What does nonbiblical mean?
Nonbiblical means not connected with the Bible, whether because something is absent from biblical texts, derives from another source, or does not resemble biblical stories or teachings. The word is especially common in discussions of history, religion, mythology, literature, and archaeology. A nonbiblical account may draw on oral tradition, folklore, classical sources, or later invention, while a nonbiblical festival or practice may have cultural origins outside the biblical world. The term does not necessarily criticize what it describes; it primarily identifies a subject as belonging to a different textual, historical, or religious framework. Compared with the more general word secular, nonbiblical is more precise because it makes a direct reference to biblical tradition and its contents.
adjectiveNot relating to, derived from, or occurring in the Bible. It may also describe something that is unlike biblical stories, teachings, or traditions.
- Not pertaining to the Bible or to biblical subjects.
- Not based on, derived from, or characteristic of biblical narrative, teaching, or tradition.
"The scholar argued that the festival had nonbiblical origins."
"The museum displayed several nonbiblical interpretations of the ancient symbol."
"Her account of the ritual was largely nonbiblical and reflected local oral tradition."
Calling something nonbiblical is more than saying it is absent from the Bible: it can also suggest that the subject belongs to a very different cultural or religious world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonbiblical come from?
The word is formed in English by combining the prefix non-, meaning “not,” with biblical. Biblical itself comes from the Greek biblikos, derived from biblos, meaning “book” and ultimately associated with the Bible. The prefixed form developed to describe material or traditions outside the biblical corpus or outside the character of biblical narratives.
How nonbiblical is actually used
The adjective is commonly used in historical, religious, literary, and archaeological contexts. It is usually neutral but can imply that a subject is outside, or in some tension with, biblical tradition.