# Word ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Word* ([[john-01#^john-01-1|Jn 1:1]]) – *Logos* (Gk.): \"word\", \"statement\", or \"utterance\". The term is used 330 times in the NT. The background of this concept in John is both philosophical and biblical. **(1)** Ancient Greek philosophers associated the Word with the order and design of the universe or with the intelligible expression of the mind of God as he sustains and governs it. **(2)** In biblical tradition the Word is the powerful utterance of God that brought all things into being at the dawn of time ([[genesis-01#^genesis-01-3|Gen 1:3]]; [[psalm-33#^psalm-33-6|Ps 33:6]]; [[wisdom-09#^wisdom-09-1|Wis 9:1]]). **(3)** Another biblical tradition links the Word of God with the Wisdom of God, who was depicted as God\'s eternal companion ([[proverbs-08#^proverbs-08-23|Prov 8:23]]; [[sirach-24#^sirach-24-9|Sir 24:9]]), the craftsman who labored alongside God at creation ([[proverbs-08#^proverbs-08-30|Prov 8:30]]; [[wisdom-07#^wisdom-07-22|Wis 7:22]]), and the one who remains a source of life for the world ([[proverbs-08#^proverbs-08-35|Prov 8:35]]). John, it seems, has pulled these traditions together to say something entirely new: the Word of God is not so much an abstract principle or an audible power as it is a Divine Person: God the Son ([[revelation-19#^revelation-19-13|Rev 19:13]]). This eternal Word, once a mediator of creation, has now become a mediator of salvation through his Incarnation ([[john-01#^john-01-14|Jn 1:14]]; [[john-03#^john-03-17|3:17]]). ### Sources [[john-commentary#^95rx6g|Word — word study]]