Couldn't say -- I'm just making a reference based on second-hand understanding of what the "literal" translation reads like. I hadn't heard about that bit being used as an intensifier, interesting.
It's worth noting that 道 is a noun referring to a path, and a verb referring to speaking, and while both of those words are used in the first two clauses, they aren't the same word. The author is engaging in a pun or play on words.
Apparently the Christians adopted 道 to translate their concept of the Holy Word, which is a fun use of both senses.
