Introduction
We are continuing with part two in our two-part study on the Greek word λογικός (logikos, Strong’s 3050).
Definition
Variously translated as reasonable, rational, or spiritual in the English translations; its meaning has to do with dwelling upon words or the process by which one reasons thoughts.
Origin
Λογικος (logikos) is an adjective derived from λόγος (logos, Strong’s 3056), which means word or speech.
Review ~ Meaning Part One
In Romans 12:1-2 we studied Paul’s presentation of λογικός (logikos); wherein he described the kind of service we perform in response to all the Lord has done for us. Paul says this service takes place from out of our reasoning process. That is, as we reason things out in our mind, we seek to perceive the Lord’s will; and then we make our decisions based on that will. Paul goes on to explain the development of this process takes place as we stop continually being fashioned by this age; while at the same time we are continually being transformed by the renewing of our mind. It is through this transformation of the perceptive processes that we test and prove the Lord’s will for our life.
Meaning Part Two ~ I Peter 2:2
As previously mentioned, λογικός (logikos) appears only twice in the Scriptures; used once by Paul in Romans 12:1 and once by Peter in I Peter 2:2. Like Paul, Peter’s presentation is that a believer’s most intimate and active relationship with the Lord happens in the reasoning process (λογικός, logikos). In fact, Peter describes this relationship in II Peter 1:4 as having become partakers of the Divine nature. Peter’s presentation of λογικός (logikos) is the focus of our study:
As newborn infants, yearn after the reason-nourishing, without duplicity milk, in order that you may grow in it.
I Peter 2:2
Introduction
In finishing chapter 1, at verse 23, Peter says believers experience having been born again, not out of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living and abiding for ever Word of God. Then he opens Chapter 2 with a command to believers to long for (or yearn after) the reason-nourishing, without duplicity milk; which nourishes the mind and soul cultivating spiritual growth.
The Word Described
Peter uses two adjectives to describe the milk: reason-nourishing (λογικός) and without duplicity.
Reason Nourishing
The first adjective Peter uses is our word λογικός (logikos). It describes the milk as nourishing to the reasoning process. As new believers, we start off insensitive to the Spirit of God and His workings because our senses have never been exposed to the spiritual reality of walking through life with Christ. In fact, Hebrews 5 tells us that we must experience the Word in order to exercise our senses. Through this exercise we become spiritually sensitive; and as we grow in that sensitivity, we become able to handle the deep things of Christ.
Unfortunately, spiritual growth for a Christian is not automatic like human growth. But rather, we become aware of and understand the ways of the Lord the more we feed on His Word. Mature believers are those who have had their senses exercised by the Word of God to the point they can discern between the things of Christ and the things of Satan and the things of the flesh. This maturity comes through experiencing Christ and that takes place in the λογικός (logikos – reasoning process).
Without Duplicity
The second adjective is the Greek word ἄδολος (adolos, Strong’s 97), translated unmixed, unadulterated, without duplicity. Here it describes the milk as having no double meaning. That is, having only one meaning. When presented through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the understanding of the original intent of the author; it says what it says, and it means what it means. If a believer partakes of the Word of God presented in this way, then he will experience spiritual growth.
Summary
Similarly to Paul, Peter’s presentation of λογικός (logikos) depicts a living, intimate relationship between believers and our Lord. Here, Peter commands believers to make the Word of God a priority; desiring its nourishment as a newborn baby desires life giving milk. Moreover, Peter tells us it is through this nourishment that our reasoning processes are fed and we grow spiritually.
Conclusion
But we must understand, spiritual growth is more than going to church and attending Bible study. Both Paul and Peter encourage, in fact command, that all believers seek to have our reasoning processes (λογικός, logikos) fed by the Word of God. It is only through this nourishment, growth, and development of our reasoning processes (λογικός, logikos) that we may participate in a living, intimate relationship with our Creator.
Series Conclusion
λογικός (logikos), while used only twice in the Scriptures, is an important concept to understand. Both Peter and Paul use it to describe the reasoning processes of the human mind; where we develop our personal, intimate, relationship with the Lord. λογικός (logikos) is the essence of our service to the Lord. Additionally, it is the means through which we express our submission and obedience; effectively becoming a living sacrifice, holy and well pleasing to God.
Notes
– Logikos is the English font spelling of the Greek word λογικός.
– All Biblical quotes contained herein are a Literal English Translation of the Bible produced by BTE Ministries – The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America.
