2 Timothy 3:16-17 Scripture’s Profit

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God”. The phrase “given by inspiration of God” in our King James translation is one word in Greek – God-breathed. All Scripture is God-breathed is the literal translation of verse 16a. It is from the very breath of God that these words are given. It describes the divine origin and source of Scripture. It is the voice of God speaking through Scripture. The utterance of the Eternal God, as if the heaven were to be opened and we heard God speaking to us with the human voice. It carries with it the divine authority of God. When Scripture speaks, all must stand corrected, all critics silenced. Paul did not write “all the scripture” but “all scripture”. The absence of the definite article emphasizes the quality and character of the Scriptures. The Bible carries the credentials of the Almighty God.

Paul says to Timothy in verse 15 – Scripture has the power to make thee wise unto salvation. Indeed, the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Scripture delivers all truths that are sufficient and needful for our salvation. That is the sense of verse 15 and Timothy is a living testimony of the life-transforming words of God.

Understood in the context of verse 16a, it conveys the fact that Scripture is life-giving. Just as God breathed into the nostrils of Adam the breath of life; and he became a living soul, the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to give to man spiritual life. Amen.