What is the difference between the "Word of God" and the "Word of the Lord" in the New Testament?

Ray Graham

What is the difference between the "Word of God" and the "Word of the Lord" in the New Testament?

Mark Allison

From Logos AI search:

The phrases "Word of God" and "Word of the Lord" in the New Testament are not typically references to Scripture or written text. Instead, they often refer to divine communication or revelation[1]. In the Old Testament, these phrases are frequently associated with prophetic messages[1][2]. The term "Word of God" appears more often in the New Testament than in the Old Testament[2]. In the New Testament, particularly in John's Gospel and Revelation, "Word of God" becomes closely associated with Jesus Christ himself[2][3]. The phrase "Word of the Lord" is more common in biblical literature, appearing 253 times, with frequent usage in prophetic books[2]. Both terms can refer to spoken or written divine messages, but ultimately point to God's communication with humanity[2][4]. In the Pauline corpus, "Word of God" typically refers to God as the source of the message, while "Word of the Lord" can sometimes refer to the message about the Lord (Christ)[4]. Overall, these phrases encompass a broader concept of divine revelation and communication beyond just written scripture[1][5].

[1] Armstrong, Dave. 100 Biblical Arguments against Sola Scriptura. Catholic Answers Press, 2012, p. 53.
[2] Boyer, Mark G. Biblical Names for God: An Abecedarian Anthology of Spiritual Reflections for Anytime. Wipf and Stock, 2023.
[3] Youngblood, Ronald F., et al., Thomas Nelson Publishers, editors. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1995.
[4] Fee, Gordon D. Jesus the Lord according to Paul the Apostle: A Concise Introduction. Baker Academic: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2018, p. 166.
[5] MacLaren, Alexander. Expositions of Holy Scripture: Ephesians. Logos Bible Software, 2009, p. 374.

DMB

Well, that was pretty clear! An excellent example of 'why I don't use Logos AI' (besides not subscribing). But in defense of Logos-design, they haven't aimed 'AI' yet at the Bible. It would have been interesting to do a hard Bible search, and then summarize the results pattern for the user (YHWH's word, prophetic word, pattern of use Acts and thereafter, etc).

Mark Allison

From Logos AI search:

The phrases "Word of God" and "Word of the Lord" in the New Testament are not typically references to Scripture or written text. Instead, they often refer to divine communication or revelation[1]. In the Old Testament, these phrases are frequently associated with prophetic messages[1][2]. The term "Word of God" appears more often in the New Testament than in the Old Testament[2]. In the New Testament, particularly in John's Gospel and Revelation, "Word of God" becomes closely associated with Jesus Christ himself[2][3]. The phrase "Word of the Lord" is more common in biblical literature, appearing 253 times, with frequent usage in prophetic books[2]. Both terms can refer to spoken or written divine messages, but ultimately point to God's communication with humanity[2][4]. In the Pauline corpus, "Word of God" typically refers to God as the source of the message, while "Word of the Lord" can sometimes refer to the message about the Lord (Christ)[4]. Overall, these phrases encompass a broader concept of divine revelation and communication beyond just written scripture[1][5].

[1] Armstrong, Dave. 100 Biblical Arguments against Sola Scriptura. Catholic Answers Press, 2012, p. 53.
[2] Boyer, Mark G. Biblical Names for God: An Abecedarian Anthology of Spiritual Reflections for Anytime. Wipf and Stock, 2023.
[3] Youngblood, Ronald F., et al., Thomas Nelson Publishers, editors. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1995.
[4] Fee, Gordon D. Jesus the Lord according to Paul the Apostle: A Concise Introduction. Baker Academic: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2018, p. 166.
[5] MacLaren, Alexander. Expositions of Holy Scripture: Ephesians. Logos Bible Software, 2009, p. 374.

DMB

Well, that was pretty clear! An excellent example of 'why I don't use Logos AI' (besides not subscribing). But in defense of Logos-design, they haven't aimed 'AI' yet at the Bible. It would have been interesting to do a hard Bible search, and then summarize the results pattern for the user (YHWH's word, prophetic word, pattern of use Acts and thereafter, etc).