1. Overview

βιβλίον (biblíon, pronounced bib-LEE-on) is a Greek word that refers to a “book,” “scroll,” or “document.” It is derived from the root word βίβλος (bíblos), which originally referred to the inner bark of the papyrus plant used as writing material. Over time, bíblos came to mean “book” or “scroll,” and the diminutive form biblíon took on the specific meaning of a written document or scroll. This term appears frequently in the New Testament, often used to describe sacred texts or legal documents.

2. Detailed Description

In the BDAG lexicon, biblíon is defined as a “book,” “scroll,” or “document,” with a focus on its usage in legal, religious, or scholarly contexts. BDAG highlights the word’s frequent appearance in the New Testament, where it is often associated with sacred writings, such as in Revelation 20:12, which mentions the “books” that are opened during the final judgment. The word can refer to a singular book or a collection of writings.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also defines biblíon as a “book” or “scroll,” emphasizing its use in various literary and legal contexts. Thayer’s notes that the term can denote both secular and sacred texts, depending on the context in which it is used. The lexicon also points out that biblíon is often associated with the recording of important information, such as genealogies, laws, or prophecies.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses biblíon in relation to its role in the New Testament as a reference to the Scriptures or specific books within the Bible. Vine’s notes that the word is used to describe the physical scrolls on which texts were written, as well as the content of those texts themselves. The dictionary also highlights the importance of biblíon in the early Christian understanding of written revelation.

The LSJ lexicon (Liddell-Scott-Jones) provides a broader view of biblíon, noting its usage in various classical and Hellenistic contexts. LSJ explains that the term was used to describe anything from small documents or certificates to extensive literary works. The lexicon also points out that biblíon could refer to a section of a larger work, such as a chapter or volume.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

The word biblíon was commonly used in classical Greek literature to refer to various types of written documents:

1. Herodotus: In his Histories, Herodotus uses the term biblíon to refer to written records and official documents, highlighting the importance of written texts in preserving history and legal matters.
2. Plato: In his dialogues, Plato occasionally references biblíon as a means of recording philosophical teachings, illustrating the role of written texts in the transmission of knowledge.
3. Xenophon: In his Anabasis, Xenophon uses the term biblíon to refer to military orders and official records, demonstrating the practical applications of written documents in governance and warfare.

These examples show that biblíon was a versatile term in classical Greek literature, encompassing a wide range of written materials from official records to literary works.

4. Summary

βιβλίον (biblíon) is a Greek word that broadly refers to a “book,” “scroll,” or “document,” originating from the root word βίβλος (bíblos), which referred to the papyrus plant used in ancient writing materials. The term is frequently used in the New Testament to denote sacred writings, legal documents, or other important texts. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, and LSJ all agree on the primary meaning of biblíon and its significance in both secular and religious contexts.

In classical Greek literature, biblíon was used to describe various types of written documents, from historical records to philosophical works. The term’s versatility underscores its importance in the ancient world as a means of preserving and transmitting knowledge. In summary, biblíon is a foundational term in the Greek language, reflecting the centrality of written texts in both everyday life and religious practice.