### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **bibliarídion**, represented by `{{G974}}`, is a diminutive term for a booklet or **little book**. It is found **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, all within the book of Revelation. Its meaning is derived from its role in a specific divine vision, representing a message to be consumed and understood.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G974}}` appears exclusively in the vision described in Revelation 10. A mighty **angel** `{{G32}}` is seen standing on the **sea** `{{G2281}}` and the **earth** `{{G1093}}`, holding this **little book** open in his **hand** `{{G5495}}` [[Revelation 10:2]]. A **voice** `{{G5456}}` from **heaven** `{{G3772}}` commands the Apostle John to **go** `{{G5217}}` and **take** `{{G2983}}` the **little book** from the angel [[Revelation 10:8]]. John obeys, and the angel instructs him to **eat** `{{G2719}}` it, prophesying that it will be **sweet** `{{G1099}}` as **honey** `{{G3192}}` in his **mouth** `{{G4750}}` but will make his **belly** `{{G2836}}` **bitter** `{{G4087}}` [[Revelation 10:9]]. John's experience confirms this prophecy precisely [[Revelation 10:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the experience of receiving the **little book**:
* `{{G2719}}` **katesthíō** (to eat down, i.e. devour): This word describes the command to consume the book, signifying a complete internalization of its message [[Revelation 10:9]]. It is used literally and figuratively to mean **devour**.
* `{{G1099}}` **glykýs** (sweet): This describes the initial taste of the **little book** in John's mouth, suggesting the message is at first pleasant to receive [[Revelation 10:10]].
* `{{G4087}}` **pikraínō** (to embitter): This describes the after-effect of the book once eaten, indicating that the content, once digested, brings bitterness or sorrow [[Revelation 10:10]].
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (a messenger; especially an "angel"): The **little book** is delivered by a divine **messenger**, establishing its heavenly origin and authority [[Revelation 10:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G974}}` is tied to its symbolic function within prophecy.
* **Receiving Divine Revelation:** The act of taking the **little book** from an **angel** `{{G32}}` after a command from **heaven** `{{G3772}}` illustrates the process of receiving a direct and authoritative word from God [[Revelation 10:8]].
* **Internalizing the Prophetic Word:** John is commanded to **eat** `{{G2719}}` the scroll. This physical act represents the necessity for a prophet to fully internalize and make the divine message a part of themselves before proclaiming it.
* **The Duality of God's Message:** The experience of the book being **sweet** `{{G1099}}` in the mouth but **bitter** `{{G4087}}` in the **belly** `{{G2836}}` is profoundly symbolic. It suggests that the revelation of God's plans can be a joy to receive, but its content—which often includes judgment and hardship—is sorrowful to bear and proclaim [[Revelation 10:9-10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G974}}` signifies far more than a simple booklet. It is a potent symbol of divine revelation within the book of Revelation. The act of eating the **little book** and its resulting sweet and bitter effects powerfully illustrate the nature of a prophetic calling: the joyous reception of God's word, coupled with the sorrowful weight of the message that must be delivered.
TRV