Definition of scripture

The word "scripture" derives from the Latin word "scriptura," which means "writing" or "something written down." This term was adopted by early Christians to describe the sacred texts they revered, specifically the Greek and Hebrew scriptures that they believed were divinely inspired and authoritative. The original Greek word used for these writings was "graphē," meaning "writing," which was later translated into Latin as "scriptura." The English word "scripture" is derived from the Middle English "scriptur" and Old French "escriture," both senses of which trace back to the Latin "scriptura." Ultimately, the term "scripture" refers to the written word of God, considered to be divine revelation and the chief source of religious authority and truth.