| What does INSPIRATION mean? |
| Our modern use of the word means to be stimulated, motivated or stirred in a strong emotional way. It usually refers to a person who, filled with strong feelings, is moved in a powerful way to accomplish something great.
That is not what the Greek word, usually translated inspired, means. The Greek word (THEOPNEUSTOS), is a combination of two Greek words: God (theos) and breath (pneustos). The word, literally, means God-breathed. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The underlined phrase represents the one Greek word. Inspiration, as it is used in the Bible, means that the written word of God comes from God as though he breathed the words himself. All vocal speech is produced by exhaling through/over our vocal chords. Our words originate in our minds and are then breathed out, exhaled. God’s word originates in the mind of God and is metaphorically exhaled. The concept is clear. Scripture originates with God and is then produced by Him. The Bible doesn’t teach that the apostles were inspired. The Bible teaches that the words they spoke and wrote are inspired! That is why they are profitable for teaching, correction and instruction. That is why they equip us completely to be righteous and holy before God. The next question is: “Do I properly respect and submit to the inspired word of God?” May God bless you in your search for His Truth. |