WORD, in Hebrew, Dabar; in Latin, Verbum, or Sermo; in Greek, Rhema, or Logos. In Scripture it is often put for Thing: Exod. ii. 14.As for example, Surely this thing [Heb. Word] is known. To morrow the Lord shall do this thing [Heb. Word] in the land. I will do a thing [Heb. Word] in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that 1 Kings xi. 41. Psalm cvii. 20.heareth it shall tingle. And the rest of the Acts of Solomon, &c. Heb. Words of Solomon.
Sometimes the Scripture ascribes to the Word of God certain supernatural Effects, and often represents it as animated and active. For example, He sent his word and healed them. The Author of the Book of Wisdom ascribes to the Word of God the Wisdom xviii. 15.Death of the First-born of Egypt; the miraculous Effects of Manna; the Creation xvi. 26. ix. 1. xvi. 12. of the World; the healing of those that looked up to the Brazen Serpent. The Centurion in the Gospel says to our Saviour, Matth. vi- ii. 8.Speak the Word only, and my servant shall be healed. And Jesus Christ says to the Matth. iv. Devil that tempted him; Man shall not 4.live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
This Term is also consecrated and appropriated, to signify the only Son of the Father, the uncreated Wisdom, the second Person of the most Holy Trinity, Equal and Consubstantial to the Father. John. i. 1. St. John the Evangelist, more expressly than any other, has opened to us the Mystery of the Word of God, when he tells us, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.