Introduction
Understanding Greek words like θεόπνευστος (theopneustos) is crucial in Biblical studies because it provides deeper insights into the nature and authority of the Scriptures. The word θεόπνευστος, meaning “God-breathed” or “inspired by God,” appears in 2 Timothy 3:16 and is foundational for the doctrine of Biblical inspiration. By exploring this term, we gain a clearer understanding of how the early Christians perceived the divine origin and authority of their sacred texts. Additionally, the concept of divine inspiration is not unique to the New Testament but is also relevant in ancient Greek philosophy and literature, revealing a broader cultural context.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θεόπνευστος (theopneustos), [theh-OP-nyoo-stos]
- Etymology: From the root words θεός (theos), meaning “God,” and πνέω (pneo), meaning “to breathe.” Together, they form “God-breathed.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective
- Grammatical Details: Descriptive adjective; it modifies nouns like “Scripture” (γραφή, graphē) in the Greek text.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- God-breathed
- Divinely inspired
- Inspired by God
Similar Words: ἔμπνευστος (empneustos), [em-PNEV-stos] – This word also relates to inspiration or being breathed into. While both ἔμπνευστος and θεόπνευστος involve the concept of breathing, θεόπνευστος specifically attributes the inspiration to God, emphasizing divine origin.
Further Insights: θεόπνευστος is a compound adjective that combines the ideas of “God” and “breath” or “spirit.” It is used in the New Testament to emphasize the divine origin of the Scriptures. This word highlights that the Scriptures are not merely human writings but are directly inspired by God’s spirit. Below is a table that outlines the declension of this adjective:
| Case | Masculine/Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | θεόπνευστος | θεόπνευστον |
| Genitive | θεοπνεύστου | θεοπνεύστου |
| Dative | θεοπνεύστῳ | θεοπνεύστῳ |
| Accusative | θεόπνευστον | θεόπνευστον |
| Vocative | θεόπνευστε | θεόπνευστον |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes θεόπνευστος as “inspired by God,” especially used for scripture to indicate divine origin and authority. It suggests that the word was coined by early Christians to emphasize the divine authorship of the Bible.
- Thayers: Defines θεόπνευστος as “divinely inspired” and provides a theological interpretation, highlighting that the term underscores the divine influence under which the Biblical writers penned their texts.
- Vines: Notes that θεόπνευστος means “God-breathed” and explains its doctrinal implications, particularly in supporting the belief that the scriptures are without error because they are directly inspired by God.
- LSJ: Refers to θεόπνευστος as “divinely inspired” and indicates its use in both Christian and non-Christian texts to denote something that is breathed into by a divine force.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists θεόπνευστος as “God-breathed” and provides context for its use in 2 Timothy 3:16, affirming its significance in understanding the authority and inspiration of the Bible.
Related Scripture References
- 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is inspired by God (θεόπνευστος) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Timaeus | “And the soul is something that is θεόπνευστος (divinely inspired), for it comes from the realm of the gods.” |
| Philo | On the Migration of Abraham | “The prophet, filled with the θεόπνευστος (God-breathed) spirit, spoke truths unknown to man.” |
| Septuagint | Wisdom of Solomon 7:25 | “For wisdom is a spirit that is θεόπνευστος (God-breathed), a true reflection of the power of God.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 119:105 | “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path; it is θεόπνευστος (God-breathed).” |
| Septuagint | Proverbs 30:5 | “Every word of God is pure; it is θεόπνευστος (God-breathed) and a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” |
| Septuagint | Job 32:8 | “But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding (θεόπνευστος).” |
Summary of θεόπνευστος (G2315)
θεόπνευστος (theopneustos), meaning “God-breathed” or “divinely inspired,” is a key term in understanding the nature of the Biblical text. It underscores the belief that the scriptures are not merely human words but are infused with divine authority and wisdom. The term captures the early Christian understanding that all scripture is a direct product of divine influence, making it authoritative and trustworthy for teaching, correction, and guidance in righteousness. This understanding of θεόπνευστος provides a foundational theological basis for the doctrine of Biblical inspiration, illustrating the power and purpose of the scriptures in both ancient and modern contexts.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The term θεόπνευστος (theopneustos) is unique to Christian scripture and does not appear in any pre-Christian Greek literature. This suggests that early Christians coined the term to describe the divine inspiration of their sacred texts, highlighting their belief in the unique nature of the Bible as being directly “breathed out” by God. This word has had a profound impact on Christian theology, particularly in discussions around the inerrancy and authority of the scriptures.
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