### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **biblíon**, represented by `{{G975}}`, is a term for a **roll**, **book**, **scroll**, or **writing**. It appears 32 times across 28 unique verses in the Bible. As a diminutive of βίβλος, it often refers to a specific written document, from legal bills to sacred prophetic texts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G975}}` is used in several important contexts. It frequently appears in the book of Revelation to describe prophetic writings, most notably the sealed **book** that only the Lamb is worthy to open ([[Revelation 5:1]], [[Revelation 5:5]]). It also refers to the "book of life," where the names of the redeemed are recorded [[Revelation 21:27]]. Beyond prophecy, it can denote a legal document, such as the "writing of divorcement" mentioned in the Gospels [[Matthew 19:7]]. The term is also used for scripture itself, as when Jesus was handed the **book** of the prophet Esaias in the synagogue [[Luke 4:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and use of **biblíon**:
* `{{G976}}` **bíblos** (book): The parent word from which **biblíon** is derived, it refers to a sheet or scroll of writing, often used for significant records like "the **book** of the generation of Jesus Christ" [[Matthew 1:1]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (to write): This verb describes the action of creating the content within a **biblíon**. It is frequently used in the phrase "it is **written**" to signify the authority of scripture [[Galatians 3:10]].
* `{{G647}}` **apostásion** (divorcement): This term is specifically paired with **biblíon** to form the legal phrase "writing of **divorcement**," a formal bill required by the Law of Moses [[Mark 10:4]].
* `{{G2777}}` **kephalís** (volume): This word, meaning a roll, is used alongside **biblíon** in a quotation referencing Christ, "in the **volume** of the book it is written of me" [[Hebrews 10:7]], emphasizing the form of ancient scrolls.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G975}}` is profound, especially in its eschatological use.
* **Divine Judgment and Record-Keeping:** The imagery of opened **books** in Revelation establishes that God keeps a perfect record of human works, which form the basis for judgment [[Revelation 20:12]]. This is contrasted with the "book of life," which is the record of salvation.
* **Christ's Unique Authority:** The sealed **book** in Revelation 5 can be opened by no one in heaven or on earth except the Lamb who was slain, linking Christ's redemptive sacrifice directly to the authority to enact God's revealed plan [[Revelation 5:9]].
* **The Sanctity of Prophecy:** The "book of this prophecy" in Revelation is presented as a closed and complete revelation from God. A severe warning is issued against adding to or taking away from the words of the **book**, which would result in adding plagues or forfeiting one's part in the book of life ([[Revelation 22:18]], [[Revelation 22:19]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G975}}` is a multifaceted word that signifies more than just a physical object. It encompasses legal documents, collections of personal writings, and, most importantly, the sacred scrolls containing divine revelation. From the "bill of divorcement" to the "book of life," **biblíon** is a cornerstone for understanding how God's law, judgment, and redemptive history are recorded and revealed in scripture.
TRV