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Biblical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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biblical

[ˈbɪblɪkəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

religion

Relating to the Bible or the teachings of the Bible.

Synonyms

Scriptural, religious, sacred.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
biblical

Used when referring to events, stories, or themes that are directly from the Bible. Often implies historical or large-scale significance.

  • The flood described in the book of Genesis is a biblical event.
  • She referred to the biblical teachings during the discussion.
Scriptural

Used specifically for matters related to scriptures, generally referring to religious texts like the Bible. Often used in academic or theological discussions.

  • Her interpretation of the scriptural passage was unique.
  • A scriptural basis is required for the argument.
religious

Appropriate when discussing practices, beliefs, or items pertaining to a religion in general. This term is broad and can apply to any religion.

  • He goes to religious services every Sunday.
  • Religious holidays are observed by many different faiths.
sacred

Best used when talking about something considered holy or deserving great respect and reverence within a religious context.

  • The temple is a sacred place for the local community.
  • They handled the sacred texts with great care.

Examples of usage

  • The painting depicts a biblical scene.
  • She has a deep knowledge of biblical stories.
  • The film explores biblical themes of redemption and forgiveness.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

A passage from the Bible.

Synonyms

passage, scripture, verse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
biblical

Used when referring to matters related to or derived from the Bible, often associated with a grand or profound nature.

  • The flood was of biblical proportions
  • The city has biblical significance
scripture

Used to refer to the sacred writings of Christianity contained in the Bible, or other religious texts regarded as authoritative.

  • She spent her morning study pouring over scripture
  • Different religions have different scriptures
verse

Most appropriate when referring to a single line or a group of lines in poetry or a specific numbered section of a chapter in the Bible.

  • She memorized her favorite Bible verse
  • The poet wrote a memorable verse
passage

Used when talking about a specific section or excerpt from a written text, often used in a more general sense or when the exact location isn't important.

  • He read a passage from the new novel
  • There is a beautiful passage in that poem

Examples of usage

  • He read a biblical aloud during the church service.
  • The sermon was based on a biblical about forgiveness.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic works of literature, such as John Milton's 'Paradise Lost', draw heavily on biblical themes and stories.
  • The imagery and narratives found within biblical texts have influenced countless authors, poets, and playwrights over the centuries.
  • The Book of Psalms is famed for its poetry, showcasing how ancient texts can convey deep emotion and philosophy.

Cultural Impact

  • Biblical stories have shaped art across cultures, inspiring famous painters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Numerous idioms in English, such as 'the prodigal son', originate from biblical parables, reflecting their influence on everyday language.
  • Festivals like Easter and Christmas are rooted in biblical events, celebrated by millions worldwide, showcasing the text's cultural resonance.

Religion

  • For Christians, the Bible is considered the inspired word of God, central to their faith and teachings.
  • The Torah, the first five books of the Bible, is foundational in Judaism, highlighting the shared roots of these two religions.
  • Different denominations interpret biblical texts in diverse ways, leading to a variety of beliefs and practices within Christianity.

History

  • The historical context of many biblical events dates back thousands of years, providing insight into ancient cultures and societies.
  • Archaeological discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, have enhanced our understanding of biblical texts and their origins.
  • The translation of the Bible into various languages has occurred many times, allowing its teachings to reach diverse populations globally.

Origin of 'biblical'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'Biblia', the Latin term for 'books', which reflects the Bible's collection of various writings.
  • In ancient Greek, 'biblion' means 'book', highlighting the Bible's status as a book of many stories.
  • The term first appeared in the English language around the late 14th century, referring to holy scriptures.

The word 'biblical' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Latin word 'biblicus' which means 'pertaining to the Bible'. The Bible is a sacred text in Christianity, consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The term 'biblical' is commonly used to describe things or concepts that are related to the Bible or its teachings.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,020 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.