Scripture refers to the sacred writings that Christians receive as the word of God—the holy writings recognized as God’s word in the Old and New Testaments. The New Testament describes Scripture as “God-breathed” and profitable for teaching and training in righteousness.
Meaning of Scripture
The word Scripture means the holy writings recognized as God’s word. In Christian usage, this refers to the Old and New Testaments as the sacred writings received as God’s word.
God-breathed writings
A key New Testament statement about Scripture appears in Paul’s words to Timothy:
“Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
This verse describes Scripture as “God-breathed,” a phrase also expressed as “inspired by God.” It presents Scripture not merely as religious literature, but as writings understood to come from God in a unique way.
Purpose of Scripture
Paul connects Scripture’s divine origin to its practical usefulness. In the same context, Scripture is described as being given so that God’s people may be equipped for every good work. In other words, Scripture is received as God’s word not only to be read or preserved, but to form and train God’s people—particularly through teaching and training in righteousness.
What Christians receive
When Christians speak of “Scripture,” they are referring to the sacred writings they receive as God’s word—recognized in the Old and New Testaments. Within the New Testament itself, Scripture is characterized as “God-breathed” and “profitable for teaching,” and it is given so that God’s people may be equipped for every good work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Scripture” refer to in Christianity?
In Christianity, Scripture refers to the sacred writings Christians receive as the word of God—the holy writings recognized as God’s word in the Old and New Testaments.
Where does the New Testament describe Scripture as inspired?
2 Timothy 3:16 describes Scripture as “God-breathed,” which is also expressed as inspired by God.
What does “God-breathed” mean in 2 Timothy 3:16?
In 2 Timothy 3:16, “God-breathed” describes Scripture as coming from God in a way that sets it apart as sacred writing received as God’s word.
What is Scripture useful for, according to 2 Timothy?
2 Timothy 3:16 says, “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching.” In the same passage, Paul says Scripture is given so that God’s people may be equipped for every good work, including training in righteousness.
Is Scripture limited to one part of the Bible?
In Christian usage, Scripture refers to the holy writings recognized as God’s word—the Old and New Testaments.