What Does the Bible Say About Itself?
What Does the Bible Say About Itself? The Bible claims to be the inspired, authoritative, living Word of God — profitable for teaching, correction, and equipping believers for every good work.
Key verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
The Bible claims to be the inspired, authoritative, living Word of God — profitable for teaching, correction, and equipping believers for every good work.
The Bible claims to be the inspired, authoritative, living Word of God — profitable for teaching, correction, and equipping believers for every good work.
"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." — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Scripture makes extraordinary claims about itself. Second Timothy 3:16-17 declares, '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.' The word 'inspiration' (theopneustos) literally means 'God-breathed.' Peter confirms that 'holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost' (2 Peter 1:21). The Bible is described as living and powerful — 'sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit' (Hebrews 4:12). It is a lamp and a light (Psalm 119:105), pure as refined silver (Psalm 12:6), and enduring forever (Isaiah 40:8, 1 Peter 1:25). Jesus treated the Old Testament as authoritative, saying 'the scripture cannot be broken' (John 10:35). He defeated Satan by quoting Scripture (Matthew 4:4,7,10). The Bible is not merely a human book about God — it is God's Word to humanity, and it accomplishes what He sends it to do (Isaiah 55:11).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Faith?
What the Bible teaches about faith, believing in God, and trusting His promises.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
What Does the Bible Say About Itself?
The Bible claims to be the inspired, authoritative, living Word of God — profitable for teaching, correction, and equipping believers for every good work.
What Does the Bible Say About Truth?
The Bible presents truth as absolute and rooted in God's character — Jesus declared 'I am the truth,' and God's Word is called truth throughout Scripture.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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Theology & Doctrine
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
Acts 2:42 Commentary
In-depth study • Early Church Life
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 2 Timothy. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Timothy on day 350 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Itself?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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