Why it is called the Bible
The word Bible does not appear as a title within the Bible itself. It comes from the Greek word biblia, meaning books or scrolls. That fits well, because the Bible is a library of writings rather than one book written at one time. It includes history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, Gospels, letters, and apocalyptic vision.
Though many human authors wrote across centuries, Christians receive these books together as God-breathed Scripture. Paul told Timothy that Scripture equips God’s people for faithful living and service (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Scripture and Holy Scripture
Scripture simply means writing, but in the Bible it usually means writings set apart as God’s authoritative message. Paul speaks of the holy scriptures, pointing to writings God had given through the prophets before Jesus came (Romans 1:2).
Jesus and the apostles regularly appealed to Scripture when teaching, correcting misunderstandings, and explaining God’s promises. For them, these writings were not merely religious reflections. They bore God’s witness and directed people towards him (John 5:39).
The word and oracles of God
The Bible is often called the word of God. That title stresses that God speaks through its pages, revealing his character, his purposes, and his saving work in Jesus. Hebrews describes God’s word as living and searching, able to expose what is going on beneath our outward actions (Hebrews 4:12).
Paul also calls the Scriptures entrusted to Israel the oracles of God, meaning God’s spoken messages or declarations (Romans 3:2). This does not mean every sentence is easy to understand. Peter acknowledges that some of Paul’s writing can be difficult, yet he places it alongside the other Scriptures (2 Peter 3:16).
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms
Before the New Testament was written, Jewish people commonly described their Scriptures as the Law and the Prophets. The Law usually refers to the first five books, from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Prophets includes books such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, and in a broader Jewish ordering it also covers several historical books.
Jesus used this kind of language when he said he came not to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfil them (Matthew 5:17). After his resurrection, he also spoke of the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, showing that the whole of Scripture points towards God’s plan fulfilled in him (Luke 24:44).
Old Testament and New Testament
Christians divide the Bible into the Old Testament and the New Testament. Testament is another word for covenant, a binding relationship God establishes with his people. The Old Testament tells the story of God’s covenant dealings with Israel and his promises of redemption. The New Testament tells of Jesus, the new covenant he brings, and the life of the early church.
The names do not mean the Old Testament has become worthless. Jesus said the Scriptures spoke of him, and the New Testament writers keep drawing on them (John 5:39). Together, both Testaments tell one unfolding story: God creating, rescuing, and restoring people through Christ.
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.