Scripture
TextsWhat is the meaning of Scripture in the Bible?
In the Old Testament, the term scripture refers to a written record of divine purposes, whereas in the New Testament, it specifically designates the sacred books of the Old Testament as divinely inspired.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this distinction clarifies how early Christian communities regarded the Hebrew Bible as the authoritative foundation for their theology and scriptural interpretation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Scripture functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Scripture in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Scripture clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Scripture." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/scripture/