Word

(Heb. dabar [r'b'D]; Gk. logos [lovgo"] and rhema [rJh'ma]). The theological meaning of "word" within Scripture spans a wide theological spectrum. From the divine point of view, it consists of God revealing something about himself through his spoken word, which is ultimately and perfectly personified in his Son, Jesus Christ. In a broader sense, it designates Scripture itself. In contrast, the human word mirrors the human condition: it is limited, fallen, and dependent on divine intervention for restoration and sustenance.

The Word of God. The Old Testament. The concept of the word of God is a major Old Testament theme. It points out the absolute uniqueness of Israel's religion on the basis of personal contact with Yahwehthe transcendent, sovereign, creator God.

It is the means by which God created all things. Genesis 1 firmly establishes God's supremacy over the whole of creation. God has created all things by his spoken word. The psalmist declares, "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth" ( 33:6 ); "For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm" (v. 9 cf. Psalm 104:7 ). His word continues to reign supreme over all of creation ( Psalm 147:15-18 ). Creation in turn speaks words of praise to its Creator ( Psalm 19:1-4 ).

It unveils God to his creation. Though fully transcendent and incomparable deity, in giving his word to people, God reveals something of himself to them. Balaam, for example, speaks as "one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High" ( Num 24:16 ; cf. Joshua 24:27 ; 1 Kings 18:31 ; Ezek 3:10-11 ). God's word is an important instrument of divine revelation; at Shiloh, the Lord continued to reveal himself to Samuel through his word ( 1 Sam 3:21 ). At times God's word nearly appears as synonymous with his person ( 1 Samuel 15:23 1 Samuel 15:26 ; 28:15 ; Psalm 138:1-2 ).