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.