John 1: 14 Commentary

Interesting discussion about the word logos and whether it means a ’secondary god’.

The term “only begotten of the Father” or “son of God”, also means a secondary god… or no god at all.

In many mythologies someone can be born as a human and yet become a secondary god in one of two ways, (1) as an offspring of a primary god, or (2) by being so virtuous or powerful (such as a prophet or a king) that he is promoted to the title ’son of god’. Horus (Egypt) and Heracles (Greece) are examples of the former kind. King Solomon (Israel), Roman Emperor Augustus (a ‘divi filius’), and many Egyptian pharaohs are examples of the latter. In the case of Jesus his title of ’son of god’ could be argued either way.

With such traditions this verse could be translated as follows: “a secondary god was born and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only son of the primary god, full of grace and truth.”

In a truly monotheistic faith neither does God give birth to little gods nor can a human be promoted to one. As a believer in one God, my logic tells me that a son of god is no god at all. The term ’son of god’ is only a title.

By Charles (wrote 1421 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 11/29/2011 02:14 am

James Richter (Post #3): May I also add, the Word of God existed in eternity past before the Greek language called it Logos. Both words can be used interchangeably.

By Roland G. (wrote 1413 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 8/15/2011 03:04 am

James Richter (Post #3): “Question: Doesn’t the term ‘Word’ come from the Greek “Logos”? ANSWER: Yes.

“The KJV poorly translated ‘Logos’ as ‘Word.’”
ANSWER: Logos is the best translation that describes the Word of God.
No one can separate God from what he thinks, for as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Prov. 23:7). God’s thinking is perfect. He can only think Divine viewpoint. Therefore, the Word or Logos and Jesus Christ are one and the same.

“’Logos’ means ‘secondary god’.”
ANSWER: There is no verse in the Holy Bible where the Word or Logos means secondary god. Many Christians confuse the subservient roles God the Son and God the Holy Spirit voluntarily fulfill in carrying out God’s plan for humankind. All three members of the Godhead are co-equal, co-infinite, and co-eternal.

By Roland G. (wrote 1413 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 8/15/2011 02:53 am

Roland G. My friend, maybe you could clear up an issue that is prevalent in the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Don’t worry, I am not one of them.

Enjoying your comments, as usual.

Question: Doesn’t the term ‘Word’ come from the Greek “Logos”?

The KJV poorly translated “Logos” as “Word”. “Logos” means “secondary god.” Or even a representative as in a “Logo” or “corporate logo”.

“Logo” is, after all, a derivative of “logos”. The logo is a central part of the corporation. The logo represents the corporation, yet is not necessarily the primary force of it.

VERSES THAT ARE USED TO CLAIM JESUS AS A SECONDARY GOD:

1 Corinthians 11:3 “The head of Christ is God.”

1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:1 “Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

Matthew 19:17, Mark 10:18 “And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”

Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34 “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Mark 16:19 “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”

John 14:28 “My Father is greater than I.”

John 20:17 “I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God”

1 Corinthians 15:28 “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”

By James Richter (wrote 536 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 8/15/2011 00:32 am

The Word refers to Jesus Christ. God, the Second Person of the Godhead, changed His nature forever becoming fully God and fully man. He lived among us and looked like any ordinary man. He would be difficult to pick from a crowd. Many people gazed at His majesty, power, splendor, radiance, reputation and honor, but did not know it. Filled with favor and goodwill towards all man, Divine viewpoint filled His mind.

By Roland G (wrote 1413 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 8/14/2011 18:25 pm

Jesus was fully God and fully man. He was the Word made flesh. He lived among humankind and we saw His glory in the flesh.

By Roland G (wrote 1413 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 12/26/2010 16:02 pm