What Does “Inspiration” Really Mean?

[What Does “Inspiration” Really Mean? by Steve Ham] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16)

"...God is the source of the inspiration of His Word. God is unlimited and perfect in all His ways. All of His attributes are consistent and woven together in perfect harmony beyond human capacity. God’s perfect character shows us that His inspired Word is as credible, reliable, and trustworthy as God Himself. We need to be clear that the Bible also teaches that inspiration was given through men (2 Peter 1:20–21).

Have you ever wandered past an incredible architectural design in a building and wondered about the inspiration for it? How about a piece of fine art or an amazing music composition? Surely the inspiration was great, but what really was the power of that inspiration? Was it perfect? Was it ringing with everlasting truth? No one man can claim to be without error or without the ability to contain error. This is why it is important to understand that the inspiration talked about in Scripture is not just a motivating factor like we see in art or other wonderful human works. The Greek word used for “inspiration” in today’s verse is “Theopneustos.” This word literally means “God-breathed.” When we read Scripture, we should understand that we are not reading some words of men who just had an inspired talent. We are reading the Word of God that was breathed out through men of His choosing to give us His Word in authenticity and full authority. We still see personality traits, cultural impact, and even the author’s own passion spilling into the pages of Scripture. We see the perfect Word of God without corruption breathed out through the heart and minds of His chosen men. We can see the perfect nature of God in the holiness of His Word, and we can relate through the humanity of His chosen writers.

While the great human works of history give us displays of captivating inspiration, no human work can claim the breathed out Word of an inerrant and infallible God. We may be moved by a Mozart symphony or dazzled by a Shakespearian play, but only God’s Word is perfect, reliable, and eternal." What Does “Inspiration” Really Mean? Ham.

Response to comment [from a Christian]:  "...[E]ach writer still remains himself, strangely enough!"

Right, they weren't taking dictation from God.  Some like to misrepresent our argument.

"David's life..."

Yes, big tragedies but second chances, too (Solomon became an author of scripture).

"Somewhere in there the Psalms stopped being always really about David so much as they seemed to be about what it was like to be the Lord Jesus, to live His life... Very something I don't know what."

As J. Vernon puts it:  "The book of Psalms is a hymn book and a HIM book—it is all about Him. As we study it, that fact will become very clear."  Good stuff. :thumb:  Heartwarming. :o

I.     Genesis Section, Psalms 1–41
Man seen in a state of blessedness, fall, and recovery (Man in View)
A.     Perfect Man (Last Adam), Psalm 1
B.     Rebellious Man, Psalm 2
C.     Perfect Man Rejected, Psalm 3
D.     Conflict between Seed of Woman and Serpent, Psalm 4
E.     Perfect Man in Midst of Enemies, Psalm 5
F.     Perfect Man in Midst of Chastisement (Bruising Heel), Psalm 6
G.     Perfect Man in Midst of False Witnesses, Psalm 7
H.     Repair of Man Comes through Man (Bruising Head), Psalm 8
I.     Enemy and Antichrist Conflict; Final Deliverance, Psalms 9–15
J.      Christ in Midst of His People Sanctifying Them to God, Psalms 16–41
     II.     Exodus Section, Psalms 42–72
Ruin and Redemption (Israel in View)
A.     Israel’s Ruin, Psalms 42–49
B.     Israel’s Redeemer, Psalms 50–60
C.     Israel’s Redemption, Psalms 61–72
     III.     Leviticus Section, Psalms 73–89
Darkness and dawn (Sanctuary in View) Tabernacle, temple, house, assembly and congregation in almost every psalm.
     IV.     Numbers Section, Psalms 90–106
Peril and protection (Earth in View)
     V.     Deuteronomy Section, Psalms 107–150
Perfection and praise of the Word of God
McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1981, S. 2:660-661

What Does “Inspiration” Really Mean?