S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." This is the only use in the Bible of the Greek word t...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Don Whitley Supporter Husband, father, grandpa and a Christian.

2 Timothy: 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 

The Scripture is “God-breathed.” Paul affirmed God’s active involvement in the writing of Scripture. The Lord’s superintending work is so powerful and complete that what is written is God’s truthful and authoritative word.

The NIV says it as “God-breathed’.

New Century Version says it as “inspired by God”.

The ESV states it as “All Scripture is breathed out by God”.

The KJV says”All scripture is given by inspiration of God”.

Easy peasy...

God Bless

July 14 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Matthews Supporter Retired Professional Singer, Conductor and Seeker

2 Timothy is attributed to St. Paul or Saul of Tarsus. Though the authorship is debated, if Paul is the author, then what scripture is he referring to in 2 Timothy 3:16 - that scripture is "God breathed?" Did he consider his letters to the various churches holy scripture? I don't think so.

Is it possible that Paul is alluding to the Old Testament scripture? I find it hard to fathom that Paul would have included writings of various New Testament authors, of which there were few during Paul's life. He could not have known of them by the time he died in 64-67? 

The New Testament canon was determined long after Paul died, with many sections added or subtracted over a long period of time - some 300-400 years. 

There are many documents (letters, gospels, etc.) which were not included in that canon which are attributable to eyewitnesses to Jesus' life - Thomas, Mary Magdalene, etc. Admittedly, they have much speculation as to their authenticity and validity as "God breathed" and their consideration for inclusion into the New Testament canon. 

I am saying that the New Testament canon was determined long after the writers of the New Testament were dead. As far as scripture being "God breathed," I really think the writer of 2 Timothy is referring to the Old Testament. Most, if not all, of the writers of the New Testament were very knowledgeable of the Old Testament documents and referred to them often throughout their writings.

Do not misunderstand. I am in no way criticizing the New Testament as to its being inspired by God. It is. I am offering an alternative on how 2 Timothy 3:16 could reference the Old Testament. Debate is healthy!

February 05 2019 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that the Bible is God-breathed?

To say the Bible is "God-breathed" (theopneustos in Greek) means it is directly inspired, produced, and authorised by God, making it divine revelation rather than merely human thought. It implies that the scriptures are infallible, inerrant, and authoritative because they originated from God's breath.

Some Examples and Interpretations

Active Authority: Because it is God's breath, it is viewed as "living and active," acting as a guide and comfort rather than just a historical text.

Divine-Human Cooperation: While originating from God, it involved human authors, often described as a "breathing out" of divine truth through human vessels.

2 Timothy 3:16-17: Used to demonstrate that Scripture is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training, because it holds divine authority.

Analogy to Creation: Just as God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7), He breathed truth into the scriptures.

Some Synonyms and Related Concepts on the phrase "the Bible is God-breathed":

Inspired by God/Divine Inspiration: The most common synonym implies that God influenced the writers.

Breathed out by God: Emphasises God as the origin/creator of the words.

Living Scripture/Active Word: Highlights the "breath" (Spirit/Pneuma) that brings life.

Inerrant/Authoritative Word: Emphasises that because it is from God, it is without error and holds ultimate authority.

Life-Giving Power: Just as God breathed life into Adam in Genesis, the term implies that Scripture is "living and active," infused with the power to transform and give spiritual life to readers.

Meaning: God is the Author of the Bible. He put his thoughts into the minds of the Bible writers [by the use of His Holy Spirit]. Through this unique book, God has revealed his will for us. He has also revealed facets of his personality, including his love, justice, and mercy.

Note the expression recorded in Hebrews 4:12 ESV: "For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart."

How is God's word, or his expressed purpose, "alive"? For one thing, it has a powerful effect on the hearts of those who accept it, giving them hope and a purpose in life.

Also Peter helps us to understand Paul's words in Hebrews 4`;12:4- 1Peter 1:21 "For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit."

The holy spirit operated toward or upon men to move them and guide them in setting down God's message, "but men spoke from God as the Holy Spirit bore them along."

The evidence shows that God's spirit operated on the minds and hearts of all the Bible writers, carrying them toward the goal God purposed.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report