Exploring the Meaning Behind a Foundational Term

Introduction

The phrase “The Word of God” is a central concept in many religious traditions, especially within Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Yet, for those new to theology or coming from a secular perspective, the phrasing may seem puzzling—particularly given the belief, in many traditions, that God is not a person in the usual human sense. Why, then, is the Bible called “The Word of God”? This question invites a thoughtful exploration of language, metaphor, and the ways humans relate to the divine.

The Nature of God in Religious Thought

Most mainstream religious traditions describe God as transcending human characteristics. In Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, God is often understood to be infinite, eternal, and without physical form. God is not considered a human being or a “person” in the ordinary sense, though some traditions use personal language (like “Father” or “Shepherd”) to help believers relate to the divine. The use of such language is typically metaphorical, intended to make the concept of God accessible and meaningful.

The Meaning of “The Word”

Words are the primary way humans express thoughts, intentions, and emotions. Referring to the Bible as “The Word of God” suggests that its contents communicate the intentions, wisdom, and message of the divine to humanity.

• Communication and Revelation: Calling the Bible “The Word of God” reflects the belief that the text is a means by which God reveals knowledge, guidance, and truth to people.
• Authority: The phrase also establishes the text’s authority. If the Bible is “God’s Word,” then its teachings are held to come from the highest possible source.
• Living Message: In many traditions, “Word” is not just about static text, but about a living, active message that continues to speak to new generations.

Metaphorical Language and Divine Communication

The use of the word “Word” in relation to God is deeply metaphorical. In the ancient world, the “word” (or “logos” in Greek) was seen as powerful—a force that created, commanded, and shaped reality. For example, in the Book of Genesis, God creates the world through speech: “And God said, ‘Let there be light.’” This underlines the notion that God’s “word” is creative and effective, not just descriptive.

Scriptural Roots

Several biblical passages reinforce this view:

• In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), phrases like “The word of the Lord came to…” are common, used when prophets receive divine messages.
• The Gospel of John in the New Testament opens with: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Here, “Word” (“Logos”) encompasses both God’s self-expression and a principle of cosmic reason.

God’s Impersonality and the Bible’s Status

Even if God is not a “person” in the human sense, many traditions regard God as personal in some respects—able to relate, communicate, and will. The Bible, as “The Word of God,” is seen as a vehicle through which the infinite, impersonal (or transpersonal) divine reality makes itself available and comprehensible. The use of “word” bridges the gap between human experience and the ineffable.

Conclusion

Calling the Bible “The Word of God” is not a claim that God is a person speaking in human language. Rather, it is a way of expressing the belief that the Bible is a divinely inspired message—a revelation that allows people to encounter the sacred. Through metaphorical language, the concept makes the unfathomable approachable and invites readers to listen for a wisdom that transcends human limitations.

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Norman R. Van Etten