What is a Word?
By Michael Davis
What is a word? It is a logical arrangement of letters set in a pattern so as to represent an idea. The word is not the idea in itself, but the idea is imputed to a particular pattern of letters (a word). Patterns of letters are also strung together to form much larger groupings, called sentences. A sentence in itself is merely a logically ordered set of patterns of letters, however a sentence is used to convey a thought. A word conveys an idea. But words and sentences are not the ideas, they are the representation of the ideas…they are symbols. No word or sentence is an idea in itself; all words and sentences are symbols. The pattern of letters that we designate to represent the idea of “word,” is only a symbol as well. “Word” is not a word in itself; it is simply a pattern of letters that represents the idea of what we consider a word to be.
Each and every combination of letters is unique, though there are combinations (i.e. “bow”) that are exceptions to the rule. Using Arabic numerals we can convey nearly every one of our thoughts. We can also represent the thoughts of others in a language not our own. Why can we do this? We can do this because written language is not language in itself but is representative of actual language. Language is the way in which we think. Each culture is unique in the way it thinks and expresses itself. Most cultures have also constructed their own written languages. They have designated their own pattern of numerals to represent ideas, etc. When culture collide new ideas are formed, as a result new words are formed. Consequently new combinations of letters are assigned the task of representing the new idea. Words are symbols.
Inherently, intrinsically, innately, language is symbolic. “It is just a word, which implies a connection” (Matrix: Revolutions). What is the connection? A word in itself is powerless. Denotations, connotations, idiomatic expressions, nuances, and semantics are all meaningless…when the ideas that words represent are not respected.
Hence, all literature, whether it be “boring” history or enrapturing poetry, is symbolic. By the very nature of these patterns of letters and patterns of words, which are meaningless without imputed definition, all text is figurative.
In considering theology, many attempt to interpret the Scriptures free of any symbolism. I believe their actions are inherently wrong in that they are not receiving/reading actual Scripture, they are receiving/reading the numerals patterned and words patterned to represent ideas in the mind of men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Scripture is literature; Scripture is the Word of God. Thus all of Scripture is symbolic. What is a symbol? Briefly, a symbol is “X” as a representative of some other “X.” What does a symbol accomplish? Symbols represent relationships and interrelationships [of ideas, etc.] that are very complex, which could never be referenced directly because they are inexplicable. Symbolism ‘maximizes’ the ability to convey thoughts. When thoughts cannot be explained, symbols are used. It is universally acknowledged that men’s deep thoughts are poetic. In the explanation of these deep thoughts symbols must be used, allegory, analogy, metaphor, simile, and so much more. Although when it is written down, ‘symbols’ (words) are used to represent symbols of thought (ideas). A symbol is not the thing itself, but is a condensed representation. Thus the actuality of what is represented by the symbol is so much more than the symbol. God’s thoughts are not wholly contained in the Scriptures, but he has interwoven much underneath the surface in the form of symbolism, because through symbolism patterns of letters and words come closest to representing reality as it really is: dynamic and interconnected.