The Bible is A Book Like No Other:

The Bible is a book truly like no other. The Word of God is what we love, learn from, and live by every day. Why is this so? It’s not just a book from God (2 Tim. 3:16) that helps us learn about Him; the Word of God is God (John 1:1). God’s word is distinct from anything else!

There are countless adjectives we could use to describe the Word of God (amazing, wonderful, magnificent come to mind), but how does the Word of God describe itself? Here are nine characteristics of the Word of God, straight from scripture, which are essential for true Biblical literacy and deep scripture reading.

1. True 

• Psalm 119:160 KJV – “Thy word [is] true [from] the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments [endureth] for ever.”
• John 17:17 KJV – “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” word is truth.”

God’s word is true, and it has always been true! This means it is certain, sure, and faithful. There is nothing false about it. While human words may (at best) be mistaken or (at worst) outright lies, God’s Word is always true! It is dependable, accurate, and trustworthy. Looking for the truth? Tired of the lies? Go to the Word.

2. Tried

• 2 Samuel 22:31 KJV – “[As for] God, his way [is] perfect; the word of the LORD [is] tried: he [is] a buckler to all them that trust in him.”
• Psalm 18:30 KJV – “[As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

The Word of God is tried! “Tried” means it has been “found good, faithful, or trustworthy through experience or testing” (Merriam Webster Unabridged). There are so many witnesses (from the Old Testament, New Testament, or the 21st Century) that could attest: they TRIED the Word of God and it works! It is tried, tested, and true at all times. Understanding this characteristic is vital for anyone engaged in scripture teaching.

3. Pure

• Proverbs 30:5 KJV – “Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”
• Psalm 119:140 KJV – “Thy word [is] very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.”
• Psalm 12:6 KJV – “The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.”

The Word of God – every single word He gave – is pure. Just like silver that has gone through the fire to be purified, His Word has ZERO impurities. It is spotless and stainless. There is nothing in it that will harm you. God’s word is not to be mixed with anything (except our faith – Heb. 4:2), and we never need to add anything or take anything away (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19) because it’s pure! This purity makes it the invaluable foundation of all Christian education.

4. Right

• Psalm 33:4 KJV – “For the word of the LORD [is] right; and all his works [are done] in truth.”
  

Somebody is wrong, but the Word of God (that is true) is always right! The Hebrew word for right (S:3477) is defined as straight and often translated in scripture as right, upright, and righteous. That makes sense because if you want to be righteous and in right standing with God, you must obey what the Word of God says. If everybody has an opinion and you’re not sure who’s right, study the Bible online and SEARCH the scriptures; the Word of God is always right!

5. Perfect

• James 1:25 KJV – “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
• Psalm 19:7 KJV – “The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.”

The Word of God is perfect – it is without blemish, without spot, so there is NOTHING wrong with it. It is entire and complete, so there is nothing it lacks and nothing that needs to be added. There are no errors, no faults, or defects – it is flawless, accurate, and precise. Why? It is HIS Word and despite those who have tried to fight, change, and corrupt it, God has kept and preserved His Word of God forever (Psa. 12:7). It’s perfect! 

6. Profitable

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV – “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
  

Isn’t that amazing? The Word of God comes from God, so it makes sense that what God gives would be profitable, making us perfect, and giving us what we need for every good work. That Greek word for profitable (S:5624) is defined as helpful, serviceable, and advantageous. The Word of God – when we study the Bible, meditate on it, and APPLY it – certainly yields benefits and gains in this life and the next. These benefits are a core reason why many seek Bible study resources.

7. Quick

• Hebrews 4:12 KJV – “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
  

The Word of God being “quick” doesn’t mean fast; the Greek word is actually a verb that means “to live.” The Word of God, which is God, is ALIVE! It is not a dead, stale, dusty book; the Word of God is living, working, and operating on us, speaking to us in real time. That is why it can heal (Psa. 107:20), save (James 1:21), and accomplish (Isa. 55:1). That is why the Word of God is always relevant. It’s alive! This makes scripture reading a dynamic experience.

8. Powerful

• Hebrews 4:12 KJV – “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
  

The Word of God is powerful! The Greek word (S:1756) in this verse is defined as active and operative, but it’s translated effectual. The Word of God is powerful enough to have an effect on us!

This is why Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica and said, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). If we accept His Word of God is like no one else’s and then BELIEVE it, it can actively work on us in ways that will transform our lives for eternity. THAT is powerful.

9. Sharp

• Hebrews 4:12 KJV – “For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Finally, the Word of God is SHARPer than any two-edged sword. That word for sharper is a Greek word (S:5114) that means to cut, and it is a comprehensive and decisive cut. The Word of God works on us, piercing to the deepest parts of us and dealing with the issues of our hearts and the details of our mind. It cuts out what shouldn’t be (if we let it) and changes us so we’re more like Him! Thank God for His Word that is working on us!

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Which characteristic of the Word of God have you learned and experienced in your life? Which one stands out most to you? Comment below and let us know, and download the FREE chart, “What is the Word?” in Just Word Academy today for more Bible study resources and to further your Biblical literacy!