What does scripture mean?
Scripture means sacred writing, especially the Bible, and is often used for a particular passage or section within a religious text. The word carries a sense of authority, tradition, and reverence, particularly when a passage is described as “scripture” or “the scriptures.” In Christian usage, the plural “the Scriptures” commonly refers to the Bible as a collection of writings. More broadly, scripture can refer to any religious text considered sacred or authoritative. The term is usually formal and religious, rather than a general label for writing of every kind. Its historical connection to writing and inscription helps explain why it refers both to a complete sacred body of literature and to individual written passages.
nounSacred writings, especially the Bible, regarded as authoritative or divinely inspired. The word can also refer to a passage or text from a sacred work.
- Sacred writings, especially the Bible, regarded as authoritative or divinely inspired.
- A passage or section from a sacred text, especially the Bible.
- A written text or doctrine regarded as authoritative in a religious tradition.
"The passage is quoted in the scripture as an instruction to show compassion."
"The scholar examined the use of metaphor in the Hebrew scriptures."
"That passage of scripture is often read in the context of grief and consolation."
Used especially in the phrase “the Scriptures,” referring to the Bible or another body of sacred writings.
"The ancient scriptures preserve traditions that began long before the written record."
From the Latin scribere, meaning “to write,” scripture literally refers to what has been written—and in religious use, to writing believed to carry sacred authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of scripture
Scripture comes through Middle English from Latin scriptūra, meaning “a writing” or “something written.” The Latin word derives from scribere, “to write,” the same root found in manuscript, describe, prescription, and inscription. In Middle English, scripture was used for written documents and later came to be applied especially to sacred writings. Its modern religious meaning developed as Christian communities increasingly used it for the Bible and its individual passages.
Related word forms
How scripture is actually used
In modern religious contexts, scripture usually refers to the Bible or to a specific scriptural passage. “Scripture” can sound more formal than “scripture text” or “biblical text,” and its precise meaning may vary by religious community.
Easily confused with scripture
Scripture is sacred or religious writing, whereas a script is a written form of a language or the written text of a film, play, or speech.
Scripture commonly refers to sacred writings collectively, while scripture can also denote an individual passage or section from such a text.