Q.

Does the Bible ever refer to itself as “the Bible”?

58

Q

King James Bible—known more accurately as the Authorized Version, so

named because in 1604 King James I of England authorized the new transla-

tion. It was completed in 1611.

Although the Bible does not call itself by that name, several verses do

mention other portions of the Bible. In one particular passage, Jesus refers to

the fi rst fi ve books of the Bible (the Law) and the scriptural writings of the

prophets: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets;

I have not come to abolish them but to fulfi ll them. I tell you the truth, until

heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a

pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accom-

plished” (Mt. 5:17–18, NIV).

Scriptural References

Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:15–16; Romans 16:26; 2 Peter 1:20–21, 3:15–16; Daniel

9:2; Matthew 4:3–4, 6; 21:13; 22:29; 26:24; Luke 24:44; Acts 13:15; Ephesians

5:26; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Suggested Additional Sources for Reading

• AllAboutTruth: http://www.AllAboutTruth.org (articles and videos
  about the Bible).


• Biblical Studies Foundation: http://www.Bible.org.


• Online Etymology Dictionary: http://www.etymonline.com/index.
  php?term=bible.

Suggested Questions for Further Discussion/Thought

1. Do you think the biblical writers knew, as they wrote their prophecies,
   letters, and historical accounts, that they were writing what would one
   day be considered scripture?


2. Do you view the Bible more as one complete book or as a collection?


3. Is there a translation of the Bible that you consider more or less legitimate
   or authoritative? Why?

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