What does it mean that Jesus is the Word?

We’re told plainly in John 1:1 that, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God”, but what does that mean? The Greek behind the English word, “Word”, is λόγος (logos) and, as with almost all words, it has a range of meanings. λόγος can simply mean “word” (either spoken or written), it can also mean something more like “message”, or “account”. Or even (as is seen in English) something like “logic”. Because of this last translation option (and other places in Scripture) you might read or hear of someone talking about Jesus as the logic or the wisdom of God. But, that’s a discussion for another episode.

Getting back to the question at hand, though, what does it mean that Jesus is the λόγος—the Word?

In the most basic form, it means something like: Jesus is what God has said, or what he says. You might say that Jesus is the speech of God. This is different from saying that Jesus is God speaking—as true as that is. The λόγος seems to specifically be God’s speech. And, as the apostle explains in John 1:1, the λόγος is at the same time with God (i.e., in relationship, but distinct from God) and the λόγος is God himself. Which, as it happens, is how words work.

As you or I speak, our words can be identified with us. You are hearing me speaking right now, not someone else. If someone were to ask you what you heard you could simply say, “I heard Kevin.” But, at the same time, you heard something distinct from me—you heard my words. I spoke and my speech went as λόγος. Our words go out into the world and do what words do (inform, explain, instruct, help, guide, announce, preach, etc.), just like the λόγος has done. “…the Son…who is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:18, NIV). You might say the son as the λόγος has explained the Father.