God and Language

Language exists eternally within the Trinity. Communication is not a human invention but an intrinsic feature of the Trinity (Gen 1:26-27). Human language is a derivative gift, reflecting the communicative and relational nature of the God whose image we bear (Gen 1:27). It is not accidental that language forms the bridge between divine truth and human understanding.

The highest function of language is theological expression. Though language serves many purposes—communication, instruction, creativity, administration, and even entertainment—it reaches its noblest use when it is employed in the service of divine revelation, worship, and spiritual edification. Language originates with God. He is not silent but expressive. The first recorded words were spoken by God: “Let there be light” (Gen 1:3). He brought the universe into being by the power of His word. Language, therefore, is a divine initiative. Its highest use is realized when it returns to its source—when we use words to know, proclaim, and respond to God.

The purpose of God’s revelation is relationship. He reveals Himself through propositional truth—intelligible words we can understand (Deut 29:29; Heb 1:1-2). The Bible is not image-driven but Word-centered (2 Tim 3:16; 1 Pet 1:23-25). Through Scripture, we come to know God’s character, works, will, and promises. Language is the necessary medium for conveying this knowledge. It’s no accident that the gospel—the power of God for salvation—is expressed in words (Rom 1:16; 10:17).

Worship and prayer also depend on language. The Psalms—the largest book in Scripture—are a treasury of theological language that praises God’s attributes, confesses sin, declares trust, and celebrates His faithfulness. Worship is in spirit and truth (John 4:24), and truth must be expressed in words. Jesus taught His disciples to pray using language (Matt 6:9-13). Praise, confession, proclamation, and petition all require speech.

Teaching, discipleship, and evangelism are inherently verbal. Communicating sound doctrine (Tit 2:1), encouraging the saints (Heb 10:25), making disciples (Matt 28:19-20), and proclaiming the gospel (Mark 16:15) all depend on clear, precise use of language. Paul exhorted Timothy to “accurately handle the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15), underscoring the need for linguistic care in service to theological accuracy.

Eternal realities are revealed through words. God didn’t deliver a series of abstract experiences or mystical impressions—He gave us a Book. And at the center of that Book is a Person called the Word (John 1:1, 14). Jesus Christ, the eternal Logos, is the living expression of God’s nature. In Him, divine language became flesh. His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of who God is and what He has done. Language finds its highest meaning in bearing witness to Christ.

The supreme function of language is theological. All other uses are secondary. When language is used to declare God’s truth, glorify His name, pray according to His will, and teach others to know and follow Him, it fulfills its divine purpose. As stewards of this sacred gift, we are called to “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Tit 2:1) and to let our speech be “always with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col 4:6). When our words point upward—exalting and enjoying the knowledge of God—we engage in the highest and most sacred use of language.

Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.