What Does the Word “Canon” Mean in Relation to the Bible?
The word canon is often used in discussions about the Bible, but it carries a rich history and specific meaning in relation to Scripture. It describes more than a list of books—it points to the authoritative standard of God’s Word, recognized and received by His people. Understanding what “canon” means in the biblical context helps clarify how the church has discerned which writings are inspired and how those writings function as the foundation for faith, life, and the proclamation of the Gospel.
This article will explore the origin of the term, its historical development, its application to the Bible, and its theological significance for the church.
1. The Origin and Historical Use of the Word “Canon”
The term canon comes from the Greek word kanōn, meaning a straight rod or measuring stick, and by extension, a standard or rule. In the ancient world, it was used to describe something that served as a criterion for correctness.
In the late fourth century AD, Christian writers began using canon to describe the authoritative list of books recognized as Scripture. Before this time, Jews and Christians used other expressions such as “the Holy Scriptures” (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15) or “the Law and the Prophets” (Luke 16:16) to refer to the collection of sacred writings. The adoption of the word canon brought the added idea of correctness—not just a list of writings, but the right list.
2. The Canon as an Authoritative Collection
In relation to the Bible, the canon refers to the complete and correct list of books that are divinely inspired and therefore authoritative for God’s people. These books are not authoritative because the church declared them so; rather, they are recognized as authoritative because they bear the marks of divine inspiration.
The canon sets the boundaries for what the church receives as God’s Word. Books outside this boundary, even if historically valuable or morally instructive, do not carry the same authority. The canon functions as the Spirit-given safeguard for the faith, ensuring that God’s people are guided by His voice rather than human opinion.
3. The Formation of the Biblical Canon
The biblical canon did not emerge all at once but formed over centuries. In the Old Testament period, writings were added as God spoke through Moses, the prophets, and other inspired authors. These books were recognized at the time of their composition as carrying divine authority (Deuteronomy 31:26; Joshua 1:8).
The New Testament canon followed a similar pattern. Apostolic writings—Gospels, letters, and other inspired works—were circulated among the churches, read in worship, and recognized as Scripture alongside the Old Testament (2 Peter 3:16). By the late fourth century, the church universally acknowledged the twenty-seven New Testament books we have today.
4. The Canon as a Standard for Faith and Practice
The word canon is not only about a list of books—it is about a standard. Just as a carpenter uses a straight edge to ensure a true line, the canon serves as the measure of truth in Christian teaching and life. All doctrine, preaching, and moral instruction must be measured against the canon of Scripture.
This standard protects the church from false teaching and ensures that the message proclaimed is consistent with God’s revelation. As Paul wrote, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
5. The Difference Between Canon and Other Collections
Throughout history, various writings have been valued by God’s people without being part of the canon. For example, Jewish communities read the Apocrypha for moral instruction, and early Christians sometimes used works like the Shepherd of Hermas for edification. However, these were never universally recognized as inspired Scripture.
The canon is distinct because it contains only those writings that meet the Spirit-led criteria of apostolic or prophetic origin, doctrinal consistency, and recognition across the covenant community. This distinction ensures that the authority of God’s Word is not diluted by human additions.
6. Theological Significance of the Canon
The canon of Scripture is central to the life of the church because it preserves the inspired testimony to God’s redemptive work in history. It tells the unified story of creation, fall, covenant, redemption, and restoration.
From the Law and the Prophets to the Gospels and Revelation, the canon reveals Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises (Luke 24:27). A closed canon means that the revelation necessary for salvation has been given in full. This protects the church from adding or subtracting from God’s Word (Revelation 22:18–19) and focuses our attention on proclaiming what God has already revealed.
7. The Canon and the Gospel
In Anthony Delgado’s view of the Gospel as bigger than a simple salvation transaction, the canon is essential because it preserves the fullness of God’s kingdom purposes. The Old Testament canon testifies to the covenant promises, the call to holiness, and the hope of the Messiah. The New Testament canon proclaims the arrival of that kingdom in Christ, His reign, and the coming renewal of all things.
The canon is the Spirit-inspired record that keeps the church’s proclamation grounded in God’s actual works and words, ensuring that our understanding of the Gospel remains faithful to God’s revealed plan.
8. The Canon as a Sign of God’s Providence
The existence of a biblical canon is a testimony to God’s providence. Across centuries, languages, and cultures, God preserved His Word in a recognizable and authoritative form. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets and apostles also guided His people to recognize and receive the books He intended for them.
Because of this providential care, the church can confidently say that in the canon we have “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
Conclusion
The word canon in relation to the Bible refers to the complete and correct list of books that God has inspired and given to His people as the authoritative standard for faith and life. It is both a boundary and a foundation—defining the scope of Scripture and serving as the measure of all Christian teaching.
The canon exists because God not only spoke but also preserved His Word, ensuring that every generation would have a trustworthy record of His covenant promises, His saving acts, and the hope of the Gospel fulfilled in Christ.
