Jonathon Neumann Dr. Abernethy BITH 325, Logos In John 1, the author begins his account of the Gospel stating: “In the beginning was the Word...” This word “Word” is a common term in the Scriptures ~ Jogos. However, in this chapter it holds particular significance. Therefore, in this word study of “logos” I will examine where else it is found in the Gospels as well as in others writings by the apostle John to Jean ‘more about it; then, I will examine the cultural background on the word in an effort of re- examination. “Logos” occurs in the Gospels quite often, and the translators have taken the liberty of slossing and translating it in various ways. Though the most common gloss is still “word,” in verses such as Matthew 5:34, the word is translated “ground” in the English Standard Version. ‘The term may be translated “ground” in this translation because the term stands for a foundation of holy matrimony. I understand how “ground” may suit a modem reader more appropriately than “word” would. There are other findings that bring forward ideas, such as the gloss “account” in Matthew 12:36. This translation supports a different meaning, the story of a witness to an event. Throughout the Gospels, other uses are “message” (Mark 16:20), “teaching” (Luke 10:39), “question” (Mark 11:29, Luke 20:3), “conversation” (Luke 24:17) and other vari forms of communication and utterance. In the Gospel of John, “logos” usually simply stands for a term or utterance. But it also means “testimony” (John 4:39) or “statement” (John 19:8). Additionally, at the beginning of 1 John, the author writes of his account of what he has witnessed; he uses the phrase “the Word of life” (NIV, 1 John 1:1). What is this “Word of life?” It is clear that “logos” has deeper meaningthan simply the gloss “word” at times. It is an account, which could be written or spoken, it is a series of words or story, or it is an act through words (as seen in Matthew 5). Therefore, the utterances and communication of God is this “Word of life.” However, even after this research, the use of the term “logos” to describe an eternal becoming incarnate seems inconclusive. Is this being simply an “account” or “utterance” becoming incarnate? That seems ridiculous as one is aware that this “Word” is a title for Jesus the Messiah who was not uttered into existence, yet what I put forward as a possibility is that Jesus is a living piece of communication. The revelation of God could be seen as utterances that have been passed on from generations through written and spoken word. Therefore, Jesus is the fulfillment of the revelation, He is the living Word of God thet not only teaches and holds conversation but also lives and breathes among mortals. The author could be writing this because it is a captivating introduction to what follows. Every story in the Gospel of John is there for a specific reason — this introduction might exist to establish Jesus as a living God, the same God that made the world and spoke to Abraham and Moses. ck. ooh wb (ure Goch fer va Very, voy well £ Gobet Tih | & he pote prefer A forsdn Fw ye’ fe, Be tars ® clear plcion bkk & Gal 4 peace ZR sppeoe ee Ta ToANL foo... The (ocd, Phevery teveliher 7 bed, 2 nh pore ff fe.