a diminutive of βίβλος; a roll:--bill, book, scroll, writing.
Transliteration:biblíon
Pronunciation:bib-lee'-on
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
G975 (biblíon) is a diminutive form of G976 (bíblos), which refers to papyrus or a scroll made from it. Consequently, G975 carries the core meaning of a "small scroll" or "little book." Its semantic range extends to any written document, including a "bill," "certificate," "letter," or a more substantial "book" or "volume." The emphasis remains on a physical written artifact, often implying a specific, contained document rather than an extensive library. The ancient world's primary form of written text was the scroll, hence the frequent translation as "scroll" or "roll."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G975 appears notably in the Gospels and the Book of Revelation.
In the Gospels, it is exclusively used in the context of a "bill of divorce" (βιβλίον ἀποστασίου). For instance, [[Matthew 19:7]] and [[Mark 10:4]] record the Pharisees questioning Jesus about Moses' command to "give her a certificate of divorce." Here, biblíon signifies a legal, binding document that formally dissolved a marriage.
In the Book of Revelation, G975 takes on profound theological significance, appearing frequently:
* [[Revelation 1:11]] commands John to "write in a book what you see." This establishes the very nature of Revelation as a divine written message.
* Most prominently, [[Revelation 5:1-9]] introduces "a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals." This scroll represents God's sovereign plan, destiny, and the unfolding of redemptive history, which only the Lamb is worthy to open. Its unrolling in [[Revelation 6:14]] vividly depicts cosmic upheaval.
* [[Revelation 10:2, 8-10]] describes "a little scroll" (βιβλαρίδιον, a further diminutive, but related to G975) eaten by John, signifying the internalization of prophetic revelation, sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach, reflecting the dual nature of God's word.
* [[Revelation 20:12]] speaks of "books" (plural, βιβλία) being opened, representing divine records of human deeds, and "another book was opened, which is the book of life." These are the basis for final judgment and salvation.
* Finally, [[Revelation 22:7, 9, 10, 18, 19]] repeatedly refers to "the words of the prophecy of this book," solidifying Revelation itself as the inspired, authoritative biblíon that must not be altered.
### Related Words & Concepts
* G976 (bíblos): The root word for G975, meaning "papyrus," "book," or "scroll." While G975 is a diminutive, the two terms are often used with similar semantic range in the New Testament.
* G1120 (gramma): Refers to a "letter" of the alphabet, or more broadly, "writing" or a "written document," often emphasizing the content or the act of writing rather than the physical form.
* G1125 (graphō): The verb "to write," which is the action intrinsically linked to the existence of a biblíon.
* **Concepts:** The use of G975 evokes concepts of divine revelation, legal documentation, divine decree, prophecy, record-keeping, judgment, and the authoritative nature of God's written word.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G975 is profound, particularly within the eschatological framework of Revelation.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation:** The "scroll with seven seals" in [[Revelation 5]] is perhaps the most potent theological image associated with G975. It encapsulates God's absolute sovereignty over history, His preordained plan for creation, redemption, and judgment. The opening of the seals signifies the unfolding of this divine purpose, revealed progressively.
* **Accountability and Justice:** The "books" opened in [[Revelation 20:12]] underscore God's perfect knowledge and meticulous record-keeping of all human deeds. This highlights the principle of divine justice, where judgment is based on an infallible account. The "book of life" simultaneously speaks to God's gracious election and the eternal security of those whose names are inscribed within it.
* **The Authority of Scripture:** The repeated reference to Revelation itself as "this book" ([[Revelation 22:7, 9, 10, 18, 19]]) imbues the entire prophetic message with divine authority. It is a sealed, complete, and unalterable word from God, demanding faithful adherence and warning against any addition or subtraction.
* **Covenant and Law:** The "bill of divorce" in the Gospels, while a concession to human sinfulness, reflects the Mosaic Law's provision for formal legal documentation, illustrating the role of written instruments in God's dealings with humanity under the Old Covenant.
### Summary
G975 (biblíon), a diminutive of G976 (bíblos), denotes a "scroll," "book," or "written document." Its usage spans from the practical, legal "bill of divorce" in the Gospels to the deeply symbolic and theological "scrolls" and "books" in Revelation. Theologically, biblíon powerfully conveys God's sovereign control over history and salvation ([[Revelation 5:1]]), the meticulousness of divine record-keeping and the basis for ultimate judgment and salvation ([[Revelation 20:12]]), and the absolute authority and immutability of God's written prophetic word ([[Revelation 22:18-19]]). The term consistently points to the critical role of written communication as a medium for divine revelation, decree, and human accountability.
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