A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I : Mas ter i ng the Ol d Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

[16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3.14-17

A. The meaning of the word “Bible”

1. The English word “Bible” derived from the Greek biblion , “roll” or “book.” (Cf. Rev. 10.2, biblaridion = “little scroll.”)

2. A biblion = a roll of papyrus or byblus, a reedlike plant whose inner bark was dried and made into materials used for writing in the ancient world.

3. Greek use of biblion was less significant than current use: we use the term “Bible” to refer to the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 of the New Testament as the Book above all other books, the record of God’s revelation to humankind.

a. Biblion used to designate books of magic (Acts 19.19)

b. A bill of divorcement (Mark 10.4)

c. Biblion could also refer to other kinds of writings, including sacred books

4. Roots of the meaning of Biblion go back to the Old Testament

a. In Dan. 9.2 of the Septuagint (LXX) ta biblia refers to the prophetic writings.