Escrituras

Escrituras is a plural term used in Spanish and Portuguese to refer to sacred writings considered authoritative within a religious tradition. In Christian contexts, las Escrituras usually denotes the biblical books regarded as sacred, typically the Old Testament and the New Testament. Catholic usage often includes the deuterocanonical books, while Protestant canons vary by tradition. In Jewish contexts, the canonical Hebrew scriptures are commonly referred to as the Tanakh, though some uses of “Escrituras” may point to the Hebrew Bible as a whole.

Beyond religious usage, the word also has a non-religious sense meaning writings or documents in general. The term derives from Latin scriptura, via escriptura or escritura, and its plural form reflects its application to a corpus or collection of texts. In Iberian languages, the expression is common in both religious and secular contexts.

Transmission and canon formation play a central role in how scriptures are studied and used. Sacred texts are transmitted through manuscript traditions and later printed editions, with significant milestones such as the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint translation, and the Latin Vulgate. Modern scholarship emphasizes critical editions, manuscript variants, and translation into contemporary languages. Different denominations establish canons and interpretive frameworks that influence doctrine, liturgy, and ethical teaching.

The study and use of scriptures intersect theology, history, philology, and cultural studies. They shape religious practice, legal and ethical discussions, education, and the arts, while also generating debates about authorship, historical context, and the meaning of ancient texts in contemporary life.