1. Overview

βιβλαρίδιον (biblāridion, pronounced bib-lar-ID-ee-on) is a diminutive form of the Greek word βιβλίον (biblíon), which means “book” or “scroll.” The diminutive form, biblāridion, translates to “little book” or “small scroll.” The root word βίβλος (bíblos) originally referred to the inner bark of the papyrus plant, used as writing material, and by extension came to mean “book” or “scroll.” The term biblāridion specifically highlights the small size or lesser significance of the book or scroll in question. This word is primarily found in the New Testament in the Book of Revelation, where it is used to describe a prophetic scroll.

2. Detailed Description

In the BDAG lexicon, biblāridion is defined as a “little book” or “small scroll.” BDAG notes its usage in Revelation 10:2, 9, and 10, where it refers to the small scroll that the apostle John is instructed to eat. The scroll is described as being sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach, symbolizing the dual nature of the prophecy it contains—pleasant to receive but difficult to digest due to its harsh message.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly defines biblāridion as “a little book” or “a small scroll.” Thayer’s notes that the word’s diminutive form emphasizes its size, making it distinct from the more general term biblíon for a book or scroll. The lexicon highlights that its use in Revelation emphasizes the specific and personal nature of the revelation given to John.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses biblāridion in the context of its appearance in Revelation, explaining that the word underscores the scroll’s particular purpose and significance within the prophetic vision. Vine’s also notes that while the term may denote size, it does not necessarily diminish the importance of the content within the scroll.

The LSJ lexicon (Liddell-Scott-Jones) agrees with these interpretations, providing a basic definition of biblāridion as a “small book” or “little scroll.” LSJ also notes that the term is rare in classical Greek literature, highlighting its more specialized use in later Hellenistic and early Christian texts.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

The term biblāridion is not commonly found in classical Greek literature, as the diminutive form is more typical of later Hellenistic Greek and New Testament usage. However, similar terms and their diminutive forms can be traced in various contexts:

1. Epictetus: The philosopher Epictetus, in his Discourses, refers to scrolls and books, though not in the diminutive form. His use of the term biblíon highlights the importance of written works in the transmission of knowledge.
2. Plutarch: In his Lives, Plutarch occasionally references written texts and scrolls, emphasizing their role in preserving history and biography, though again, the diminutive biblāridion is not explicitly used.
3. Philo of Alexandria: Philo, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, often discussed scrolls and books in his works, particularly in the context of scriptural interpretation. While he uses the term biblíon, the concept of a smaller, more personal scroll is implied in some of his discussions of specific revelations or teachings.

These examples indicate that while biblāridion itself may not be prevalent in classical literature, the concept of smaller, personal scrolls or books was present and recognized in Greek-speaking cultures.

4. Summary

βιβλαρίδιον (biblāridion) is a Greek word meaning “little book” or “small scroll,” derived from the root βίβλος (bíblos), which originally referred to the papyrus plant and later to “book” or “scroll.” The diminutive form emphasizes the smaller size or specific nature of the scroll in question. In the New Testament, biblāridion appears in the Book of Revelation, where it is used to describe a prophetic scroll given to John.

Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Vine’s agree on the word’s primary meaning and its significance in the context of Revelation. While the term itself is rare in classical Greek literature, the concept of a small or specific scroll is consistent with broader Hellenistic and early Christian literary practices.

In summary, biblāridion encapsulates the idea of a small, yet significant, book or scroll, particularly in a prophetic or revelatory context. Its use in Revelation underscores the personalized and potent nature of the revelation received, reflecting both the sweetness of divine truth and the bitterness of its consequences.