therefore whosoever heareth these SAYINGS of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (Matthew 7:24)

And every one that heareth these SAYINGS of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (Matthew 7:26)

16.) UTTERANCE

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of UTTERANCE, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (Colossians 4:3)

These are all ways that "LOGOS" is translated. Note especially the words "SPEAKER" (Acts 14:12) and "THE WORK" (Rom. 9:28). The word is CLEARLY sometimes used in "personification". And the word has a considerable scope of applications.

Frank W. Nelte