A book symbol on a tombstone usually represents the Holy Bible or the Book of Life.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/HolyBible-300x225.jpg)
Holy Bible inscription.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/HolyBible-Riverside-MCo-2-300x209.jpg)
Holy Bible inscription.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/HolyBible-Riverside-MCo-1-227x300.jpg)
Modern Holy Bible inscription.
Most often the words Holy Bible are not inscribed on the book, although any book on a tombstone may be considered a Bible.
An open book may indicate the Book of Life and everlasting life for those whose names are written in it.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Book-RdgSltr-1-300x232.jpg)
Open book.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/P1100183-300x243.jpg)
Open book.
A closed book may indicate that life has ended. Life is completed.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Book-RdgSltr-3-300x231.jpg)
Closed book.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Book-RdgSltr-5-300x285.jpg)
Closed book with flower.
A book symbol may symbolize the deceased’s faith or prayer.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ZS-300x189.jpg)
Finger pointing or holding book.
The whole cemetery monument may be a Bible.
![](https://karenmillerbennett.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/OCOH-278x300.jpg)
Bible tombstone monument.
A book symbol may indicate the deceased was a scholar, writer, or publisher, but the symbol most often has a religious connotation.