Rymma and logos

Luke 1:38 reads: "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. “Said” is actually the Greek word for “word.” But it’s not the usual word “logos.” It is the word “rymma.” Why is that significant? Especially since the two words “rymma” and “logos” can be synonyms.


“Rymma” sometimes connotes a sound, the full meaning of which is not entirely grasped or understood, as distinguished from logos which conveys a message with a clear meaning. That’s how receptive Mary was to the angel’s message. She did not pretend to grasp all that the angel said or its full implication. All she knew was that the message came from God, and that whatever He was about to give — even His only begotten Son! — she was ready to receive. 

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