The word “biblical” is an adjective that refers to something related to or described in the Bible. Here are some quick tips for using “biblical” correctly in a sentence:
Basic Usage
“Biblical” is capitalized when referring specifically to the Bible itself. For example:
“He studied Biblical history in college.”
“Her favorite Biblical story is the parable of the Good Samaritan.”
However, “biblical” is not capitalized when using it as an adjective to describe something having qualities or characteristics related to the Bible. For example:
“He had a biblical beard, long and gray.”
“She spoke with biblical wisdom that seemed beyond her years.”
Describing Size or Proportion
“Biblical” can be used to describe something of tremendous size, scale, or proportion, to suggest it is of biblical importance or significance. For example:
“The billionaire’s mansion was of biblical proportions, with over 50 rooms.”
“After the hurricane, the coastal region faced biblical flooding that overwhelmed local emergency services.”
“She told a biblical lie, fabricating every detail of her story without remorse.”
Referring to Traditional Morality
Because the Bible serves as the basis for much traditional Judeo-Christian morality, “biblical” can mean old-fashioned, traditional, or morally conservative. For example:
“He took a biblical stance against premarital relations.”
“Her parents had very biblical beliefs about gender roles and family structures.”
“The lawmaker’s biblical views on sexuality led him to oppose marriage equality.”
Describing Events of Great Significance
The Bible contains accounts of events viewed as having great historical and spiritual significance. So “biblical” can also be used to characterize important or momentous events. For example:
“Wall Street experienced a biblical crash on Black Monday in 1987.”
“With war raging and the economy in ruins, the people faced truly biblical tribulations.”
“After decades of oppression, the country finally experienced a biblical wave of democracy during the Arab Spring.”
Referring to Mythic Antiquity
Since the Bible contains ancient stories dating back thousands of years, “biblical” can be used to suggest something extremely old or antiquated. For example:
“The presidential candidate’s views felt positively biblical in today’s social climate.”
“With its stone walls and antiquated customs, the village had a biblical atmosphere lost in time.”
“Dinosaurs truly seem like biblical creatures when compared to today’s animals.”
Describing Punishments or Retribution
Wrathful punishments and plagues are a common theme in biblical stories. So “biblical” can refer to severe punishments or harsh vengeance. For example:
“After the insider trading scandal, the CEO faced biblical wrath from shareholders and regulators.”
“Ancient kings often delivered biblical punishments to enemies of the state.”
“The rivals agreed to end their feud before it escalated into a biblical war.”
In Reference to Angels, Demons, or Mythical Beings
The Bible makes reference to angels, demons, and other mythical beings. So “biblical” can be used to characterize something supernatural, spiritual, or celestial. For example:
“The prophet claimed to have received a biblical vision from divine beings.”
“The book contained biblical tales of angels and demons warring with mankind.”
“On the winter solstice, many ancient cultures performed biblical rituals to entreat otherworldly spirits.”
When Referring to Abundance or Fertility
Biblical lands like ancient Israel are described as lands “flowing with milk and honey.” So “biblical” can suggest bounty and plenty. For example:
“After the drought, the rainy season brought about biblical flooding and vegetation.”
“The biblical harvest produced more food than the village could store.”
“Thanks to favorable weather, the vineyards yielded a biblical bounty of grapes.”
In Reference to Destruction or Devastation
The Bible also contains many stories of destruction and devastation, especially in relation to God’s wrath. So “biblical” can be used to describe total annihilation or obliteration. For example:
“The tornado left biblical destruction in its wake, flattening entire neighborhoods.”
“Famine led to a biblical loss of life across the country.”
“The once-thriving city suffered biblical devastation during the war.”
When Referring to something Foundational or Influential
Because the Bible has had such a profound influence on Western society, “biblical” can be used to describe concepts, texts, or ideas that are foundational or profoundly influential. For example:
“The Constitution has taken on an almost biblical importance in American society.”
“Shakespeare’s plays have become biblical pillars of English literature.”
“The scientist’s theories completely upended biblical understandings of the universe.”
In Reference to something Extremely Rare or Unique
Certain biblical items, like the Ark of the Covenant, are described as singular in nature. So “biblical” can mean one-of-a-kind, unparalleled, or exceedingly rare. For example:
“Seeing a living dinosaur would be a nearly biblical event.”
“The artifact was of biblical rarity, with only a handful like it in the world.”
