That is, characterized by or, resulting in. Like Exodus and Acts, both of the singular logos in Corinthians mean the entire word or message:įor to one a word of wisdom is given through the Spirit and to another, a word of knowledge according-to the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8 DLNT)Ī. The words ( rhema) which Peter spoke are the message ( logos) the people heard. While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all the ones hearing the message. There is one other New Testament use where both are used: In fact, the first use of logos in Matthew 12:36 is literally " it word" which is translated " an account." In both instances rhema means individual words and logos the sum total of the words. For by your words you will be declared-righteous, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:36-37 DLNT) The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. Twice Jesus is recorded using the two together: The use of rhema is analogous to individual sayings and logos (singular) to "The Law" as a whole. For they were not bearing the thing being commanded: “If even a wild-animal should touch the mountain, it shall be stoned.” (Hebrews 12:19-20 DLNT) The New Testament alludes to the giving of the Law and has a similar use of the words:Īnd a blast of a trumpet, and a sound of words - of which, the ones having heard begged that a word not be added to them. So logos would mean "The Law" not the individual details of laws, which are rhema. As used here, λόγους is made up of the ῥήματα. So first, Moses (took quite a bit of time to) recount the specific words of the LORD, then people responded " all the words we will do." That is, the people did not repeat all the ῥήματα of the LORD they said they would do the λόγους of the LORD. The Greek language has the ability to distinguish between specific words, ῥήματα, and all of the words in total, λόγους. And all the people answered with one voice saying, "All the words the Lord has spoken we will do and heed." NETS In Greek the passage becomes:Īnd Moyses went in and recounted to the people all God's words and statutes. However, the LXX uses ῥῆμα to translate the first דָּבָר and then λόγος to translate the second. In the Hebrew language Moses told the people all the words of the LORD and the people responded by saying all the words they will do. The original text has דָּבָר in both places. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do.” Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. The first time is in Exodus after the LORD gave the Ten Commandments and spoke to Moses: The two are used in the same verse over 30 times in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (LXX). This can be seen from passages where both are used. Yet that does not mean they should be considered synonymous or are interchangeable. Λόγος and ῥῆμα are different words which may be seen to have overlapping meanings.