Does the Bible have different names and titles?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Scripture refers to many different names for the Bible. In Exodus 13:9, the Old Testament teachings are referred to as the “Law” and later referred to as the “Book of the Law” in Deuteronomy 30:10. Later in Psalm 40:7, King David uses the title “scroll,” which points to the type of material people used at the time to preserve the teachings. The New Testament contains many more names. In reference to the good news about Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for us, the title “gospel” is used (Matthew 4:23). “[W]ord of Christ” is referenced in Romans 10:17 to describe Jesus’ vocal utterances and used again in Colossians 3:16 to describe the message and reason of Jesus. Logic-related discourse from the Scriptures is referred to as the “word of God” in Luke 11:28, whereas the “word of Life” mentioned in Philippians 2:16 communicates that the Bible is what informs us how to receive eternal life. Other names and titles mentioned in the New Testament include “Scriptures” (Matthew 26:56), “living oracles” (Acts 7:38), “holy Scriptures” (Romans 1:2), and “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17; see also Hebrews 4:12).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Law of the LORD (Exodus 13:9) – "Law" is the Hebrew towrah or Torah. "LORD" in all caps refers to the proper name of God, also called YHWH or Yahweh.
• Book of the Law (Deuteronomy 30:10) – In Hebrew, "book" could refer to any document, scroll, or genealogical register. It is possible the Hebrew word cipher first referred to written accounting, as it is close to the Arabic sifr ("zero") from which we get "cipher." But "law," in Hebrew, towrah, defines what kind of book the Bible is: a book of law, instruction, prophecy, and custom.
• The Scroll (Psalm 40:7) – There were no bound books of paper in Bible times. Writing was done on soft clay, animal skin, or papyrus. The skins and papyrus could be rolled up into a scroll to transport conveniently. The Hebrew is megillah, which means a rolled writing. The word "scroll" is taken from the early Germanic word referring to something cut, as a cut animal hide.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Gospel (Matthew 4:23) – "Gospel" is the Greek euaggelion, or good tidings. Specifically, it is the good news of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins.
• Scriptures (Matthew 26:56) – As mentioned, "scripture" is the Latin translation of the Greek graphe, or written word. It's easy to see the relation with the English "graph" and "script."
• Word of God (Luke 11:28) – "Word" is logos—the logic-filled discourse. "God" is the Greek theos, which refers to the one true God.
• Living Words/Oracles (Acts 7:38) – "Living" is the Greek zao; it is a multi-facetted word that means breathing, to enjoy life, to have true life, active, full of vital power, to be fresh, strong, and vigorous. "Words" or "oracles" is logion—an utterance of God.
• Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2) – "Holy" is the Greek hagios. The use of the word before Christianity is not known but could possibly be that which must remain whole, as to obey the whole law. "Scriptures" is the Greek graphe, which means a written thing.
• Word of Christ (Romans 10:17) – "Word" here is slightly different. It is the Greek rhema, which means a vocal utterance. The words of Jesus are life-giving.
• Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) – The "sword" referred to here is the Greek machaira. It was more like a machete than a Saracen sword, as it was a large, straight knife used for killing animals with a thrust. "Spirit" is the Greek pneuma, which brings to mind wind, breath, and life. It refers to the third Person of the Trinity. The Bible as Sword of the Spirit is able to pierce between soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12).
• Word of Life (Philippians 2:16) – "Life" here doesn't just mean breathing. It is the Greek zoe which means a life full of vigor, devoted to God, promised to last forever.
• Message/Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16) – "Word" is the Greek logos. Logos is a rich word that combines the ideas of spoken word, discourse, decree, and reason. "Christ" is, of course, the Greek khristos, or "the anointed one," akin to the Hebrew messiah. So the Bible is the word and reason of Jesus.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Bible refers to itself with many different names and titles. Ironically, "Bible" is not one of them. "Bible" is taken from byblos, which was an Egyptian papyrus. The Greek took their word for book, biblion, from this word. "The holy books" was ta biblia to hagia, or biblia sacra, in Latin—biblia for short. So "bible" is actually French for the Latin "book."

Knowing the meanings of the different titles of the Bible can help when studying certain passages, as it gives us a deeper understanding of what the author was trying to communicate. It also provides wider understanding of the functions of the Bible. Ultimately, the more we understand the meanings of biblical terms in general, the better grasp we can get on the spiritual realities and applications of our daily Scripture readings.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible refers to itself by different names.
• Scripture is named according to such factors as its content (e.g., “the Law,” “the gospels,” etc.) and the materials on which it was written (e.g., “the scroll”).
• Studying the names for Scripture helps readers better appreciate the Bible’s spiritual impact.

REFLECT

• How does understanding the different names for the Bible help you see its depth and divine purpose more clearly?
• When you read the Bible, how can remembering titles like “Word of Life” or “Sword of the Spirit” shape your approach and attitude?
• How might studying the meanings behind the Bible’s names draw you into a closer relationship with God?

ENGAGE

• How can exploring the various biblical titles for Scripture enrich a group’s study and discussion of God’s Word?
• What can we learn about God’s character from the different ways Scripture describes itself?
• How might understanding the Bible’s titles help believers explain its authority and purpose to those unfamiliar with it?