ΛΟΓΙΟΝ in Biblical Literature and its Implications for Christian Scholarship

Abstract

This article explores the use of λόγιον in literature (Septuagint and New Testament) and shows how this agrees with its classical use as authoritative message from the gods. Building on an overview of the function of λόγιον in its several textual contexts, it defines and distinguishes this use of λόγιον against the background of λόγος. This culminates into a summary of the use of λόγιον in literature, which argues for the following five characteristics: λόγιον is exclusive to divine speech (1); exclusively addressed to the human world (2); both specifically and collectively used (3); applied in an intimate setting of covenant relationship (4); and its contents is revelatory in nature (5). From the plural use of λόγιον in Acts, Romans, Hebrews and 1 Peter, this article advocates practical applications for the future of Biblical scholarship in the 21st century. This specific use of λόγια τοΰ Θeοΰ emphasizes that the Bible comes to us in a profound spiritual context and with a specific spiritual claim, namely as Words from Above. This encourages an innovative appreciation of the primary sources of Apostolic Christianity and calls for a renewed quest to do justice to their prima facia meaning.