λογικός
logikós
G3050 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pertaining to reasoning or rational thought; relating to the faculty of reason. In certain contexts, especially in Hellenistic and New Testament usage, may pertain to that which is genuinely rational or spiritual in nature (contrasted with literal, material, or physical elements). Typically designates something aligned with or characterized by reasoning, logic, or meaningful discourse.
Semantic Range
rational, pertaining to reason, logical, intellectual, spiritual (in the sense of inner meaning or true significance), genuine (as in true worship or service), pertaining to meaningful discourse
Root / Etymology
From λόγος (logos, meaning 'word', 'reason', or 'speech'), with the adjectival suffix -ικός denoting 'pertaining to'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, λογικός is used to describe someone or something possessed of reasoning ability, capable of logical thought or argumentation (as in philosophers such as Aristotle and the Stoics). In Hellenistic literature, it can mean rational, intellectual, or pertaining to discourse. In the New Testament (notably in Romans 12:1 and 1 Peter 2:2), it acquires a more nuanced sense: in Romans 12:1, λογικὴ λατρεία is often rendered 'spiritual worship' or 'reasonable service', bringing together both 'rational' and 'pertaining to the true reason or inner meaning', as opposed to merely external ritual. The English phrase 'of the word' from some older translations reflects a traditional effort to link λογικός to λόγος ('word' or 'reason'), but the primary sense is 'in accordance with reason/rationality'. The term's semantic overlap with 'spiritual' (πνευματικός) in some contexts is a product of the philosophical background in which intellect/spirit was contrasted with the material or physical. Biblical usage is relatively rare, and English translations may obscure its distinctively intellectual connotation. In sum, λογικός stands at the intersection of rational, meaningful, and (in some Greco-Roman philosophical contexts) spiritual or intellectual.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from λόγος; rational ("logical"):--reasonable, of the word.
Root Family
λογ- (dialogismós) — to speak, to reason, to account
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1261 | διαλογισμός | reasonings |
| G1677 | ἐλλογέω | credit to your account |
| G2127 | εὐλογέω | to speak well of |
| G249 | ἄλογος | irrational ones |
| G3048 | λογία | organized communal contributions |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3050-01 |
λογικὴν | logiken | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
reasonable | rational | rational | 1 |
G3050-02 |
λογικὸν | logikon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
spiritual | rational | rational | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3050-01 |
Romans 12:1 | λογικὴν | logiken | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
reasonable | rational | rational |
G3050-02 |
1 Peter 2:2 | λογικὸν | logikon | ADJ.A ACC N SG |
spiritual | rational | rational |