WHAT DOES IT MEAN "THE WORD OF GOD IS GOD"?

 WHAT DOES IT MEAN "THE WORD OF GOD IS GOD"?

Dr. Maxwell Shimba explains:

The Word and the Divine Nature – A Comprehensive Exposition of John 1:1

# Introduction: The Mystery of the Word

The opening verse of the Gospel of John sets the stage for one of the most profound theological assertions in the New Testament: 

*"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"** (John 1:1, KJV).

This verse introduces us to the concept of the "Word" (Greek: *Logos*), which holds a dual identity: distinct from God in relationship, yet fully God in essence. The implications of this statement are immense, shaping the Christian understanding of Christ's divinity, the nature of God's self-revelation, and the concept of the Trinity.

# The Logos: Defining the Term

The term "Word" in the original Greek is *Logos* (Strong's G3056), a word rich in meaning. It conveys more than just spoken language; it refers to reason, wisdom, and the divine principle by which God creates and governs the universe. In Hellenistic philosophy, *Logos* was understood as the rational principle that permeated all things. However, John's use of *Logos* carries deeper, more theological significance.

In the context of John 1:1, *Logos* refers to the preexistent Christ. John declares that before time itself, the *Logos* existed. The *Logos* was not only present at creation but was intimately involved in it. This is confirmed in *John 1:3*, which states, *"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."*

# “In the Beginning Was the Word”

The phrase “in the beginning” (*en archē* – Strong’s G746) echoes **Genesis 1:1**, where the Bible says, **"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."** By using this phrase, John links the activity of the *Logos* with the creation account, underscoring the eternal existence of the Word. Before anything came into existence, the *Logos* already "was" (*ēn* – Strong's G2258), implying timelessness and eternal being. This shows that the *Logos* transcends time and has always existed as part of God's eternal nature.

# “The Word Was With God”

The next part of the verse, **“the Word was with God”** (*pros ton theon* – Strong's G4314), indicates a close, intimate relationship between the *Logos* and God the Father. The preposition *pros* suggests not merely coexistence but a face-to-face relationship, one of communion and fellowship. This shows a distinction in personhood, laying the foundation for later Trinitarian theology.

The phrase emphasizes that the *Logos* was not an abstract force or concept but a distinct person, existing alongside the Father. This relationship is reflected in passages such as **Proverbs 8:30-31**, which speaks of Wisdom being present with God during creation, rejoicing in His works. The *Logos* is both distinct from God and yet sharing in the divine identity.

# “The Word Was God”

Finally, John declares, **“the Word was God”** (*theos ēn ho logos* – Strong’s G2316). This statement is unequivocal in asserting the divinity of the *Logos*. Here, John makes a monumental claim: the *Logos* is not merely a divine being or godlike figure but is fully and completely God.

Some scholars have noted the absence of the definite article in the Greek phrase (i.e., it says “theos” rather than “ho theos”). This grammatical structure indicates that while the *Logos* is fully divine, He is not the same person as the Father. This distinction without separation is key to understanding the doctrine of the Trinity.

# Strong’s Concordance Analysis

Let us break down the key Greek terms in this verse:

- *Word* (*Logos* – Strong’s G3056): As mentioned earlier, *Logos* can mean word, reason, or principle. In John's Gospel, it refers specifically to the preexistent Christ.

- *With* (*pros* – Strong’s G4314): This preposition indicates close proximity or relationship. It is often used to denote interaction between persons, reinforcing the idea of personal relationship within the Godhead.

- *God* (*Theos* – Strong’s G2316): The Greek term for God, used here to refer to the divine nature of the *Logos*. The lack of the definite article in this instance shows that the *Logos* shares in the divine essence but is not identical in person to God the Father.

# Biblical Commentary on John 1:1

The threefold structure of John 1:1 reveals the unity and distinction within the Godhead:

1. **"In the beginning was the Word":** This highlights the eternal existence of the *Logos*, transcending time and space.

2. **"The Word was with God":** Here, we see the personal relationship between the *Logos* and God the Father, emphasizing their distinct personhood.

3. **"The Word was God":** This final clause affirms the full divinity of the *Logos*, declaring that Christ, as the Word, is fully and completely God.

# Theological Significance of John 1:1

John 1:1 is foundational to Christian theology for several reasons:

1. **Christ’s Preexistence:** The verse clearly teaches that Christ existed before creation. This is supported by other passages like **Colossians 1:17**: **"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."**

2. **Christ’s Divinity:** John affirms that the *Logos* is fully God, not a created being or a subordinate deity. This counters later heresies, such as Arianism, which denied the full divinity of Christ.

3. **The Doctrine of the Trinity:** John 1:1 lays the groundwork for understanding the Trinity. The *Logos* is distinct from the Father yet one in essence with Him. This mystery is echoed in **John 10:30**, where Jesus says, **"I and the Father are one."**

# Additional Bible Verses Supporting John 1:1

To fully understand John 1:1, we can examine other scriptures that speak of the relationship between the Father and the Son, and the nature of the *Logos*:

- **John 1:14**: **"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."** This verse speaks to the incarnation of the *Logos*, emphasizing that Jesus is the Word who took on human form.

- **Hebrews 1:3**: **"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature."** This passage underscores that Jesus perfectly reflects the nature of God.

- **Philippians 2:6-7**: **"Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself."** Here we see Christ’s divine nature and his willing condescension in the incarnation.

# Conclusion: The Word as God and the Source of Life

John 1:1 not only opens the door to a deeper understanding of Christ's nature but also invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Godhead. The *Logos*—Jesus Christ—is both distinct from the Father and yet fully God, eternal, uncreated, and involved in all aspects of creation. This verse challenges us to recognize the centrality of Christ in God’s self-revelation, the creation of the world, and the redemption of humanity.

Understanding John 1:1 is essential for comprehending the nature of the Triune God and the person of Jesus Christ. Through this verse, we are invited to marvel at the mystery of the *Logos*—the Word who was, is, and forever will be God.

From Shimba Bible Study Series 

Shalom 

Dr. Maxwell Shimba 

Shimba Theological Institute