What does unscriptural mean?
Unscriptural means that something is not in accordance with a sacred text, especially the Bible, or that it conflicts with the teaching or authority traditionally associated with such a text. The adjective is commonly used when religious authorities or conservative interpreters characterize a practice, doctrine, or development as lacking scriptural foundation. Its tone is formal and often critical: calling something unscriptural suggests more than merely observing that an account was written unusually, but that it falls outside—or directly contradicts—what sacred scripture authorizes. The word appears mainly in theological, historical, and religious writing, rather than in everyday conversation. It should not be confused with unscripted, which describes an event or performance that was not planned in advance. Although uncommon, unscriptural is useful because it identifies a specific kind of dispute: one concerning whether religious tradition and practice have legitimate authority in scripture.
adjectiveNot in accordance with scripture, especially the Bible; contrary to scriptural teaching, authority, or precedent.
- Not in accordance with scripture or a sacred text, especially the Bible.
"Conservative leaders condemned the reform as unscriptural."
"The ceremony was dismissed as unscriptural by religious authorities."
"Historians debated whether the account of the event was unscriptural or merely a later tradition."
What Scripture does not sanction cannot legitimately be claimed in its name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of unscriptural
Unscriptural was formed in English by combining the negative prefix un- with scriptural. Scriptural derives from Latin scriptura, meaning a writing or scripture, which is related to scribere, “to write.” Several English words, including scripture, scribal, and describe, share this Latin root.
How unscriptural is actually used
This is a relatively rare, formal adjective, used chiefly in theological, historical, and religious contexts. It can imply that something lacks biblical authority or contradicts recognized scriptural teaching.
Easily confused with unscriptural
Unscriptural means contrary to a sacred text, whereas unscripted means not written according to a script or predetermined plan.