The Bible is not merely a historical document or a compilation of human thoughts, but rather the Word of God, divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. This concept is deeply rooted in the original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Scriptures.
- The Hebrew word often used for “spirit” is “רוּחַ” (ruach), which can mean “breath,” “wind,” or “spirit.” This term underscores the life-giving, dynamic, and powerful nature of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration. Similarly, in the New Testament, written in Greek, the term “πνεῦμα” (pneuma) is used for “spirit,” also meaning “breath” or “wind.” This linguistic parallel highlights the concept of divine inspiration as the breath of God infusing the Scriptures with life and authority.
- In 2 Timothy 3:16, the Greek word used for “God-breathed” is “θεόπνευστος” (theopneustos), a compound of “θεός” (Theos, meaning “God”) and “πνέω” (pneo, meaning “to breathe”), signifying that the Scriptures are literally “breathed out” by God. This concept of divine breath is crucial in understanding the nature of the Bible as not just a book, but the living Word of God, actively inspired by the Holy Spirit.
With this context in mind, the following verses offer a profound insight into the Holy Spirit’s inspiration of the Bible:
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21)
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. (2 Samuel 23:2)
Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ‘I have put my words in your mouth.’ (Jeremiah 1:9)
Thus, we see that the Holy Spirit guided (literally, breathed out) the words of the Bible that were recorded by human scribes for us. The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is an extraordinary testament to the Holy Spirit’s work. This divine inspiration ensures that the Scriptures are not merely human words but the very words of God. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is not just the inspirer of the Scripture, but also our guide in understanding it.
But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For who among men knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except God’s Spirit. But we received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things. (1 Corinthians 2:10-13 WEB)
As believers, we have the extraordinary privilege of possessing a God-breathed Scripture and the indwelling Holy Spirit who aids us in comprehending its depths. The same Spirit that inspired the writers of the Bible works in believers today, illuminating the Scripture and applying its truths to our lives. Let us approach the Bible with reverence and dependency on the Holy Spirit, knowing that He is our ultimate teacher and guide in the journey of faith.
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. (Romans 15:4 NLT)
Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him; and he can’t know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual discerns all things, and he himself is to be judged by no one. “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he should instruct him?” But we have Christ’s mind. (1 Corinthians 2:14-16 WEB)
Before you begin any Bible study, ask the Lord to guide your heart and mind by the Holy Spirit to understand and apply His truths in our lives. Otherwise, you are going to have to answer to God at the Judgment Seat of Christ for what you have done with His Word. And you won’t be able to use the excuse that it was too hard to understand because you have the Holy Spirit and the Mind of Christ to guide you.
Digging Deeper:
- Why is the Bible called the Word of God? – The word of God created the universe, revealed himself throughout history in a personal way, and wants to be your personal savior.
- 7 important reasons to study the Bible – Thy word, Jesus’ prayer of thanksgiving, Jesus’ rebuke to study, learning from examples, assurance of salvation, encouragement to do what the Bible says.
- 6 important considerations for Bible study – Six important considerations for Bible study: seek the truth, revealed by God, living word, from God, it is correct, and it will change you.
- The controversy of the Bible – A series on the controversy of the Bible. Not a book written about God, or about religion, or about morality, but a book written by God.
- How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee – Understanding the Bible isn’t for the few, the gifted, the scholarly. The Bible is accessible. It’s meant to be read and comprehended by everyone from armchair readers to seminary students. A few essential insights into the Bible can clear up a lot of misconceptions and help you grasp the meaning of Scripture and its application to your twenty-first-century life. Covering everything from translational concerns to different genres of biblical writing, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth is used all around the world. In clear, simple language, it helps you accurately understand the different parts of the Bible―their meaning for ancient audiences and their implications for you today―so you can uncover the inexhaustible worth that is in God’s Word.