“For the impoverished nation, oil reserves were a biblical find offering economic salvation.”
When Referring to Laws, Rules, or Commandments
Rules and commandments make up a large part of biblical scripture. So “biblical” can be used to describe concepts bearing the weight of unbreakable rules or divine law. For example:
“In their faith, the ten commandments carried biblical authority.”
“To the autocratic ruler, his every decree held biblical force.”
“Scholars debated whether the constitution had biblical immutability or if it could be changed.”
When Referring to Prophecies, Omens, or Divinations
Biblical prophets proclaimed divine visions of the future. So “biblical” can apply to prophecies, omens, predictions, and divinations. For example:
“Conspiracy theorists often seek biblical meanings hidden in current events.”
“The psychic claimed to have received a biblical vision revealing the exact day the world would end.”
“In many cultures, natural disasters were viewed as biblical omens of coming calamity.”
In Reference to Teachings, Parables, or Morals
Biblical scripture contains many parables and lessons. So “biblical” can be used regarding wisdom, Ethics, or educational concepts. For example:
“The professor frequently referenced biblical teachings when lecturing on moral philosophy.”
“Mother Teresa was renowned for living a life of biblical virtue and service.”
“The priest concluded his homily with a biblical lesson on forgiveness.”
When Referring to a Calling, Destiny, or Purpose
Characters in biblical stories often have divine callings or predestined purposes. So “biblical” can apply to concepts of fate, destiny, and life-purpose. For example:
“Joan of Arc believed she had a biblical calling to save France.”
“After his epiphany, the hero understood his biblical purpose was to protect the endangered rainforest.”
“Abraham Lincoln felt he had a biblical appointment with destiny to preserve the United States.”
Conclusion
In summary, the word “biblical” has a broad range of meaning depending on the context. It can refer to anything related to:
- The Bible itself
- Morality and tradition
- Antiquity and ancient times
- Spirituality, prophecy, and divination
- Destruction and devastation
- Abundance and fertility
- Foundational texts and ideas
- Singular artifacts and events
- Divine laws and commandments
- Wisdom and ethics
- Destiny and purpose
When using “biblical” in a sentence, consider the context carefully. Biblical can imply religious reverence or moral gravity, but also severity and ultra-traditionalism. Use it thoughtfully to craft tone and convey the desired meaning.
Here are some additional example sentences illustrating various uses of “biblical”:
The drought had left the land barren, causing biblical starvation across the country.
As the waters of the flood receded, survivors emerged to find their towns in biblical ruins.
The young philosopher argued that truth holds biblical authority over the illusions of mere perception.
By preserving ancient texts, medieval monks saved much biblical wisdom that would otherwise have been lost.
The media baron was said to possess a biblical rage, demanding absolute loyalty from his cowed employees.
To the wayward son, his father’s disapproval carried biblical weight, even long after leaving home.
Ancient civilizations structured their calendar according to the biblical movements of the sun, moon, and stars.
The once-thriving port had become a biblical ghost town, its abandoned buildings echoing with silence.
Religious miracles often seem less plausible in today’s world of scientific reason versus biblical belief.
Entrepreneurs need a nearly biblical passion to persist through all the challenges of starting a business.
Volcanic eruptions were once thought to be biblical omens sent by angered gods.
The reportedly haunted forest took on a biblical aura at night, with bare trees seeming to whisper ominously.
His biblically themed paintings featured religious icons battling armies of demons and monsters.
The team’s miracle comeback was made even more biblical by the fact it occurred on Easter Sunday.
Some people pursue fame and reputation with a nearly biblical fervor.
The company’s founder believed prosperity came from biblical virtues of discipline, thrift, and self-denial.
The ambitious social media influencer treated gaining followers as a biblical quest.
Quantum physics reveals a biblical wonder in the fabric of reality at microscopic scales.
The constitution has taken on biblical authority as the foundational legal document of the democracy.
The imperial capital was graced with biblical architecture, its palace and temples embellished by master craftsmen.
His biblically angry tirades were so fierce, they seemed to shake the very walls of the parliamentary chamber.
She lived in devout isolation as a hermit, believing she had a biblical duty to pray in solitude.
Some elements of pagan mythology have their roots in biblical stories passed down over thousands of years.
The queen saw illness and mortality as simply the biblical law of the universe to which all must submit.
He escorted his daughter down the aisle with biblical pride, envisioning the wonderful life she had ahead of her.
