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Erin Ropelato
What Does It Really Mean to Be a Scriptorian? (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
You're Probably More of a Scriptorian Than You Realize
Have you ever come across a word in scripture study that made you feel instantly unqualified?
I have. And the word was scriptorian.
For years, that term carried weight. It felt reserved for seminary teachers, gospel scholars, or people who seemed to have every verse of the Book of Mormon memorized. Definitely not for everyday women like me juggling family, work, and a long to-do list.
But recently, something shifted.
When “Scriptorian” Feels Out of Reach
A few weeks ago at a Relief Society Super Saturday event, the guest speaker stood up and admitted, “I’m not a scriptorian.” It caught my attention.
What did she mean by that? What does scriptorian even mean?
Like any curious learner, I turned to Google. And here’s what I found:
Scriptorian: One who is familiar with scripture or sacred writing, or who refers back to it frequently.
That’s it.
Not “memorizes every scripture.”
Not “can recite Isaiah backwards.”
Not “has a theology degree.”
Just someone who returns to the scriptures regularly and is familiar with them.
Let’s Reframe What a Scriptorian Really Is
President Spencer W. Kimball once said:
“I stress again the deep need each woman has to study the scriptures. We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians—whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed or living in a family.”
— “The Role of Righteous Women,” October 1979 General Conference
This quote gets shared often, and I used to feel a little disqualified every time I heard it.
But not anymore.
Because now I understand that being a scriptorian simply means returning to the scriptures again and again—letting them be a regular part of your life, your thoughts, your routines, and your conversations.
And that is something each of us can do.
Scripture Study Tip: Define the Words That Intimidate You
Sometimes the words that trip us up are actually the keys to unlocking spiritual confidence.
So here’s my challenge for you this week:
When a word feels heavy, intimidating, or out of reach—define it.
Open a dictionary. Google it. Ask someone you trust. You might be surprised at how attainable the gospel becomes when you clarify what it really asks of you.
Why This Matters for Women Today
President Kimball continues:
“Regardless of your particular circumstances, as you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up!”
We don’t study scriptures to impress others—we study to nurture, to love, to lead, and to lift. Whether you’re a mother, sister, leader, or learner, you are already doing sacred work. And scripture study strengthens your ability to do it.
You Are Becoming a Sister Scriptorian—One Verse at a Time
You don’t need to read for hours. You don’t need to understand everything. You simply need to show up—again and again.
Because being a scriptorian isn’t about perfection.
It’s about returning.
And if you’ve opened your scriptures even once this week—you’re already on the path.
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