Applying the Term “Word” to External Realities

As previously mentioned, the term “word” can also be applied to external entities. In this sense, every being is a divine word, though with a distinction: some beings are like nouns, others are like verbs, and some resemble particles. The prophets, who serve as the source of actions (verbs) and act independently while supporting particles and verbs, are considered among the highest of nouns and divine words.

God, the Glorified, refers to Jesus Christ (a.s.) as a word: “The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was only a messenger of God, and His word” [4:171]. Therefore, applying the term “word” to an external entity is not metaphorical but rather a real and literal application.

Similarly, the “words” mentioned in the noble verse under discussion refer to external realities. This is evidenced by the use of the plural pronoun hunna instead of the singular pronoun hā, just as it was when explaining the names by which Adam was tested: “...He presented them to the angels...” [2:31].