How You Should Discard an Old, Worn-Out Bible

by Sam Rainer President & Senior Consultant

When a Bible becomes too worn to use or damaged in some way, many people feel uneasy about simply tossing it in the trash. That instinct is understandable. I’ve got a shelf full of old Bibles that I can’t seem to discard. They’re too tattered to give away but too meaningful to throw away. We know the proper etiquette of disposing of an American flag. But how should Christians discard old Bibles when it’s time? While no official rules exist, there are several respectful options.

One of the oldest ways God’s people have handled sacred texts is burial. In Jewish tradition, when scrolls of Scripture wore out, they were stored in a genizah (a repository) and eventually buried in a cemetery. The idea was simple: what once carried God’s Word should be laid to rest with dignity.

Christians can follow a similar pattern:

Wrap the Bible in a simple cloth or paper. Say a brief prayer of thanks to God for how he has used this Bible in your life and church. Bury it in a meaningful place, perhaps on church property (with permission), in a garden, or in a family plot area if appropriate.

Wrap the Bible in a simple cloth or paper.

Say a brief prayer of thanks to God for how he has used this Bible in your life and church.

Bury it in a meaningful place, perhaps on church property (with permission), in a garden, or in a family plot area if appropriate.

Burial is a good option for Bibles that carry deep sentimental value, such as a family Bible that is literally falling apart. While I don’t think you will bring about God’s judgment for tossing a Bible in the trash with your breakfast plate scrapings, a reverent burial is a better option.

Burning books is often associated with aggression or censorship, so some Christians hesitate to use…