The concept of "inspire" in the biblical context is deeply rooted in the understanding of divine influence and guidance, particularly in relation to the Scriptures and the work of the Holy Spirit. The term itself is derived from the Latin "inspirare," meaning "to breathe into," which aligns with the biblical portrayal of God's Spirit as the breath of life and truth.

Divine Inspiration of Scripture

The doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture is foundational to the Christian faith, affirming that the Bible is God-breathed and authoritative. In 2 Timothy 3:16 , the Apostle Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This passage underscores the belief that the Scriptures are not merely human writings but are infused with divine authority and purpose.

The process of inspiration involves the Holy Spirit guiding the human authors of the Bible, ensuring that their writings accurately convey God's message. This divine-human partnership is evident throughout the biblical narrative, where the unique personalities and contexts of the authors are preserved, yet the ultimate source of their message is God Himself.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the inspiration and illumination of Scripture. In John 14:26 , Jesus promises His disciples, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit not only inspired the original authors but also continues to work in the hearts of believers, helping them to understand and apply God's Word.

The Spirit's work of inspiration is not limited to the writing of Scripture but extends to the ongoing life of the Church. In Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowered the apostles to preach the gospel with boldness and clarity, demonstrating the Spirit's role in inspiring and equipping believers for ministry.

Inspiration in the Life of Believers

Inspiration is also a dynamic aspect of the Christian life, as believers are called to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 exhorts, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This filling of the Spirit inspires believers to live in a manner that reflects the character and purposes of God.

The inspired life is marked by the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These qualities are evidence of the Spirit's transformative work, inspiring believers to embody the values of the Kingdom of God.

Inspiration in Worship and Creativity

Inspiration also manifests in worship and creative expression. Throughout the Bible, individuals are inspired by God to compose songs, poetry, and other forms of artistic expression. The Psalms, for example, are a collection of inspired songs and prayers that have been used in worship for centuries. Psalm 33:3 encourages, "Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy."

The creative inspiration given by God is not limited to the biblical authors but is available to all believers who seek to glorify God through their talents and gifts. This divine inspiration fuels creativity that honors God and edifies the Church.

In summary, the concept of "inspire" in the Bible encompasses the divine influence on Scripture, the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, and the creative expression of worship and service. Through inspiration, God breathes life, truth, and purpose into His people, equipping them to fulfill His will on earth.1. (v. t.) To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.

2. (v. t.) To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.

3. (v. t.) To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale; -- opposed to expire.

4. (v. t.) To infuse into the mind; to communicate to the spirit; to convey, as by a divine or supernatural influence; to disclose preternaturally; to produce in, as by inspiration.

5. (v. t.) To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens, or exalts; to communicate inspiration to; as, to inspire a child with sentiments of virtue.

6. (v. i.) To draw in breath; to inhale air into the lungs; -- opposed to expire.

7. (v. i.) To breathe; to blow gently.

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... Nothing quite like this two-fold witness appears elsewhere in the Bible.
These statements sober the heart and inspire the soul! ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

What Sacred Instinct did Inspire
... THE THIRD CENTURY 3 What sacred instinct did inspire. What sacred instinct
did inspire My soul in childhood with a hope so strong? ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/3 what sacred instinct did.htm

Now, Lord, Inspire the Preacher's Heart,
... VIII. SHORT HYMNS: BEFORE SERMON. Hymn 90 Now, LORD, inspire the preacher's heart,.
John Newton 8,6,8,6. Now, LORD, inspire the preacher's heart,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 90 now lord inspire.htm

Ember Days and Ordination 455. Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
... IV. SPECIAL OCCASIONS Ember Days and Ordination 455. Come, Holy Ghost, our souls
inspire. 8,8 ... Latin; Tr. John Cosin, 1627. Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,. ...
/.../ember days and ordination 455.htm

Of Jeroboam, who Profaned the People Put under Him by the Impiety ...
... Chapter 22."Of Jeroboam, Who Profaned the People Put Under Him by the Impiety of
Idolatry, Amid Which, However, God Did Not Cease to Inspire the Prophets ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of jeroboam who profaned.htm

Toilet.
... and heart attach their hopes, to loftier claims; by their modesty and reserve they
are pleasing to all, and the sentiments which they inspire, being always ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xv toilet.htm

On Reading.
... lively colors the terrible effects of the passions, and the fatal consequences that
a momentary excitement might entail is not of a nature to inspire a young ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xxi on reading.htm

What to do with Doubt
... divine authority. The very grandeur and mystery of the themes presented
should inspire faith in it as the word of God. The Bible ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 12 what to do.htm

Importance of the Time of Youth; Difficulties and Dangers that ...
... Let the need of repairing the past, and the importance of preparing for the future
inspire you with generous resolutions and an ardent desire of acquiring all ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter i importance of the.htm

But Now, with a Heart Cured of that Wound...
... And inspire, O Lord my God, inspire Thy servants my brethren, Thy sons my masters,
whom with voice, and heart, and pen I serve, that so many as shall read ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xiii but now with.htm

He Entreats God for Her Sins, and Admonishes his Readers to ...
... And inspire, O my Lord my God, inspire Thy servants my brethren, Thy sons my masters,
who with voice and heart and writings I serve, that so many of them as ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xiii he entreats god for.htm

Inspire (3 Occurrences)
... to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates,
enlivens, or exalts; to communicate inspiration to; as, to inspire a child ...
/i/inspire.htm - 8k

Inspired (20 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Inspire. 2. (a.) Breathed in; inhaled.
3. (a.) Moved or animated by, or as by, a supernatural ...
/i/inspired.htm - 12k

Gedaliah (31 Occurrences)
... For two months (some think longer) Gedaliah's beneficent and wise rule did much
to consolidate affairs in Judah and to inspire the feeble remnant of his ...
/g/gedaliah.htm - 26k

Intimidate (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To make timid or fearful; to inspire of affect
with fear; to deter, as by threats; to dishearten; to abash. ...
/i/intimidate.htm - 7k

Fierce (92 Occurrences)
... wind. 2. (superl.) Vehement in anger or cruelty; ready or eager to kill or
injure; of a nature to inspire terror; ferocious. 3. (superl ...
/f/fierce.htm - 34k

Threaten (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To utter threats against; to menace; to inspire with apprehension; to alarm,
or attempt to alarm, as with the promise of something evil or disagreeable ...
/t/threaten.htm - 8k

Expire (14 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To breathe out; to emit from the lungs; to throw out from the mouth or
nostrils in the process of respiration; -- opposed to inspire. ...
/e/expire.htm - 10k

Exalt (56 Occurrences)
... extol; to glorify. 4. (vt) To lift up with joy, pride, or success; to inspire
with delight or satisfaction; to elate. 5. (vt) To ...
/e/exalt.htm - 27k

Encourage (34 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; to raise,
or to increase, the confidence of; to animate; enhearten; to incite; to help ...
/e/encourage.htm - 16k

Draw (212 Occurrences)
... criminal. 13. (vt) To take into the lungs; to inhale; to inspire; hence,
also, to utter or produce by an inhalation; to heave. 14. ...
/d/draw.htm - 41k

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