Sacred Scripture is the written word of God produced under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (CCC 81-82). It consists of the word of God expressed in human language (Leo XIII, “Providentissimus Deus”; St. Augustine, “Gen. ad Litt.” 2, 9, 20) and is inspired by the Spirit of God (2 Tim 3:16; cf 2 Pet 1:20-21). Because of this divine origin, Sacred Scripture cannot be annulled (John 10:35).

The identification of these texts as Sacred Scripture resulted from a long process of discernment by communities who recognized specific writings as the Word of God (Dei Verbum, 11). These texts were found to be capable of providing guidance for daily life and arousing faith, eventually becoming the common property of the entire people of God (Dei Verbum, 11).

Sacred Scripture is closely related to and mutually informative with Sacred Tradition, as both flow from the same divine source (CCC 80). Together, they serve as complementary sources of divine revelation (First Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Catholic Faith, Chap. 2; Pius XII, encyclical “Divino Afflante Spiritu”). While Scripture is the written word of God, Tradition transmits the Word of God that was entrusted to the apostles by Christ and the Holy Spirit (CCC 81-82).

There is a fundamental continuity between the Old and New Testaments, as both share a common God and central themes of creation, providence, liberation, and salvation. The New Testament affirms that the Jewish Scriptures must be fulfilled, a reality realized through the life, Passion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (CCC 85, CCC 123).

To fully grasp the meaning of Scripture, one must transcend the literal meaning and move from the letter to the spirit (CCC 119). This process of understanding is a progressive and deepening one, guided by the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-13). For the believer, the sacred Scriptures are intended to be kept close, residing in the mouth and heart for the purpose of observance (Dt 30:14).

The books of Scripture provide diverse theological insights. For example, the Book of Proverbs teaches that wisdom is rooted in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; cf. Proverbs 9:10). The Book of Tobit provides insight into God’s providence and care for His people. The Gospel of Luke, intended for a broad audience including Gentile Christians, highlights the doctrine of the Incarnation, while the Gospel of John affirms the positive value of Jewish patrimony (Jn 1:17, 8:56, 10:35). And, the Letter to the Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as the supreme mediator and compassionate High Priest who offers eternal salvation (Hebrews 1:5-2:18, CCC 611).