Biblical Inspiration in 2 Timothy 3:16 -- By: H. Wayne House

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 137:545 (Jan 1980)
Article: Biblical Inspiration in 2 Timothy 3:16
Author: H. Wayne House


Biblical Inspiration in 2 Timothy 3:16

H. Wayne House

[H. Wayne House, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies and Greek, LeTourneau College, Longview, Texas]

To the evangelical community the doctrine of Scripture is one of the most important truths, since transgression at this point leaves all other doctrines in the nebulous sea of uncertainty. In order to demonstrate the accuracy of this position many evangelicals turn to various passages of God’s Word which aver this precious truth. One of these passages is 2 Timothy 3:16. This text is considered crucial as an internal argument for the inspiration of the Bible.1 However, before one can make a value judgment as to the benefit of 2 Timothy 3:16 to the doctrine of Scripture, one must have an accurate translation from the original text. Unfortunately this is the very problem of 2 Timothy 3:16—opinions differ as to its proper translation. Many scattered references have been made about this passage in numerous theological works but few adequately discuss the difficult grammatical, syntactical, and lexicographical problems the passage poses. This writer’s intention is to discuss the most probable translation and to note the implications of that translation for the doctrine of inspiration.

Second Timothy 3:16 reads in the Authorized Version, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Whether this is an absolutely accurate rendition of the Greek is a point of disagreement.

The Translation of Πᾶσα

The first point that needs to be examined is whether πᾶσα should be translated “all” or “every.” The New American Standard

Bible, The New Testament: A Translation in the Language of the People (Williams), The New Testament in Modern English (Phillips), The New Testament in the Language of Today (Beck), and the Revised Standard Version follow the Authorized Version in its translation of the word as “all.” The American Revised Version as well as The New English Bible translate it “every.”

Bernard is quite persuaded that this word should be rendered “every.” “The absence of the article assures us that we must render ‘every Scripture’ and not (with the Authorized Version) ‘all Scripture’; the thought is not of the Old Testament regarded as an organic whole, but of e...

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