scriptural

Scriptural is an adjective used to describe something relating to sacred writings or scriptures within a religious tradition. In general use, it can refer to content that appears in scriptures, to the authority attributed to those writings, or to beliefs and practices derived from them. The term commonly appears in theological, biblical, and religious studies to distinguish scriptural material from tradition, reason, or personal experience.

Etymology and scope: Scriptural derives from Late Middle English, rooted in Latin scriptura, meaning writing. While most often encountered in Christian discourse, it can apply to any canon of sacred texts, including the Hebrew Bible, the Qur’an, the Vedas, or other revered scriptures. In scholarly contexts, scriptural denotes the text itself or the claims grounded in sacred writings, sometimes contrasted with non-scriptural sources of authority.

Usage and nuance: The phrase appears in combinations such as scriptural basis, scriptural injunctions, or scriptural inerrancy. Some religious traditions treat scriptural authority as binding for doctrine and practice, while others emphasize the role of tradition, reason, or community interpretation alongside the scriptures. In secular or critical contexts, citing something as scriptural can indicate that an argument rests on religious texts rather than empirical evidence, which may invite scrutiny or debate about interpretation and context. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with biblical, though scriptural can carry a broader, cross‑textual emphasis.

See also: scripture, canonical texts, hermeneutics, scriptural interpretation. The word serves as a descriptive tool across doctrinal settings to indicate relationship to sacred writings.