Biblically

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that is connected to the sacred texts of religion, particularly those of Christianity and Judaism
2. In a manner indicative of themes, stories, or principles associated with the Bible and its moral teachings
3. In a manner relating directly to the Bible or its religious doctrines

Etymology: The adverb "biblically" is simply the English adjective "biblical" with the suffix "-ly" attached, so its real history lies in the adjective. That adjective is built from "Biblia," the Latinised form of the Greek "biblia," meaning "books," which itself comes from "biblos," the word for papyrus and, by extension, a written scroll. The Greek word for papyrus is traced back to the Byblos port in Phoenicia, from which papyrus was exported, so the ancient name of a city lies buried inside the book. The Latin "Biblia" was borrowed into Medieval Latin as "biblicus," meaning "of the Bible," and this gave rise to the English adjective "biblical" through Old French and Latin "-alis" forms. The adjective is therefore a learned inheritance from Latin rather than a native English word. The suffix "-ly" is native English, descending from an Old English form meaning "like" or "having the appearance of." Attaching it to "biblical" produces an adverb describing an action done in the manner of the Bible's themes or teachings.

Synonyms: scripturally, theologically, religiously, spiritually, doctrinally