What Is Bible “Inspiration”?

The Bible makes a claim that most books do not. It claims to be from God.

Some books, both ancient and modern, also claim a divine origin. However, unlike other books that make the claim, the Bible’s claim is true.

When we say the Bible is inspired, several factors must be considered.

First, “inspiration” of the Bible means that it has a divine origin. The term “inspiration” appears in the New Testament once (2 Tim. 3:16).

“Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.”

The Greek word theopneustos is a compound term. Its two parts (theos and pneustos) literally mean “God-breathed.” For this reason, English translations render the word as “inspired by God,” rather than simply “inspired.”

Paul said that scripture is inspired by God. The word “scripture” derives from the Greek term graphe, meaning “writings.” Paul was referring to a specific body of writings. In the Bible, the word “scripture” is used in a technical sense to distinguish writings of divine origin from those of human authorship.

Practically speaking, the terms “inspired of God” and “scriptures” are interchangeable.

The apostle stated that “every” or “all” scripture comes from God. When Paul affirmed that “every scripture” is divinely inspired, he included the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms — the Old Testament's threefold designation by the Lord (Lk. 24:44)—as all originating from God. Both Old and New Testaments are referred to as "scripture” (see 1 Tim. 5:18; 2 Pet. 3:15-16; cf. 1 Cor. 2:10-13).

Second, “inspiration of the Bible” means that God used prophetic agency. The writer of Hebrews referred to the human element in scripture when he said, “God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets” (Heb. 1:1; emphasis added). The prophets were speaking; they were writing with pen and parchment. But the words actually were God’s.

The apostle Peter noted that “the word of prophecy” was of God’s design. In communicating his will, however, “men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).

The “inspiration” of the human writers did not mean they were mere transcribers. God employed their personalities and experiences in the process. Inspired men were neither omniscient nor personally infallible. But what they wrote came from the mind of God — and it was recorded without error.

They also used firsthand knowledge, the aid of eyewitnesses, and written sources in the composition of Scripture (cf. Lk. 1:1-4). All of these methods, however, were guided by the Holy Spirit and guaranteed accuracy (cf. Jn. 16:13).

Third, “inspiration of the Bible” means that this book is authoritative. The Bible is the final word in religious matters. As Paul discussed doctrinal issues in Romans, he asked, “What saith the scriptures?” (Rom. 4:3). The Lord charged the Sadducees, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures” (Mt. 22:29). What God has revealed is important in considering any religious matter.

The Bible is God’s will. It is his authoritative word. For that reason, Jesus Christ said, “and the scriptures cannot be broken” (Jn. 10:35). We cannot dismiss God’s written word. It is as authoritative as if God spoke directly from heaven (cf. Mt. 22:31; 2 Pet. 1:18-20).