Does the Bible have different names and titles?
The Bible refers to itself with many different names and titles. Ironically, "Bible" is not one of them. "Bible" is taken from byblos, which was an Egyptian papyrus. The Greek took their word for book, biblion, from this word. "The holy books" was ta biblia to hagia, or biblia sacra, in Latin--biblia for short. So "bible" is actually French for the Latin "book."Book of the Law (Deuteronomy 30:10) – In Hebrew, "book" could refer to any document, scroll, or genealogical register. It is possible the Hebrew word cipher first referred to written accounting, as it is close to the Arabic sifr ("zero") from which we get "cipher." But "law," in Hebrew, towrah, defines what kind of book the Bible is: a book of law, instruction, prophecy, and custom.
Gospel (Matthew 4:23) – "Gospel" is the Greek euaggelion, or good tidings. Specifically, the good news of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins.
Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2) – "Holy" is the Greek hagios. The use of the word before Christianity is not known, but could possibly be that which must remain whole, as to obey the whole law. "Scriptures" is the Greek graphe, which means a written thing.
The Law of the LORD (Exodus 13:9) – "Law" is once again the Hebrew towrah or Torah. "LORD" in all caps refers to the proper name of God, also called YHWH or Yahweh.
Living Words/Oracles (Acts 7:38) – "Living" is the Greek zao; it is a multi-facetted word that means breathing, to enjoy life, to have true life, active, full of vital power, to be fresh, strong, and vigorous. "Words" or "oracles" is logion—an utterance of God. Cross reference Hebrews 4:12.
Message/Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16) – "Word" is the Greek logos. Logos is a rich word that combines the ideas of spoken word, discourse, decree, and reason. "Christ" is, of course, the Greek khristos, or "the anointed one," akin to the Hebrew messiah. So the Bible is the word and reason of Jesus.
Word of Christ (Romans 10:17) – "Word" here has a slightly different tint. It is the Greek rhema, which means a vocal utterance. It is interesting to note that the mere words of Jesus are life-giving.
Scriptures (Matthew 26:56) – As mentioned, "scripture" is the Latin translation of the Greek graphe, or written word. It's easy to see the relation with the English "graph" and "script."
The Scroll (Psalm 40:7) – There were no bound books of paper in Bible times. Writing was done on soft clay, animal skin, or papyrus. The skins and papyrus could be rolled up into a scroll to transport conveniently. The Hebrew is megillah, which means a rolled writing. The word "scroll" is taken from the early Germanic word referring to something cut, as a cut animal hide.
Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) – The "sword" referred to here is the Greek machaira. It was more like the machete than a Saracen sword, as it was a large, straight knife used for killing animals with a thrust. "Spirit" is the Greek pneuma which brings to mind wind, breath, and life. It refers to the third Person of the Trinity. The Bible as Sword of the Spirit is able to pierce between soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12).
Word of God (Luke 11:28) – "Word" is once again logos—the logic-filled discourse. "God" is the Greek theos, which refers to the one true God.
Word of Life (Philippians 2:16) – "Life" here doesn't just mean breathing. It is the Greek zoe which means a life full of vigor, devoted to God, promised to last forever. It is the Bible that tells us how to receive this life.
Words of the LORD (Psalm 12:6) – "Words" is the Hebrew imrah which is not just a word, but a command. "LORD" once again refers to Yahweh, the "I AM." As the commands and uttered thoughts of the I AM, the Bible is a precious gift, meant to be known and obeyed.
What are the names of God? What do the names of God mean?
What are the names of Jesus Christ? What titles are ascribed to Jesus in the Bible?
What names and titles does the Bible use for the Holy Spirit?
Is the Bible really the Word of God?
Why should we study the Bible?
Truth about the Bible
