Bible glossary

What Does ‘The Word’ Mean in the Bible?

The Word is God's self-expression: both the living Word, Jesus, through whom God speaks and creates, and the written word of Scripture.

The Bible uses this term in two connected ways. First and highest, the Word is a title for Jesus. John's Gospel opens by declaring that in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God, and then that the Word became flesh and lived among us.

The Word also refers to God's speech, especially the Scriptures, through which He makes Himself known. Both meanings share one truth: God is not silent. He communicates, He reveals, He speaks life. His word is described as living and active, a lamp to our feet.

Key verses

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”
Revelation 19:13