Karen Engle
Poems and songs. History and narrative. Wars and celebrations. Romance and grief. The Bible is an eclectic book.
But it’s more than a book to be studied. It’s a compilation of sacred writings God gave us to know and love him better—it is the word of God. And within our Bibles, we find what A. W. Tozer calls God’s present speaking voice—that which makes the written word all-powerful and as relevant today as it was to first-century believers.
Here are 13 verses highlighting Scripture’s inspiration, purpose, life-giving qualities, and more.
On the inspiration of Scripture
1. 1 Corinthians 2:12–13
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
2. 2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
3. 2 Peter 1:20–21
No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
On the life-giving nature of Scripture
4. Deuteronomy 32:45–47
And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”
5. Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
6. Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
On the purpose of Scripture
7. John 20:30–31
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
8. Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
On the eternal nature of Scripture
9. Zechariah 1:5–6
Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers?
10. Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
11. 1 Peter 1:24–25
All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
On the perfection of Scripture
12. Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
13. Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
All verses are taken from the English Standard Version Bible.
Related articles
- Bible Study: How to Dig Deep into God’s Word
- 29 Bible Study Tools for Reading the Bible More Effectively
- Spiritual Formation: 14 Verses on God’s Intention for Spiritual Growth
Related resources
Daniel R. Hyde
Kirk E. Miller
Joshua Jipp
Michael F. Bird