The word bible simply means “book.” The English word bible is ultimately derived from the Greek term bible, meaning “books.” Bible is the plural form of biblion, denoting any written document, but originally one inscribed on papyrus. Our word Bible eventually came to be used for the collection of 66 books of the Old and New Testaments recognized by Christians as the canon of Scripture.
The Greek phrase ta biblia to hagia meant “the holy books.” The first Christian use of the term ta biblia, or “the books,” to designate the Holy Scriptures is believed to be in 2 Clement 2:14, written around AD 150. C.: “The books and the apostles clearly declare that the Church has existed from the beginning.” In Latin, the Greek phrase became biblia sacra. In Old French, the word bible became biblia. Old English already had a word for Scripture, biblioðece, borrowed from the Latin word for “library.” But the shorter Old French word bible replaced it in the early 14th century.
The concept of a collection of sacred writings developed early in both Jewish and Christian thought. In the sixth century BC, the prophet Daniel referred to the prophetic writings as “the books” (Daniel 9:2). Synonymous terms for the Bible are the writings, the Scriptures, the Holy Scriptures, and the Holy Scriptures, meaning “sacred writings.” In the early Jewish historical writings of 1 Maccabees, the author refers to the Old Testament as “the holy books” (12:9). Jesus referred to the books of the Old Testament as “the Scriptures” in Matthew 21:42, and the apostle Paul called them “the Holy Scriptures” in Romans 1:2.
Today, the word bible can be used generically to refer to any book widely viewed as an authority on a given subject. For example, bowhunters may refer to a book that provides expert advice on how to track and shoot down a trophy deer as a “bowhunter’s bible.” Or a publication for aquarium enthusiasts, written by a veteran aquarist, could be called an “aquarist’s bible.” Capitalized, the Bible generally refers to the Holy Scriptures as understood by Christians around the world.
The Bible is the Word of God; it is God’s book written for mankind. The Bible is God’s guide on how to live our lives: “But you must stay true to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, because you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is helpful in teaching us what is true and making us realize what is wrong in our lives. He corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses him to prepare and equip his people to do every good deed” (2 Timothy 3:14–17, NLT).
The Bible, God’s book, is a light to illuminate our path: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NLT). It is like food that nourishes and sustains us ( Matthew 4:4 ; Hebrews 12:12–14 ). The Bible describes and elaborates on God’s interactions with humans throughout history. In him we learn about his eternal purposes and his loving plan of salvation. Most importantly, the Bible is God’s personal love letter to us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have life.” eternal. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16–17).