THE NATURE OF INSPIRATION

THE NATURE OF INSPIRATION

Introduction: 2 Tim. 3:16

 

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

We have been using "Inspiration" thus far as roughly equivalent to "trustworthy." Let us now ask more precisely, "What is this that we call Inspiration?"

THE ENGLISH WORD "INSPIRATION"

"But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." (Job 32:8).
In the A.V. it occurs only in Job 32:8 and 2 Tim.3:16.
"Given by inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3:16).

The A.S.V. changes Job 32:8 to "breath" (properly), and 2 Tim. 3:16 to "inspired of God." Thus the noun disappears from the English Bible.

The first sentence, "There is a spirit in man," reveals man's capacity for receiving communications from God. The second sentence, "The breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding" shows how God makes use of that capacity. In man's essential nature there is spirit, and that is a Divine creation, and of the Divine nature. That makes it possible for man to have direct and intelligent dealing with God. The breath of God reaches that spirit life of man, and gives understanding; that is, communicates to man the thoughts of God. That God should speak to man is not supernatural, but natural. The deepest truth about man is that he was created with the capacity for fellowship with God. This capacity is destroyed by sin, but it is restored by Grace.

The A.V. "given by inspiration" is from Wycliff, "Inspired of God" from Tyndale. Both are misleading.

The RSV restores the translation of the KJV.