A Hebrew Re-Reading

The Word as Speaking: A Hebrew Re-Reading of John 1

by Richard Klein

The Gospel according to John opens with a familiar, yet often theologically loaded statement:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
(John 1:1)

The Greek text uses the word Logos. But when we return to the Hebrew roots of the Bible, we discover that this reading is not as straightforward as it may seem.

Davar: More Than Just a "Word"

The Hebrew word דָּבָר (davar)—the Jewish conceptual counterpart to Logos—carries multiple layers of meaning. It can refer to:

• A spoken or written word
• A matter or event
• A command or divine decree
• An expression of will, reason, or knowledge

In Genesis, we read that God spoke, and it came to be. His speaking is creative.
Davar, then, is not simply a "word" as a sound or utterance, but rather the expression of His will, His wisdom, and His action.

An Alternative Reading of John 1:1–3

With this in mind, we might paraphrase John's opening verses as follows:

"In the beginning was His speaking—according to His will and wisdom. And this speaking was with God, indeed, this speaking was God Himself. All things came into being through this speaking, and without it nothing came into being that has come into existence."

This rephrasing highlights that God's will and reason—His active speaking—is the source of everything that exists.

The Speaking Became Flesh

In John 1:14 we read:

"And the Word became flesh and dwelled among us…"

If we understand the Word as God's speaking, then this means:
His active will, His plan, and His wisdom became visible in a human being—Jesus, the Messiah.
The second Adam.
Not a mysterious divine entity that became flesh, but God's plan brought to fullness in a human life.

An Invitation to Rethink

This approach doesn't call for dogmatic allegiance, but perhaps for a moment of rethinking.
What if John is not trying to affirm a Greek Logos philosophy, but rather to reveal the creative power of God from Genesis—now made fully visible in a human being of flesh and blood?

With brotherly regards,
Richard Klein

Peer Review – Article on Logos and the Hebrew Davar

Accessible and Fresh Perspective

While rereading Logos through the lens of the Hebrew davar is not a new idea within academic theology, it is rarely presented with such clarity and accessibility for a wider audience. This is precisely what makes the article both fresh and relevant.

Respectful and Inviting

Richard stays close to both the Biblical text and the Jewish intellectual tradition. Rather than polemicizing against traditional Christian interpretations, the article gently invites readers to reconsider them. It strikes a thoughtful and respectful tone throughout.

Strong Theological and Linguistic Foundation

The interpretation of davar as more than just "word" is convincingly argued. The article clearly demonstrates that in Hebrew, God's speech is always active and creative—a central theological insight that is effectively conveyed.

Clear Structure

The article is logically and thoughtfully structured: beginning with textual analysis, moving through theological implications, and concluding with a reflective summary. This helps guide the reader's understanding and encourages deeper engagement with the topic.

References

1. The Jewish Background of John's Logos Concept

a. Daniel Boyarin

The Jewish Gospels: The Story of the Jewish Christ (2012)
Relevant quote:
"Logos theology, as it appears in John, has more in common with Jewish interpretive traditions — such as the Memra in the Targums — than with Greek philosophy."

b. James D.G. Dunn

The Partings of the Ways: Between Christianity and Judaism and their Significance for the Character of Christianity (2006)

c. Geza Vermes

The Religion of Jesus the Jew (1993)

2. Davar: Word, Deed, and Revelation

a. Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament (TDOT), Vol. 3

Authors: Botterweck, Ringgren & Fabry
This standard reference work shows that davar does not merely mean "word," but also "deed," "event," and "the revealing will of God."

b. Claus Westermann

Elements of Old Testament Theology (1982)