What Is the Difference Between the Scriptures and the Word of God?

by esther phinias | 23 April 2022 08:46 pm04

 

In Christian teaching, people sometimes distinguish between “the Scriptures” and “the Word of God,” while others use these terms interchangeably. To understand the nuance, we must look carefully at how the Bible itself uses these terms.

1. Scripture and the Word Are Deeply Connected

Jesus Himself affirmed that the Word of God and the Scriptures are interconnected and authoritative. In

John 10:35 (ESV), He says:

If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken…

Here, Jesus uses “word of God” and “Scripture” almost interchangeably. Yet, He emphasizes the Scriptures as an unbreakable, fixed authority. The Greek term used for Scripture is graphē (γραφή), which refers specifically to the sacred writings.

2. Scriptures: The Written Word

The term Scriptures always refers to what has been written—what we today recognize as the Holy Bible. This includes the Old Testament, and by extension in the New Testament era, the writings of the apostles and prophets under divine inspiration.

Paul writes in

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV):

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

This reveals that the Scriptures are God’s written Word—”breathed out” (theopneustos in Greek), meaning inspired and authoritative.

3. The Word of God: Written and Spoken

The Word of God is broader than just the written text. It includes God’s spoken Word—through prophets, visions, and even direct revelation. Hebrews describes this clearly:

Hebrews 1:1–2 (ESV):

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…

God’s Word can come in different forms:

Written (Scriptures – e.g., Bible)

Spoken (Prophetic utterance – e.g., through prophets or dreams)

Living Word (Jesus Christ Himself – see John 1:1, 14)

Jesus is referred to as the Word (Greek: Logos) in

John 1:1, 14 (ESV):

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…

4. Unchanging Nature of Scripture vs. the Conditional Nature of Spoken Revelation

While the spoken Word of God is real and valid, it may be temporary or specific to a situation. God may give a prophetic word for a particular time or purpose, which He may later fulfill, revoke, or update (e.g., Jonah’s prophecy to Nineveh).

However, Scripture is permanent, fixed, and cannot be broken. As Jesus emphasized in John 10:35, it stands forever. The Psalmist also affirms:

Psalm 119:89 (ESV):

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.

5. Why We Must Anchor Ourselves in Scripture

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders not for lack of zeal, but for ignorance of Scripture:

Mark 12:24 (ESV):

Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?

We are called to love and study the Bible, recognizing it as our daily bread. As Jesus said:

Matthew 4:4 (ESV):

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

And David declared:

Psalm 119:140 (ESV):

Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.

Conclusion

So, while the Word of God can come in multiple forms—spoken, written, and even incarnate in Christ—the Scriptures are the preserved, unchanging foundation of that Word. They are our safest and clearest guide. To neglect them is to risk spiritual deception and ruin.

Let us therefore treasure the Bible more than our daily food, anchoring our lives in the eternal truth it holds.

May the Lord bless you as you grow in love for His Word.

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2022/04/23/47445/

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