skrip´t̬ū́r ( ἡ γραφή , hē graphḗ , plural αἱ γραφαί , hai graphaı́ ): The word means "writing." In the Old Testament it occurs in the King James Version only once, "the scripture of truth," in Daniel 10:21 , where it is more correctly rendered in the Revised Version (British and American), "the writing of truth." The reference is not to Holy Scripture, but to the book in which are inscribed God's purposes. In the New Testament, "scripture" and "scriptures" stand regularly for the Old Testament sacred books regarded as "inspired" (2 Timothy 3:16 ), "the oracles of God" (Romans 3:2 ). Compare on this usage Matthew 21:42; Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:10; Luke 4:21; Luke 24:27 , Luke 24:32 , Luke 24:45; John 5:39; John 10:35; Acts 8:32; Acts 17:2 , Acts 17:11; Romans 15:4; Romans 16:26 , etc.; in Romans 1:2 , "holy scriptures." See BIBLE . The expression "holy scriptures" in 2 Timothy 3:15 the King James Version represents different words ( hierá grámmata ) and is properly rendered in the Revised Version (British and American) "sacred writings." In 2 Peter 3:16 , the term "scriptures" is extended to the Eppistle of Paul. In James 4:5 , the words occur: "Think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying?" The passage is probably rather a summary of Scripture teaching than intended as a direct quotation. Others (e.g. Westcott) think the word is used in a wide sense of a Christian hymn.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
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