2 Tim. 3:16..."Inspiration" or "God-breathed"?

From an online etymology dictionary:

Considering the root of "inspiration," I think either expresses the concept. Certainly not advocating the certain doctrine to which you referred, but I think "theopneustos" is accurately translated either way. "God-breathed," however, is probably a superior translation in that it renders the sense of the Greek word to the average English reader/hearer better than "given by inspiration of God".

Just a couple of thoughts.

Michael

 

I think you're correct that either word could be used, but does "inspire" mean the same thing to us in modern English? I know that when I use it, it means I've had a good idea and I'm now motivated to work on my next project. Here's the modern definition. See how far down the list you have to go to find the one that applies?

–verb (used with object) 1.to fill with an animating, quickening, or exalting influence: His courage inspired his followers. 2.to produce or arouse (a feeling, thought, etc.): to inspire confidence in others. 3.to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc.: to inspire a person with distrust. 4.to influence or impel: Competition inspired her to greater efforts. 5.to animate, as an influence, feeling, thought, or the like, does: They were inspired by a belief in a better future. 6.to communicate or suggest by a divine or supernatural influence: writings inspired by God. 7.to guide or control by divine influence. 8.to prompt or instigate (utterances, acts, etc.) by influence, without avowal of responsibility. 9.to give rise to, bring about, cause, etc.: a philosophy that inspired a revolution. 10.to take (air, gases, etc.) into the lungs in breathing; inhale. 11.Archaic. a.to infuse (breath, life, etc.) by breathing (usually fol. by into). b.to breathe into or upon. –verb (used without object) 12.to give inspiration. 13.to inhale.

 

If you are referring to the KJVO position, I am not aware of any who would say that "God-breathed" is wrong. We very readily admit that the literal translation of "inspiration" is "God-breathed."

What are you going to do the next time someone tells you to "break a leg?" The LITERAL MEANING is not always the best, especially in modern English.

 

I don't have a problem with either God inspired or God-breathed.

However in medicine, inspiration means to breath-in;
I normally consider words of Scripture to have come forth from God (expiration?).

I guess that the word, inspiration is used to convey the idea that the ordinary words used by men were infused with the meaning God wanted them to have; the words or the authors breathed-in God's intended meaning and were therefore put forth inspired Scripture.

Rob

 

Hang around the thread for awhile. :laugh: You might find one yet, KJVO or not.

On a serious note, I personally prefer to say "God-breathed-out", for the above reason one posted about the general meaning of "inspiration", meaning to "breathe in", since alll Scripture is 'sent out' or given by God.

Ed

 

In both Greek and Hebrew there is a curiosity.

The word for wind is also the word for Spirit.

Greek : Pneuma
Hebrew: Ruach

Context gives the meaning.

God-"breathed" "Theo pneustos" probably has the nuance that the Words of God flowed through the Spirit of God to the spirit of the human author at the time of the writing.


HankD

 

What about these examples? should these be interpreted as to their "literal meaning" or do we understand them to be figures of speech?

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Jeremiah 1:18 For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.

Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

As has already been stated, "inspiration" is a literal translation and most certainly conveys the meaning adequately.

 

I have to agree with Dr. Cassidy. "Inspiration" here is certainly not dynamic equivalence, but literal. We might say of a secular book on a favorite subject, "That book was inspired!" What we mean is that it is a wonderful representation of the author's mind, a great product of the author. So "inspiration" is a literal translation.

The even more literal "God-breathed" on the other hand, while very descriptive of the Scriptures as a direct product of God, is just as metaphorical as "the hand of God." Does anyone actually believe that God has lungs and an esophagus and a mouth through which the words of Scripture came and tumbled down to earth into the pen of the human authors? No, "God-breathed" means that the Scriptures are a direct product of God.

When translating a Biblical metaphor, the translator must make sure it makes sense in the receptor language when translated literally. Otherwise, another expression must be used. Pastor Bob also, therefore, has some excellent points on this thread. :type:

 

So have we answered the question?

Does God still breath?

Rob