JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD — A Theological and Qur'anic Examination
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
Abstract
This article explores the theological significance of Jesus Christ as "The Word of God" (Kalimatullah) from both biblical and Qur’anic perspectives. While Christian doctrine explicitly affirms the divinity of Christ and His identity as the eternal Word (Logos) made flesh, a lesser-known yet significant reference to Jesus as "The Word" also appears within the Qur’an. This scholarly investigation examines the implications of this Qur’anic designation, evaluates classical Islamic commentaries, compares scriptural contexts, and draws theological conclusions regarding Jesus’ unique nature and role in divine revelation. The article further contrasts Jesus’ titles with those of other prophetic figures to underline His singular status across the Abrahamic traditions.
Introduction
The person of Jesus Christ (ʿĪsā al-Masīḥ) remains central not only to Christian theology but also to Islamic scripture and tradition. While Islam denies the divinity of Jesus, the Qur’an nonetheless attributes to Him titles and honors that no other prophet receives. One such distinctive title is "The Word of God" (Arabic: Kalimatuhu), found in Qur’an 4:171. This study seeks to explore the deep theological ramifications of this title and how it aligns or contrasts with the Christian understanding of the Logos as presented in the prologue to the Gospel of John.
Jesus as "The Word" in the Qur'an
Qur'an 4:171 – A Key Passage
The Qur’an declares:
“O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah and His word which He conveyed to Mary, and a spirit from Him...”
(Qur'an 4:171, Sahih International translation)
Here, Jesus is explicitly called "His Word (kalimatuhu) which He bestowed upon Mary.” Notably, no other prophet in the Qur’an is given this title. Classical Islamic scholars such as Al-Tabari and Al-Qurtubi offer various interpretations, some suggesting that Jesus was created by a divine command ("Be" – kun), yet the Qur’an does not refer to Adam or other prophets with the same honorary title of Kalimatullah.
Theological Tension in Islamic Exegesis
Muslim theologians have historically grappled with this verse. Al-Ghazali and Ibn Kathir proposed that Jesus is called "the Word" because of God’s creative command, but this explanation does not adequately explain why this title is uniquely reserved for Jesus. Adam too was created by the command “Be”, yet he is never called God’s Word. This exclusivity suggests a deeper significance than mere creation.
Jesus as the Word in Christian Theology
The Logos Doctrine – John 1:1-14
The New Testament provides a profound theological framework for understanding Jesus as "the Word." John 1:1 declares:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This assertion is central to the doctrine of the Trinity and the Incarnation. Verse 14 further emphasizes the incarnational reality:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us...”
In Christian theology, Logos is not merely a spoken word or divine command but the very person of the Son, eternally existent, active in creation, and manifest in the incarnation. The Qur’anic term kalima (word) resonates linguistically with the Greek Logos, yet diverges theologically unless examined in deeper context.
Jesus: More Than a Prophet
The New Testament emphasizes actions and attributes of Jesus that are divine in nature — forgiving sins (Mark 2:5-7), raising the dead (John 11), receiving worship (Matthew 14:33), and commanding nature (Mark 4:39). These deeds are not merely prophetic signs but divine acts. If Jesus is indeed the incarnate Word, then when He speaks, God speaks; when He acts, God acts.
Uniqueness Confirmed in Hadith Literature
Even the Hadith corpus—especially in Sahih al-Bukhari—confirms a special status for Jesus. The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:
"There is no child born but that Satan touches it when it is born, whereupon it starts crying loudly. Except for Mary and her Son."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 641)
This exceptionality attributed only to Mary and Jesus reinforces their spiritual purity and divine favor, a recognition not granted to any other prophet, including Muhammad himself. Islamic theology does not easily reconcile this immunity from satanic touch with Jesus being merely a mortal prophet.
No Other Prophet Bears This Title
The exclusivity of the title “Word of God” ascribed to Jesus in the Qur’an deserves serious theological consideration. Neither Moses, Abraham, nor Muhammad is ever referred to as God’s Word. The Qur’an identifies Muhammad as a messenger (rasul) and a warner (nadhir), but never as Kalimatullah. The same goes for all other figures in both Qur’anic and Biblical tradition.
This makes Jesus’ title exceptional, aligning far more closely with the Christian proclamation of the divinity of Christ than many Islamic apologists are willing to admit.
Implications for Interfaith Theology
From a comparative theology perspective, this Qur’anic admission should not be overlooked. For Muslims, the nature and essence of Jesus must be revisited in light of these unique designations. For Christians engaging in Muslim-Christian dialogue, Qur’an 4:171 offers an invaluable starting point to introduce the true identity of Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh.
Moreover, the harmony between John 1:1 and Qur’an 4:171 offers a rare bridge for theological discourse — pointing to the divine origin and identity of Jesus.
Conclusion
The title “The Word of God” ascribed to Jesus in the Qur’an is not incidental or metaphorical—it is profound, unique, and theologically potent. In Christian theology, Jesus is the eternal Word (Logos), coequal with the Father, incarnate among humankind. The Qur’anic admission of Jesus as Kalimatullah aligns remarkably with this doctrine, whether intentionally or by divine providence.
Far from being “just a prophet,” Jesus is presented in both Christian Scripture and Islamic tradition as the living Word — divine, pure, and uniquely anointed. Therefore, theological integrity and intellectual honesty compel us to recognize that no other figure in human history—Muhammad included—bears such a divine title.
Jesus is not only the messenger; He is the Message.
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
President, Shimba Theological Institute
Author, The Divinity of Jesus in Scripture and Reason
Contact: info@shimbatheological.org
For citation: Shimba, M. (2025). Jesus Is the Word of God — A Theological and Qur’anic Examination. Shimba Theological Journal, Vol. 2, No. 4.
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