Topical Encyclopedia The term "compile" refers to the act of gathering, collecting, and organizing information or texts into a structured format. In the context of the Bible, compiling involves the process by which various books, letters, and writings were collected and arranged to form the canonical Scriptures as we know them today.Biblical Compilation Process The Bible is a compilation of 66 books, divided into the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, consists of texts that were compiled over centuries, reflecting the religious history, laws, prophecies, and poetry of the Israelites. The New Testament contains writings that were compiled in the early Christian era, documenting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Church. Old Testament Compilation The Old Testament was compiled from various sources, including oral traditions, historical records, and prophetic writings. Key figures such as Moses, David, and the prophets played significant roles in the authorship and preservation of these texts. The process of compiling the Old Testament was guided by divine inspiration, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16 : "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The Hebrew Bible was traditionally divided into three sections: the Torah (Law), the Nevi'im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). The compilation of these texts was completed by the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, who were instrumental in re-establishing the Jewish community and its religious practices after the Babylonian exile. New Testament Compilation The New Testament was compiled from the writings of the apostles and early Christian leaders. The Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation were written in the first century A.D. and circulated among the early Christian communities. The process of compiling the New Testament involved discerning which writings were inspired and authoritative, a task undertaken by the early Church Fathers. The Berean Standard Bible reflects the belief that the New Testament writings were divinely inspired, as seen in 2 Peter 1:21 : "For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." Role of Scribes and Scholars Scribes and scholars played a crucial role in the compilation and preservation of biblical texts. They meticulously copied manuscripts, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the Scriptures. The Masoretes, a group of Jewish scribes, were particularly influential in preserving the Hebrew text of the Old Testament through their development of the Masoretic Text. Canonization The process of canonization was essential in compiling the Bible. It involved recognizing which books were divinely inspired and authoritative for teaching and doctrine. The canon of the Old Testament was largely established by the time of Jesus, who affirmed its authority in passages such as Luke 24:44 : "He said to them, 'These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.'" The New Testament canon was formalized by the fourth century A.D., with Church councils affirming the 27 books that are recognized today. This compilation was guided by criteria such as apostolic authorship, consistency with Christian doctrine, and widespread acceptance among the early churches. Significance of Compilation The compilation of the Bible is a testament to God's providence in preserving His Word for future generations. It reflects the unity and coherence of Scripture, despite being written by multiple authors over many centuries. The Bible's compilation underscores its role as the authoritative guide for faith and practice, as emphasized in Psalm 119:105 : "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To put together; to construct; to build.2. (v. t.) To contain or comprise. 3. (v. t.) To put together in a new form out of materials already existing; esp., to put together or compose out of materials from other books or documents. 4. (v. t.) To write; to compose. Greek 392. anatassomai -- to arrange in order ... restore from memory. Word Origin from ana and tasso Definition to arrange in order NASB Word Usage compile (1). set in order. From ana ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/392.htm - 6k Library Preface of Dr. Martin Luther. Translator's Preface Training of Ministers and Teachers Neglected. Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ Of Julian; his Lineage and Education; his Elevation to The Prologue. Efforts at Unity and Peace. Council of Seleucia. Justus Falckner. Chronological Recapitulation of the Whole Work: Also Concerning ... Thesaurus Compile (1 Occurrence)... from other books or documents. 4. (vt) To write; to compose. Multi-Version Concordance Compile (1 Occurrence). Luke 1:1 Since many ... /c/compile.htm - 7k Complacence (1 Occurrence) Competitor (1 Occurrence) Library Synoptic Nineveh (23 Occurrences) Gospels Resources What is GotQuestions.org's privacy policy? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hildegard of Bingen? | GotQuestions.org Why are the numbers in Ezra so different from those in Nehemiah? | GotQuestions.org Compile: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Compile (1 Occurrence)Luke 1:1 Subtopics Related Terms |