Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word (John 8:43).
Two words used in our opening verse may seem synonymous, but they have striking differences. They’re “speech” (Greek: “Lalia”) and “word” (Greek: “Logos”). “Logos” is the general term for “Word.” The Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
“Logos” encompasses speech, idea, thought, and message; it is the substance of a message. John 1:14 tells us that the Word or “Logos” of God became flesh, and that’s Jesus Christ. All of God’s thoughts, ideas, and opinions, are encapsulated in Him.
“Lalia,” on the other hand, describes a mode of speech; it’s the way you say what you say. This can be by gesticulations, semasiological communication, dialects or pronunciations. Jesus said to the pharisees and the Jews as they questioned His words, “Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word” (John 8:43). They didn’t understand His communication (“Lalia”) because they couldn’t comprehend His message (“Logos”).
An example is found in John 11:11-14 when He said to His disciples, “…Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” A similar thing happened when Jesus went to the house of Jairus, whose little daughter had just died. The Bible says, “And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead” (Luke 8:52-53).
The people didn’t understand His “Lalia” because they couldn’t comprehend His message. If only they knew that His message stated who He was: “…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). As a child of God, it’s important for you to give attention to the ministry of the Word and the Holy Spirit in the house of God. That’s how you’re cultured, trained, and taught the message of Christ. That message gives you a language—the “Lalia” of Christ.
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, thank you for your Word that cultures my spirit. As I grow in the Kingdom-culture of faith, it gives me a language that clearly communicates your truth and also forms in me a mindset of victory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study
James 1:22; Matthew 13:13; John 8:43 NKJV
1-year bible reading plan
Galatians 3:1-14; Song of Solomon 3-5
2-year bible reading plan
1 Timothy 3:8-16; Jeremiah 35
