biblically

Biblically is an adverb in English meaning in a manner that is true to, derived from, or consistent with the Bible. The adjective biblical, from Late Latin biblicus and Greek byblikos through Latin, denotes relation to the Bible. The adverb form biblically dates from at least the early modern period and is used to indicate that a claim, interpretation, or depiction aligns with biblical text or principles.

Usage and sense

Biblically is common in religious, scholarly, and public discourse. It often appears in phrases such as biblically based, biblically grounded, biblically mandated, or biblically sanctioned, signaling that a position derives from or adheres to biblical sources. In contemporary media and culture, it is frequently used hyperbolically to describe portrayals or interpretations as being faithful to biblical accounts, sometimes in a straightforward or critical sense.

Nuance and related terms

Biblically is closely related to scripturally and biblically aligned concepts, but usage preferences can vary. Scripturally emphasizes reference to scriptures in a more formal or generic sense, whereas biblically stresses the Bible specifically as the authoritative text for a given claim. In practice, writers may use the terms interchangeably, though some contexts draw a distinction between adherence to biblical text versus broader religious tradition or doctrine.

Examples of contexts

Scholarly discussions may assess a historical interpretation as biblically informed. Critics might label a film or novel as biblically accurate or biblically faithful when it follows the narrative or moral contours of the Bible. In religious teaching, statements described as biblically true are presented as grounded in biblical scripture.

Overall, biblically functions as a precise, though sometimes evaluative, way to link ideas directly to the Bible.