Scripture

Scripture - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Invariably in the New Testament denotes that definite collection of sacred books, regarded as given by inspiration of God, which we usually call the Old Testament (2 Tim. 3:15, 16; John 20:9; Gal. 3:22; 2 Pet. 1:20). It was God's purpose thus to perpetuate his revealed will. From time to time he raised up men to commit to writing in an infallible record the revelation he gave. The "Scripture," or collection of sacred writings, was thus enlarged from time to time as God saw necessary. We have now a completed "Scripture," consisting of the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament canon in the time of our Lord was precisely the same as that which we now possess under that name. He placed the seal of his own authority on this collection of writings, as all equally given by inspiration (Matt. 5:17; 7:12; 22:40; Luke 16:29, 31). (See [556]BIBLE; [557]CANON.)

Scripture - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

SCRIP'TURE, n. [L. scriptura, from scribo, to write.]

1. In its primary sense, a writing; any thing written.

2. Appropriately, and by way of distinction, the books of the Old and New Testament; the Bible. The word is used either in the singular or plural number, to denote the sacred writings or divine oracles, called sacred or holy, as proceeding from God and containing sacred doctrines and precepts.

There is not any action that a man ought to do or forbear, but the Scripture will give him a clear precept or prohibition for it.

Compared with the knowledge which the Scriptures contain, every other subject of human inquiry is vanity and emptiness.

Word of God - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

(Heb. 4:12, etc.). The Bible so called because the writers of its several books were God's organs in communicating his will to men. It is his "word," because he speaks to us in its sacred pages. Whatever the inspired writers here declare to be true and binding upon us, God declares to be true and binding. This word is infallible, because written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and therefore free from all error of fact or doctrine or precept. (See [670]INSPIRATION; [671]BIBLE.) All saving knowledge is obtained from the word of God. In the case of adults it is an indispensable means of salvation, and is efficacious thereunto by the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit (John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:15, 16; 1 Pet. 1:23).

skrip'-tur (he graphe, plural hai graphai): The word means "writing." In the Old Testament it occurs in the King James Version only once, "the scripture of truth," in Da 10:21, where it is more correctly rendered in the Revised Version (British and American), "the writing of truth." The reference is not to Holy Scripture, but to the book in which are inscribed God's purposes. In the New Testament, "scripture" and "scriptures" stand regularly for the Old Testament sacred books regarded as "inspired" (2Ti 3:16), "the oracles of God" (Ro 3:2). Compare on this usage Mt 21:42; 22:29; Mr 12:10; Lu 4:21; 24:27,32,45; Joh 5:39; 10:35; Ac 8:32; 17:2,11; Ro 15:4; 16:26, etc.; in Ro 1:2, "holy scriptures." See BIBLE. The expression "holy scriptures" in 2Ti 3:15 the King James Version represents different words (hiera grammata) and is properly rendered in the Revised Version (British and American) "sacred writings." In 2Pe 3:16, the term "scriptures" is extended to the Eppistle of Paul. In Jas 4:5, the words occur: "Think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?" The passage is probably rather a summary of Scripture teaching than intended as a direct quotation. Others (e.g. Westcott) think the word is used in a wide sense of a Christian hymn.

James Orr

Definition

In the Bible, the term “word of God” refers to anything that God has communicated to people. This includes spoken and written messages. Jesus is also called “the Word of God.”

• The term “scriptures” means “writings.” It is only used in the New Testament and refers to the Hebrew scriptures, which is the Old Testament. These writings were God’s message that he had told people to write down so that many years in the future people could still read it.
• The related terms “word of Yahweh” and “word of the Lord” often refer to a specific message from God that was given to a prophet or other person in the Bible.
• Sometimes this term occurs as simply “the word” or “my word” or “your word” (when talking about God’s word).
• In the New Testament, Jesus is called “the Word” and “the Word of God.” These titles mean that Jesus fully reveals who God is, because he is God himself.

The term “word of truth” is another way of referring to “God’s word,” which is his message or teaching. It does not refer to just one word.

• God’s word of truth includes everything that God has taught people about himself, his creation, and his plan of salvation through Jesus.
• This term emphasizes the fact that what God has told us is true, faithful, and real.

Translation Suggestions

• Depending on the context, other ways to translate this term could include “the message of Yahweh” or “God’s message” or “the teachings from God.”
• It may be more natural in some languages to make this term plural and say “God’s words” or “the words of Yahweh.”
• The expression “the word of Yahweh came” is often used to introduce something that God told his prophets or his people. This could be translated as “Yahweh spoke this message” or “Yahweh spoke these words.”
• The term “scripture” or “scriptures” could be translated as “the writings” or “the written message from God.” This term should be translated differently from the translation of the term “word.”
• When “word” occurs alone and it refers to God’s word, it could be translated as “the message” or “God’s word” or “the teachings.” Also consider the alternate translations suggested above.
• When the Bible refers to Jesus as “the Word,” this term could be translated as “the Message” or “the Truth.”

• “Word of truth” could be translated as “God’s true message” or “God’s word, which is true.”
• It is important for the translation of this term to include the meaning of being true.

(See also: prophet, true, Yahweh)

Bible References

• Genesis 15:1
• 1 Kings 13:1
• Jeremiah 36:1-3
• Luke 8:11
• John 5:39
• Acts 6:2
• Acts 12:24
• Romans 1:2
• 2 Corinthians 6:7
• Ephesians 1:13
• 2 Timothy 3:16
• James 1:18
• James 2:8-9

Examples from the Bible stories

• __25:7 In God’s word__ he commands his people, “Worship only the Lord your God and only serve him.”
• __33:6 So Jesus explained, “The seed is the word of God__.”
• __42:3 Then Jesus explained to them what God’s word__ says about the Messiah.
• __42:7 Jesus said, “I told you that everything written about me in God’s word must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand God’s word__.
• __45:10 Philip also used other scriptures__ to tell him the good news of Jesus.
• __48:12 But Jesus is the greatest prophet of all. He is the Word of God__.
• __49:18 God tells you to pray, to study his word__, to worship him with other Christians, and to tell others what he has done for you.

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0561, H0565, H1697, H3068, G30560, G44870