1288. The fact that the same words means that a single detailed view of doctrine existed can be seen from what was said above. A language, [a lip, or speech] symbolizes doctrine in general, as shown, but words symbolize doctrine in particular, that is, particular doctrinal teachings. As noted [§1285:2], the specifics do not matter as long as they focus on a united goal, which is to love the Lord above all and to love our neighbor as ourselves, since the specific teachings then fit with these general principles.

[2] A word symbolizes the whole body of doctrine concerning neighborly love and the faith that grows out of it, while words in the plural symbolize different aspects of the doctrine. This can be seen in David:

I will acclaim you in uprightness of heart, while I learn the judgments of your justice. Your statutes I will keep. With what will a youth purify his course, to keep it, in accord with your word? With my whole heart I have sought you; please do not make me stray from your commandments. In my heart have I hidden your word, to prevent my sinning against you. A blessing on you, Jehovah; teach me your statutes. With my lips I have recounted all the judgments of your mouth. In the path of your testimonies I have rejoiced. On your requirements I meditate, and I gaze on your paths. In your statutes I take pleasure. I do not forget your word. (Psalms 119:7-16)

A word stands for the broad outlines of doctrine. The commandments, judgments, testimonies, requirements, statutes, path, and lips there are distinguished from each other, as is evident, and they are all different types of "word," or doctrinal teaching. Everywhere else in the Word, too, they symbolize distinctly different entities.

[3] In the same author:

A love song: My heart ponders a good word. My tongue is the pen of a rapid scribe. More beautiful are you than the children of humankind. Grace is poured out on your lips. Ride on the word of truth and gentle justice; your right hand will teach you marvelous things. (Psalms 45: heading, 1, 2, 4)

Riding on the word of truth and gentle justice is teaching a doctrine of truth and goodness. As in other places in the Word, a word, mouth, lip, and tongue symbolize different things here. They all have to do with teachings concerning charity, because the psalm is called a song of "loves." ¹ Those teachings are portrayed as having more beauty than the children of humankind, and grace on the lips, and a right hand that teaches marvelous things.

[4] In Isaiah:

Jehovah has sent word against Jacob, and it has fallen on Israel. (Isaiah 9:8)

The word stands for teachings having to do with inward and outward worship; Jacob here stands for outward worship and Israel for inward. In Matthew:

Jesus said, "Humankind does not live on bread alone but on every word that has come out of God's mouth." (Matthew 4:4)

In the same author:

When anyone hears the word concerning the kingdom and pays no attention, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in the person's heart. (Matthew 13:19)

(Verses 20, 21, 22, 23 there also mention "the word.") In the same author:

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

The word in these passages stands for the doctrine concerning the Lord, while words in the plural stand for various parts of that doctrine.

[5] Since words stand for all the precepts of a doctrine, the Ten Commandments are called words in Moses:

Jehovah wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant — the ten words. (Exodus 34:28)

In the same author:

He declared his covenant to you, which he commanded you to do: the ten words. And he wrote them on two stone tablets. (Deuteronomy 4:13; 10:4)

In the same author:

Be careful, and guard your soul intently to keep from forgetting the words [things] that your eyes have seen. (Deuteronomy 4:9)

There are other passages as well.

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