Lexical Summary logikos: Rational, reasonable, spiritual Original Word: λογικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thoughtful, reasonableFrom logos; rational ("logical") -- reasonable, of the word. see GREEK logos HELPS Word-studies 3050 logikós (from 3056 /lógos, "reason") – properly, logical because divinely reasonable, i.e. "what is logical to God" (logic working through the divine reasoning known through faith). The believer grasps "divine reasonableness" (3050 /logikós) by the Lord's inbirthings (gift) of faith – hence the close connection between 3050 (logikós) and faith (4102 /pístis) in Ro 12:1-3 (cf. 1 Pet 1:21, 2:2). 3050 /logikós ("divinely reasonable") is constantly necessary in making acceptable offerings to the Lord – each of which is equally profound to eternity when done in faith ("divine persuasion"). These produce a "seamless" life in which every decision (action) can have profound, eternal meaning, even in earthly "setbacks" or suffering (cf. Mt 13:31,32,17:20 with Ro 8:18). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom logos Definition reasonable, rational NASB Translation spiritual (1), word (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3050: λογικόςλογικός, λογικη, λογικόν (from λόγος reason) (Tim. Locr., Demosthenes, others), rational (Vulg.rationabilis); agreeable to reason, following reason, reasonable: λατρεία λογικη, the worship which is rendered by the reason or soul (`spiritual'), Romans 12:1 (λογικη καί ἀναίμακτος προσφορά, of the offering which angels present to God, Test xii. Patr. (test. Levi § 3), p. 547, Fabric. edition; (cf. Athenagoras, suppl. pro Christ. § 13 at the end)); τό λογικόν γάλα, the milk which nourishes the soul (see γάλα), 1 Peter 2:2 (λογικη τροφή, Eus. h. e. 4, 23 at the end). Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament UsageThe adjective “λογικός” appears only twice in the Greek New Testament (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:2). In both contexts it describes that which is in harmony with the Word (λόγος) and therefore suited to a new-covenant life governed by mind and spirit rather than by ritual externals. It links the believer’s worship and growth to thoughtful, Scripture-shaped engagement with God. Context in Romans 12:1 – Worship Transformed Romans 12 opens Paul’s practical section after eleven chapters of doctrine. The apostle urges believers: “Therefore, brothers, I urge you, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1) Here “λογική” modifies “worship/service” (latreia). Temple sacrifices are replaced by a life surrendered to God. Because the offering is “living,” it is continual; because it is “λογική,” it is intelligent, Spirit-directed, and grounded in revealed truth rather than in ceremonial prescription. The verse therefore: • Affirms that Christian worship engages the whole person—body presented, mind renewed (Romans 12:2), spirit alive. Context in 1 Peter 2:2 – Nourishment from the Word Peter applies “λογικός” to the believer’s diet: “Like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2) The “milk” is “λόγος-like,” that is, consistent with the Word. While Peter could be alluding to elementary teaching, the emphasis lies on quality (“pure”) rather than stage. What sustains growth is nutrition uncontaminated by deceptive doctrine (1 Peter 2:1). Thus: • Growth is inseparable from consistent intake of Scripture. Intertestamental and Early Church Echoes Hellenistic writers used “λογικός” of reasoning beings over against mere instinct. Jewish philosophers (for example, Philo) applied it to worship transcending ritual form. Early Christian apologists, drawing on Romans 12:1, contrasted “λογική θυσία” with pagan sacrifices, arguing that Christianity alone offers worship worthy of a rational Creator. The term therefore became a bridge for gospel proclamation within Greco-Roman intellectual culture. Theological Implications 1. Unity of Word and Worship Worship that is not grounded in revealed truth ceases to be “λογική.” John 4:24 (“God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth”) converges with Paul’s emphasis: Spirit-wrought worship is necessarily Word-shaped. 2. Sanctified Reason The mind, renewed by the Spirit, participates in spiritual realities (Ephesians 4:23). Christianity does not bypass intellect; it redeems it. Consequently, anti-intellectualism finds no footing in a “λογικός” faith. 3. Continuity of Sacrifice Hebrews 13:15 speaks of the “fruit of lips that confess His name.” Such praise is “λογικόν” in character—offered volitionally, informed by doctrine, pleasing through Christ’s mediation. Practical and Ministerial Applications • Preaching and Teaching Ministry must expound Scripture clearly so that hearers can render “λογική” worship. Sermons that stir emotion but leave the mind unenlightened fall short of the apostolic pattern. • Corporate Worship Planning Songs, prayers, and ordinances should be saturated with biblical truth. A service designed around spectacle rather than Scripture risks being un-“λογική.” • Discipleship and Counseling Growth strategies center on feeding believers with “pure spiritual milk.” Counsel that merely addresses behavior without renewing the mind (Romans 12:2) lacks transforming power. • Personal Devotion Regular meditation on the Word guards against syncretism and fuels a life presented as a living sacrifice. Related Scripture References John 17:17; Psalm 19:7–11; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Hebrews 5:12–14; James 1:21–25. Summary Strong’s Greek 3050, “λογικός,” intertwines the rational, the spiritual, and the Word-centered. Whether describing the believer’s entire life offered to God (Romans 12:1) or the nourishment that matures that life (1 Peter 2:2), it insists that authentic Christian existence is thoughtful, Scripture-grounded, and Spirit-animated. Forms and Transliterations λογικην λογικήν λογικὴν λογικον λογικόν λογικὸν logiken logikēn logikḕn logikon logikònLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 12:1 Adj-AFSGRK: εὐάρεστον τὴν λογικὴν λατρείαν ὑμῶν NAS: to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship. KJV: [which is] your reasonable service. INT: well-pleasing which is [the] divinely reasonable service of you 1 Peter 2:2 Adj-ANS Strong's Greek 3050 |
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