Biden inauguration: History of Bibles used in ceremony

WASHINGTON — As President Joe Biden took the oath of office, he placed his hand on a rather large Bible.

Apparently, there is a lot of family history behind the decision to use the book that is five inches thick and covered with leather.

>> Read more trending news

It is the same Bible with which Biden has taken every oath for every office he has taken, which are listed inside, The Washington Post reported.

The Bible has been in the Biden family for 127 years.

It was also used by his son Beau Biden when he was sworn in as attorney general of Delaware, The New York Times reported.

>> Read: Joe Biden Inauguration: Biden sworn-in as president; live updates

The Bible used by Vice President Kamala Harris also has a history.

Harris, who is the first Black woman to hold the office, used a Bible owned by civil rights icon Justice Thurgood Marshall. Marshall was the first Black Supreme Court Justice, the Post reported. She also used one owned by Regina Shelton, a family friend Harris considered as a second mother.

Inauguration President-elect Joe Biden is joined his wife Jill Biden as they celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle during Inauguration Day ceremonies Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci/AP)

Inauguration Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff attend Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle during Inauguration Day ceremonies Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci/AP)

Inauguration Gi Chung sets up his souvenir stand with Joe Biden memorabilia ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/David Goldman) (David Goldman/AP)

Inauguration Doug Emhoff looks at his wife Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as they attend Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle during Inauguration Day ceremonies Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci/AP)

Inauguration The White house is seen ahead of Inauguration Day ceremonies, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip/AP)

Inauguration House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, left, and her husband Paul Pelosi attend Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle during Inauguration Day ceremonies Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci/AP)

Inauguration Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, arrives for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Inauguration Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, top, arrives for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Inauguration Dorothy Colegrove of Anchorage, Alaska, tries to see President-elect Joe Biden as he leaves an early morning church service, in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Inauguration Secretary of Defense nominee Lloyd Austin, poses for a photo with Biden's U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations nominee Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and Secretary of State nominee Tony Blinken before the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Inauguration Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrives at the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, Pool) (Melina Mara/AP)

Inauguration Secretary of Defense nominee Lloyd Austin, talks with Biden's U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations nominee Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Secretary of State nominee Tony Blinken and others before the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Inauguration Former President Bill Clinton and his wife former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrive at the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, Pool) (Melina Mara/AP)

Inauguration Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch arrives at the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, Pool) (Melina Mara/AP)

Inauguration Christine Alverno and her daughter Julia Crump, of Troy, Mich., try to get a glimpse of President-elect Joe Biden as he leaves an early morning church service, in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Inauguration Transportation Secretary-designate Pete Buttigieg stands with his husband Chasten Buttigieg and others before the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Inauguration Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake arrives for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Inauguration House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., right, and her husband Paul Pelosi arrive at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool Photo via AP) (Jim Lo Scalzo/AP)

Inauguration President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive at the steps of the U.S. Capitol for the start of the official inauguration ceremonies, in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Inauguration Former Secretary of State John Kerry arrives for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives at the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, Pool) (Melina Mara/AP)

Inauguration Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, right, and his wife, former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, arrive at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool Photo via AP) (Jim Lo Scalzo/AP)

Inauguration Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., arrives ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Pool Photo via AP) (JONATHAN ERNST/AP)

Inauguration President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive at the steps of the U.S. Capitol for the start of the official inauguration ceremonies, in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi waits at left. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Inauguration Former Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Cindy McCain, right, arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York as they arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Inauguration Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., arrives for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Inauguration Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders arrives for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP) (Saul Loeb/AP)

Inauguration Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., right, and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C, chat before President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.(Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP) (Saul Loeb/AP)

Inauguration Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, arrives for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his wife Iris Weinshall arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Inauguration President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden arrive at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol ahead of Biden’s inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. ((Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool Photo via AP) (JIM LO SCALZO/AP)

Inauguration Former President Bill Clinton and his wife former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Supreme Court Justices arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence arrive for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Inauguration Former President Barack Obama, center, and former first lady Michelle Obama, left, arriving at the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool) (Susan Walsh/AP)

Inauguration President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen, arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

Inauguration President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill, walk out for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration President-elect Joe Biden and Jill Biden arrive at Biden's inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 in Washington. (Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP) (Win McNamee/AP)

Inauguration Lady Gaga arrives to perform the National Anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Inauguration Father Leo O'Donovan delivers the invocation as President-elect Joe Biden looks on during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration President-elect Joe Biden greets Lady Gaga during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool) (Susan Walsh/AP)

Inauguration Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, arrive and are greeted by former President Barrack Obama and Michelle Obama, before the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Kamala Harris is sworn in as Vice President by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration President-elect Joe Biden congratulates Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff after taking her oath of office during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool) (Susan Walsh/AP)

Inauguration Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP) (Saul Loeb/AP)

Inauguration President Joe Biden reacts as he prepares to deliver his inaugural address on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 in Washington. (Tasos Katopodis/Pool Photo via AP) (Tasos Katopodis/AP)

Inauguration Vice President Kamala Harris bumps fists with President-elect Joe Biden after she was sworn in during the inauguration, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Greg Nash/Pool Photo via AP) (Greg Nash/AP)

Inauguration President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool) (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Inauguration President Joe Biden hugs his wife Jill Biden and children Hunter and Ashley Biden after he is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool Photo via AP) (JONATHAN ERNST/AP)

Inauguration President Joe Biden hugs his children Hunter and Ashley after being sworn in at the 46th president of the United State during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Inauguration Country singer Garth Brooks sings "Amazing Grace" during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Saul Loeb/Pool Photo via AP) (Saul Loeb/AP)

Inauguration President Joe Biden hugs first lady Jill Biden after being sworn in at the 46th president of the United State during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Inauguration Jennifer Lopez is escorted to the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP) (Win McNamee/AP)