The word "Bible" does not occur in the Holy Scriptures. The English word "Bible" is a manufactured, made-up word. Its origin is in the Greek word for the papyrus (pa-Pie-rus) plant that the Egyptians used to make paper. The Greeks called the plant biblos and eventually writing products derived from the plant such as scrolls became known as biblos. There is even an ancient Phoenician city named "Byblos" whose name is derived from its extensive manufacturer and trade in writing materials. To invent the word Bible, scholars borrowed the plural Greek word "biblia" meaning scrolls, or "little books" and created the English word Bible.
The Greeks still use the term biblos today. During a trip through customs at the Athens airport in Greece the author had to register some ancient pottery he was transporting from Israel to a museum in the U.S.A. Sitting in a little side office in the airport the customs officer reached over to a stack of record books which he had hand labeled Biblos and entered the pertinent information.
Additionally, among the terms employed by the sacred writers to designate the collection of books which we call "the Bible" are these: The Scriptures, The Holy Scriptures; The Word; The Word of Truth; The Law and the Prophets; The Old and New Testaments. During the time it took to write the books of the Bible, probably over 1200 years, the writings were circulated individually or in groups. It was not until the 4th century A.D. that the books were all put in a single volume

Blessings in your study of God's Word!

Marvin Hunt

There is never a charge for my articles, and if you have a good reason, there is no limit to how many you may request. However, if you find them valuable you may want to order my latest book, History, Mystery and Facts About the Bible. Order at 1-800-845-7618 (ext. 301). You may also order from Amazon.com. Proceeds from the book go to support this ministry.

Blessings!
Marvin Hunt

Http://www.biblehistory.com

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