βιβλίον (biblion)
biblion
scroll
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 30 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word biblion refers to a written document, typically in the form of a scroll or roll. As a diminutive of biblos, it originally suggested a smaller sheet of papyrus, but in New Testament usage it simply denotes a book or writing. This is evident when Jesus unrolls the scroll of Isaiah in the Nazareth synagogue (Luke 4:17) and reads from it before handing it back to the attendant.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context. In Matthew 19:7 and Mark 10:4, it describes a bill of divorce, a specific legal paper. In Revelation, it appears frequently as a sealed scroll containing divine judgments (Revelation 5:1-5) or as the book of life recording those granted eternal life (Revelation 20:12). The term covers everything from personal letters to sacred scriptures.
Translators often render biblion as "book," though this English word can imply a bound codex, which did not exist in the first century. The Greek image is of a rolled-up document ready to be read aloud. This physical form highlights the oral nature of early Christian worship, where written texts were primarily performed rather than silently studied.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word biblion reminds us that God’s message is tangible and accessible. In Luke 4, Jesus unrolls a scroll in the synagogue, showing that Scripture was meant to be read aloud and heard by the community. This physical act connects the written word to our daily lives, inviting us to listen for God’s voice in the pages of the Bible.
Later, Revelation uses this same term for the sealed book held by God. It represents divine authority and the unfolding of history. Yet, the Lamb is worthy to open it, revealing that God’s plans are not hidden away but are being revealed for our hope. Whether describing a divorce certificate or the book of life, these writings point to God’s active role in human affairs.
For your faith, this means you can trust the written Word. It is not just ancient history but a living record of God’s promises. As you read Scripture, remember that it was given to be understood and shared, bringing light to your path and comfort to your heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- book14×
- scroll8×
- books3×
- a scroll2×
- a roll2×
- scroll,1×
- of [the] book1×
- little scroll1×
- books.1×
- a book1×
- [the] scroll of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βιβλίον18×
- βιβλίῳ6×
- βιβλίου6×
- βιβλία2×
- βιβλίον,1×
- βιβλίοις1×
- βιβλία.1×
Key Verses
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Luke 4:17
The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
This verse shows the physical act of unrolling a scroll, highlighting how Jesus engaged with Scripture publicly in the synagogue.
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Revelation of John 5:5
One of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome: he who opens the book and its seven seals.”
Here the sealed book represents divine judgment and history, which only the Lion of Judah has the authority to open.
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Revelation of John 13:8
All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed.
The phrase 'book of life' uses this term to describe the eternal record of those who belong to the Lamb.