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Why do people refer to the Bible as the Holy Bible?

Why do people refer to the Bible as the Holy Bible?
Redemption The Bible Studying the Bible

TL;DR:

The Bible is referred to as the Holy Bible because its origin is from God; it is inspired by God, and it provides the wisdom of God for the people of God to live according to the ways of God. The everlasting words of the Holy Bible convey the way of salvation and instruction for life.

what does the bible say?

The Bible is holy, first, because it is breathed out by God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16). Within its pages is God-inspired wisdom (Psalm 19:7), sanctifying truth (John 17:17), and the gospel of salvation (Romans 1:16-17), which are all unique to the Bible. By the second century BC, Jewish leaders started referring to the Old Testament writings as holy, and the New Testament referred to this concept as well. Paul described himself as "set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures" (Romans 1:1-2). The Bible is the only piece of literature that contains supernatural and true prophecies about Jesus as the Messiah, too. Jesus fulfilled all these prophecies (Matthew 5:17). Moreover, unlike every other book that will be forgotten or destroyed in time, the Word of God is eternal (Isaiah 40:8). Within its pages are prophecies yet to be accomplished, giving believers the hope of eternal life in God’s presence (Matthew 5:18; Revelation 21:1-7).

from the old testament

  • The Bible is able to give God-inspired wisdom (Psalm 19:7) that no other book can. For that reason, it is holy.
  • Of all the world's books, the Bible is the one that is said to be eternal (Isaiah 40:8).
  • The Bible is holy because it is prophetic, providing hundreds of prophecies about our Savior, all of which He fulfilled (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7; Micah 5:2).

from the new testament

  • The Bible is holy because it shows Jesus’ fulfillment of the holy writings revealed in the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17).
  • Jesus also taught that the Scriptures would last until heaven and earth pass away: "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished" (Matthew 5:18).
  • The Bible is holy because it gives us truth that sanctifies (John 17:17) and it presents the gospel of salvation (Romans 1:16-17).
  • Paul recognized this, which is why in Romans 1:1-2, he calls the Bible the “holy Scriptures.”
  • The Scriptures are literally breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16) and are, therefore, holy.

implications for today

The term "holy" distinguishes the Bible as set apart from other writings or books. Its contents are inspired by God, as the apostle Peter noted: "no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21).

The Greek word biblios means a book or scroll. When the Bible was translated into the official Latin Vulgate version around the beginning of the fifth century, the term biblia sacra was often used to refer to the Bible as the sacred or holy Bible. In English, the 1611 King James Version of the Bible included the title "Holy Bible" on its cover. The impact and legacy of this Bible version has helped to make the term "Holy Bible" a common name for the Scriptures in the English-speaking world.

understand

  • The Bible is holy because it contains God’s inspired truth.
  • The Bible provides wisdom, instruction, and the gospel of salvation unique to God’s revelation.
  • The Bible’s message is eternal, fulfilled in Jesus, and remains relevant for all generations.

reflect

  • How does knowing the Bible is God-breathed influence the way you read and obey it?
  • How has the Bible’s truth guided or transformed your life?
  • How does understanding the Bible as holy set it apart from other books or sources of advice?

engage

  • What does it reveal about God that He chose to reveal Himself through written Scripture rather than only through direct communication?
  • How can we better recognize and apply the wisdom and sanctifying truths found in the Bible today?
  • What does it mean for a book to be “set apart” and how does that shape our approach to studying it?

More Resources

Studying the Bible Does the Bible have different names and titles?

Does the Bible have different names and titles?

The Bible is known by many names—Law, Gospel, Word of God, Sword of the Spirit, and more—each revealing a facet of its divine purpose. Exploring these titles deepens our understanding of the Bible and draws us closer to the God who speaks through it.
Apologetics How is the Bible inspired? What does it mean for the Bible to be inspired?

How is the Bible inspired? What does it mean for the Bible to be inspired?

The Bible is God-breathed, written through human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, making every word a direct revelation from Him. Because Scripture is inspired and inerrant, it equips us to learn, correct, and live rightly, calling us to submit fully to God’s authority and wisdom in our daily lives.
Studying the Bible What Bible translation should I use?

What Bible translation should I use?

No Bible translation is perfect, but the best one is the one you’ll actually read, understand, and live out. Choose a version that balances accuracy with readability so God’s Word can take root in your life.
Studying the Bible The canon of Scripture - What is it?

The canon of Scripture - What is it?

The biblical canon is the fixed collection of sixty-six divinely inspired books—thirty-nine Old Testament and twenty-seven New Testament—that God’s people recognized through authorship, doctrinal harmony, and universal acceptance. We can trust the Bible we hold today as God’s preserved Word.