The Greek word λόγος (logos) has been translated to "word" in some translations, along with "thing" or "things. Neither of these uses illustrate the full meaning of the word.
Yet the Greek word's meaning, according to the lexicon includes:
But when the word λόγος (logos) is used in relation to the Source of those teachings and doctrine as in the first Chapter of John, we must include the character of the doctrine - from whence it comes, because such a doctrine cannot be separated from its character when discussing its Source.
Thus, what is referred to by the word λόγος (logos) - when referring to its Source, the Supreme Being, it is more appropriately translated to Wisdom.
In other words, a person might have this teaching or that teaching - this doctrine or that doctrine. This relates to the teaching or doctrine as coming from someplace other than the person teaching that doctrine.
But when such a doctrine is being referred to as coming from the Supreme Being, it is no longer a simple doctrine or teaching. It is the Truth. It is Wisdom.
Such a translation to Wisdom, as in John 1, is confirmed in Proverbs 8:
Yet the Greek word's meaning, according to the lexicon includes:
the sayings of GodThayer's Lexicon adds this statement regarding the word:
decree, mandate or order
of the moral precepts given by God
Old Testament prophecy given by the prophets
what is declared, a thought, declaration, aphorism, a weighty saying, a dictum, a maxim
discourse
doctrine, teaching
reason, the mental faculty of thinking, meditating, reasoning, calculating
account, i.e. regard, consideration
account, i.e. reckoning, score
account, i.e. answer or explanation in reference to judgment
relation, i.e. with whom as judge we stand in relation
reason would
reason, cause, ground
"... about things pertaining to wisdom or knowledge..."with respect to the principles being taught by Jesus and the Prophets:
"... containing in itself the true life and imparting it to men."and finally, again from Thayer's Lexicon:
"In several passages in the writings of John denotes the essential "Word of God" - i.e., the personal (hypostatic) wisdom and power in union with God"Thus it can be concluded that when used in the context of the teachings of Jesus and his followers, the word λόγος (logos) would be best translated to "teachings" or "doctrine."
But when the word λόγος (logos) is used in relation to the Source of those teachings and doctrine as in the first Chapter of John, we must include the character of the doctrine - from whence it comes, because such a doctrine cannot be separated from its character when discussing its Source.
Thus, what is referred to by the word λόγος (logos) - when referring to its Source, the Supreme Being, it is more appropriately translated to Wisdom.
In other words, a person might have this teaching or that teaching - this doctrine or that doctrine. This relates to the teaching or doctrine as coming from someplace other than the person teaching that doctrine.
But when such a doctrine is being referred to as coming from the Supreme Being, it is no longer a simple doctrine or teaching. It is the Truth. It is Wisdom.
Such a translation to Wisdom, as in John 1, is confirmed in Proverbs 8:
"I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
"The LORD brought me forth as the first of His works, before His deeds of old" (Proverbs 8:12 and 22)
