What does scriptural mean?
Scriptural is an adjective meaning relating to, derived from, or based on the Bible or other sacred scriptures. Its most common use is in religious, theological, and historical discussion, as in scriptural interpretation, scriptural text, and scriptural foundation. A less frequent sense describes language, imagery, or artistic style that resembles biblical writing. The word is formal and carries a clear association with scripture, but it is more specific than broad terms such as religious or spiritual: scriptural points directly to sacred texts and their wording. It can therefore suggest that a claim has an explicit textual basis, while also reminding the reader that interpretation may be involved. Although the adjective can apply to the Bible in particular, it is not limited to that work and can describe traditions, narratives, or doctrines understood through sacred writings. In general use, scriptural is especially associated with Christianity and biblical scholarship.
adjectiveRelating to, derived from, or based on the Bible or other sacred scriptures. It can also describe language or a style that closely resembles biblical writing.
- Relating to, based on, or consistent with the Bible or another sacred scripture.
- Resembling the wording, imagery, or style of biblical writing.
"The scholar offered a careful scriptural interpretation of the passage."
"The museum catalogue identifies several early motifs as scriptural rather than merely decorative."
"Her scriptural poetry draws heavily on the imagery of the Psalms."
Scriptural points beyond the Bible's status as a book to the claim that its language itself carries authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scriptural come from?
Scriptural developed in English in the early 17th century from scripture with the suffix -al. Scripture comes from Latin scriptura, meaning a writing or document, ultimately from scribere, to write. The same Latin root underlies cognates such as manuscript, transcribe, prescribe, and describe.
Related word forms
How scriptural is actually used
Chiefly formal and religious or theological. Scriptural usually points more directly to the text or its wording than does broader expressions such as religious or spiritual, and it is sometimes used to emphasize an explicitly biblical basis.
Easily confused with scriptural
Scripture is a noun referring to a sacred text, especially the Bible, whereas scriptural is an adjective describing what relates to or derives from such a text.