The term "Bible" as a singular name for the collection of Jewish and Christian scriptures evolved gradually. It wasn't a single, definitive moment when everyone started calling it "The Bible." Here's a breakdown:
* Origins of the Word: The word "Bible" comes from the Greek word "biblia," which means "books." This is itself derived from "biblos," the word for the papyrus plant used for making scrolls and books.
* Early Usage (Plural): In early usage, the term "biblia" was often used in the plural, referring to *the books* that made up the sacred texts.
* Gradual Shift to Singular: Over time, the plural form "biblia" began to be understood as a collective singular, referring to the entire collection as a single entity.
* Medieval Period: By the medieval period (roughly 5th to 15th centuries), the singular term "Biblia" or "The Bible" was becoming more common, particularly in Latin and later in vernacular languages. However, it wasn't universally used, and other terms like "Scripture" or "Holy Scripture" were also common.
* Standardization: With the rise of printing and the standardization of languages, the use of "The Bible" as the common name for the Christian scriptures became more widespread and established.
In summary, there isn't a specific date when "The Bible" was first called "The Bible." It was a gradual process that occurred over centuries, with the singular usage becoming increasingly common during the medieval period and becoming the standard term with the advent of printing and standardization of languages.