Inspiration of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16 states that "all Scripture is inspired (literal translation "breathed out") by God..." Does this mean that the Bible is without error? Does this mean that only the original manuscripts were without error? Does this mean that the Bible is without error in regard to doctrine but not necessarily to historical facts? These are some of the varied positions on this issue among the Protestant and Catholic churches. I have copied an explanation of the debate from an article on blueletterbible.com...


There are two theological terms that are often used to explain the nature of the Bible – inerrancy and infallibility. They are used to point out how the Bible is different from all other books that have ever been written. Many use these terms interchangeably.

These concepts arose when the issue of the divine inspiration of the Bible was being addressed. Questions arose such as: In what sense, or to what degree, is the Bible the divinely inspired Word of God? How does it differ from all other books?

The Word Infallible Means Trustworthy
When referring to Scripture, the term infallible is usually used to mean reliable and trustworthy. It refers to something that is without any type of defect whatsoever. Those who trust its infallible teachings will never be lead astray.

Inerrancy Means There Are No Errors Whatsoever
The term inerrancy is more recent. While some Christians used inerrancy and infallible interchangeably they are normally used in slightly different ways. Inerrancy contends that the Bible does not have any errors of fact or any statements that contradict. Infallibility deals more with ones personal knowledge of the Lord while inerrancy is more concerned with the details of Scripture. Infallibility is the broader term. For example, one who believes in inerrancy will also believe in infallibility. The reverse, however, is not necessarily true.

There are those who argue that the Bible can contains errors of fact while still accomplishing its purpose – to bring humanity into a relationship with God. They see no problem trusting the Bible as the final standard of authority on all matters of faith and practice though it may contain some errors. However, others think the idea of an infallible but not inerrant Bible is something that is nonsensical.

Of course, what we believe about the reliability of Scripture will have a big impact on how vigorously we apply its' contents to our lives. It is true that there are "problem texts" for which scholars can only speculate solutions, but this is a minute percentage of the text as a whole. It is dangerous to abandon the doctrine of inerrancy over a few unanswered issues and actually quite arrogant to assume that when the Bible presents a challenge to our understanding, that it is the Bible, and not our own limitations, at fault!

Tomorrow's reading:: 2 Tim. 4:19-22; Heb. 1:1-413