What does bible mean?
A bible is most familiarly the sacred scripture of Christianity — and in its Hebrew form, of Judaism — a collection of texts spanning the Old and New Testaments that believers regard as divinely inspired and authoritative. The word also extends naturally to secular contexts: any definitive, trusted reference work may be called "the bible" of its field, as when chefs speak of a classic cookbook as their kitchen bible. This figurative use is usually lowercased and signals deep authority rather than religious meaning. The word traces back to Greek "biblia" ("books"), reflecting the fact that scripture is not a single volume but an anthology. Whether capitalized or not, calling a book a bible conveys that it is the final word on its subject — comprehensive, trusted, and consulted above all rivals. Its dual register makes it equally at home in worship and in everyday speech about hobbies and professions.
The sacred scriptures of Christianity (and, in its Hebrew form, Judaism), consisting of the Old and New Testaments.
"She read a psalm from the bible every evening before bed."
Capitalized when referring to the religious text.
(Lowercase) An authoritative or definitive book on a particular subject.
"That field guide is considered the birder's bible."
Usually lowercase in this figurative sense; often used with a possessive or attributive noun.
The plural refers to multiple physical copies or editions of the scriptures, or to several authoritative guides.
"The church distributed new bibles to every member of the confirmation class."
"Bible" comes from the Greek "biblia," meaning "little books" — because it isn't one book at all, but a whole library bound together.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bible
The English word "bible" derives from the Latin "biblia," borrowed from the Greek "biblia" — literally "books" or "scrolls" — the neuter plural of "biblion," a diminutive of "biblos," meaning papyrus or book. The plural origin reflects the composite nature of scripture as many books gathered into one. Related words sharing the same Greek root include "bibliography" and "bibliophile." The term entered Middle English through Old French during the medieval period.
Related word forms
How bible is actually used
Capitalized when referring to the sacred scriptures; often written in lowercase when used figuratively to mean an authoritative guide. As a count noun, "a bible" can refer to a physical copy.
Easily confused with bible
A bibelot is a small decorative trinket or ornament, whereas the Bible is a sacred religious text.