Translation guide
The English word "Scripture" refers to sacred writings, especially the Bible. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 聖書 (seisho), which specifically means the Bible. For other religious texts, different terms are used.
To refer to the Christian Bible as a whole or its contents.
The standard word for the Bible. It can refer to the entire book or specific passages.
毎日聖書を読んでいます。
I read Scripture every day.
聖書の言葉は力があります。
The words of Scripture are powerful.
Literally "words of the Bible," used to refer to a specific verse or teaching.
この聖書の言葉を覚えましょう。
Let's memorize this Scripture.
A specific verse or passage from the Bible. Often used in church contexts.
今日の聖句はヨハネ3章16節です。
Today's Scripture is John 3:16.
To refer to holy texts of religions other than Christianity.
General term for sacred scriptures, especially Buddhist sutras. Can be used for other religions' texts.
仏教の経典を研究しています。
I am studying Buddhist scriptures.
Sacred book or scripture. More formal and can refer to any religion's holy text.
To describe a book or writing that is treated as an ultimate authority in a field.
Loanword from English 'Bible', used figuratively for any authoritative guidebook.
この本はプログラマーのバイブルです。
This book is the programmer's scripture.
Literally 'like a Bible', used to emphasize the authority of a text.
この辞書は私にとって聖書のような存在です。
This dictionary is like scripture to me.
In English, 'Scripture' is often capitalized when referring to the Bible. In Japanese, 聖書 is not capitalized, but context makes the meaning clear. When referring to non-Christian texts, avoid using 聖書, as it specifically means the Bible.
イスラム教の聖典はコーランです。
The scripture of Islam is the Quran.