Bible

How it is used

Written with a capital B, but the adjective biblical is usually lowercase (biblical studies, biblical scholars). Neutral academic writing often says Hebrew Bible instead of Old Testament. The number of books differs: Protestant Bibles have 66 and Catholic Bibles 73.

Example sentences

1. Students compared three English translations of the Bible in today's seminar.

2. Most biblical scholars date the Gospel of Mark to around 70 CE.

Common collocations

• the Hebrew Bible
• biblical studies
• Bible translation
• biblical scholar
• read the Bible

Related terms

• GospelOne of the four accounts of the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus in the New Testament, attributed to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; also the Christian message itself.
• TorahThe first five books of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses; in a wider sense, the whole body of Jewish teaching and law.
• canonThe official list of books that a religious community accepts as authoritative scripture, such as the biblical canon; also a rule or decree made by a church council.
• ChristianityA monotheistic religion based on the life and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God; it began in the first century CE.
• exegesisCareful, detailed explanation of a text, especially of scripture, that tries to bring out its meaning through its language, historical context and tradition of reading.

More terms: Scripture and Interpretation

• scripture
• Qur'an
• hadith
• Vedas
• hermeneutics
• Talmud