How to Sign "Bible"

To sign 'Bible', combine the signs for 'Jesus' and 'book'. First, touch the tip of your dominant middle finger to the center of your non-dominant palm, then touch the tip of your non-dominant middle finger to the center of your dominant palm. Finally, bring both hands together and open them up so your palms face upward with the pinky sides touching, just like opening a book.

Examples Using "Bible" in a Sentence

1

I read my Bible every morning.

Sign 'I', 'read', 'my', 'Bible', then 'every morning'. Make sure the transition from the 'Jesus' taps to the 'book' opening is fluid.

2

Please bring your Bible to church.

Start with 'please', 'bring', 'your', 'Bible', and finish with 'church'. The compound sign for Bible should be executed clearly before moving to the sign for church.

3

Where did you put the Bible?

Sign 'Bible', 'you', 'put', and then 'where', furrowing your eyebrows at the end to indicate a 'wh-' question.

How to Sign "Bible"
To sign 'Bible', combine the signs for 'Jesus' and 'book'. First, touch the tip of your dominant middle finger to the center of your non-dominant palm, then touch the tip of your non-dominant middle finger to the center of your dominant palm. Finally, bring both hands together and open them up so your palms face upward with the pinky sides touching, just like opening a book.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'Bible' is a classic example of a compound sign in ASL, bringing together two highly visual concepts to create a new meaning. The first part of the sign is 'Jesus', which uses the middle fingers tapping the center of the palms to visually reference the nails driven into Christ's hands during the crucifixion. The second part is the sign for 'book', which iconically mimics the physical action of opening a book's cover and pages.
Signing Tips
To make the sign for 'Bible' look natural, focus on keeping the movement fluid between the two distinct parts of the sign. The middle finger taps for the 'Jesus' portion should be distinct and clear, but executed quickly so they flow naturally right into the motion of opening a book. Keep your hands relatively close to your chest throughout the entire sign to maintain a comfortable and standard signing space.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is using the index fingers instead of the middle fingers for the first part of the sign. Make sure only the middle fingers are extended and tapping the palms. Another frequent error is pausing too long between the 'Jesus' and 'book' segments, which makes it look like two completely separate thoughts rather than one compound word. Finally, some learners forget the 'book' portion entirely and accidentally just sign 'Jesus'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Bible" in a Sentence
1

I read my Bible every morning.

Sign 'I', 'read', 'my', 'Bible', then 'every morning'. Make sure the transition from the 'Jesus' taps to the 'book' opening is fluid.

2

Please bring your Bible to church.

Start with 'please', 'bring', 'your', 'Bible', and finish with 'church'. The compound sign for Bible should be executed clearly before moving to the sign for church.

3

Where did you put the Bible?

Sign 'Bible', 'you', 'put', and then 'where', furrowing your eyebrows at the end to indicate a 'wh-' question.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign for Bible start with the sign for Jesus?

The sign for 'Bible' is a compound sign that literally translates to 'Jesus book'. It combines the sign for Jesus with the sign for a book to specify which book is being referred to.

Does it matter which middle finger taps first?

Yes, typically you start by tapping the middle finger of your dominant hand into the palm of your non-dominant hand, and then switch. This maintains the natural flow of the sign.

Can I just sign 'book' if we are already talking about church?

While context is important in ASL, 'Bible' is a specific compound sign. Even in a church setting, it is best to use the full sign to avoid confusion with other books, like a hymnal.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!