βιβλαρίδιον (biblaridion)
biblaridion
little scroll
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun bibliaridion refers to a small scroll or book, appearing exclusively in the Book of Revelation. It is a diminutive form derived from biblarion, which itself comes from biblos, indicating something smaller than a standard volume. This specific term occurs three times in Revelation 10, describing the object John is commanded to eat.
Its restricted usage highlights its symbolic weight rather than its frequency. In this context, the scroll contains the prophetic message that John must consume, making it both literal and metaphorical. The small size suggests a focused or intimate revelation, distinct from larger collections of scripture. Translators typically render it as "little scroll" to preserve this sense of scale and specificity.
The word’s etymology underscores its physical nature while pointing to spiritual consumption. By using a diminutive, the text emphasizes the personal act of internalizing the message. This detail distinguishes it from broader terms for books, focusing attention on the immediate, tangible encounter with divine truth in John’s vision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word biblaridion describes a small scroll, specifically the one John is told to eat in Revelation 10. This unusual command highlights how deeply we are meant to internalize God’s message. It is not enough to simply read the text; we must let it settle within us, becoming part of our very being.
In this vision, the scroll tastes sweet like honey at first, yet turns bitter in the stomach. This contrast reminds us that following Christ often involves both joy and hardship. The sweetness comes from knowing God’s truth, while the bitterness reflects the weight of living it out in a broken world. We do not carry this burden alone.
When we feel overwhelmed by the demands of faith, remember that this small scroll represents a personal encounter with divine truth. It invites us to trust God even when His word challenges our comfort. This intimate act of eating shows that faith is lived from the inside out, shaping our hearts and actions daily.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- little scroll.1×
- little scroll1×
- a little scroll1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βιβλαρίδιον2×
- βιβλαρίδιον.1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 10:9
I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.”
This verse captures the paradox of divine truth being sweet to receive yet difficult to live out, as it affects the believer's inner life.
-
Revelation of John 10:10
I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.
Here the action is completed, showing that internalizing God's word leads to a complex emotional and spiritual response rather than simple ease.
-
Revelation of John 10:2
He had in his hand a little open book. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land.
The angel holding the open scroll establishes the authority behind the message, linking the small book to cosmic power over sea and land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does biblaridion mean in the Bible?
Why does John have to eat the little scroll?
Is biblaridion different from other words for book?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 3 verses
He had in his hand a little open book. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land.
Revelation of John 10:9I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will make your…
Revelation of John 10:10I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it,…