Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ 2 Timothy

[Nanu Nanu]

What does "God-breathed" mean? does it mean holy spirit dictated to the writers?

[jimwalton]

It means God is the source, not human beings. Paul is stressing two ideas: reliability and relevance. The Scriptures reliably reveal God. They are true. Carl F.H. Henry says, "Inspiration is a supernatural influence upon divinely chosen prophets and apostles whereby the Spirit of God assures the truth and trustworthiness of their oral and written proclamation.”

“Does it mean Holy Spirit dictated to the writers?” In some cases, yes, but most of the time, no. We know that sometimes God said, “Write this down.” But not always. 2 Peter 1.20-21 says that “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” “Carried along” is a passive voice and implies a divine source and divine initiative, but not dictation.