2 Timothy 3:16 KJV - All Scripture Is Given by Inspiration of God

Second Timothy 3:16 in the KJV reads: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." The phrase "given by inspiration of God" translates a single compound Greek word, theopneustos, literally "God-breathed," combining theos (God) and pneo (to breathe). This rare term, possibly coined by Paul, evokes Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life into Adam, and Psalm 33:6, where the heavens were made by the breath of His mouth. "Scripture," graphe, originally referred to the Hebrew Tanakh, but by AD 65-67 when Paul wrote from a Roman prison awaiting execution, it was beginning to include apostolic writings (compare 2 Peter 3:16). Paul lists four profitable functions using Greek didaskalia (doctrine, systematic teaching), elegmos (reproof, exposing error), epanorthosis (correction, restoring to upright), and paideia (instruction, child-training in righteousness). Writing to young pastor Timothy in Ephesus, Paul frames Scripture as the pastor's primary tool against the last-days deception described in verses 1-9. This verse is the cornerstone of the doctrine of biblical inspiration and remains the single most-cited passage defending Scripture's divine origin, sufficiency, and authority across historic Christian confessions.

Chapter Context

2 Timothy is Paul's final letter, written from a Roman dungeon shortly before his martyrdom under Nero around AD 67. Chapter 3 warns Timothy of perilous last-day conditions (verses 1-9), describing a church infiltrated by lovers of self and pleasure rather than lovers of God. Verses 10-15 contrast this with Timothy's own upbringing in the Scriptures, which Paul says are "able to make thee wise unto salvation." Verse 16 then explains why Scripture has this power, theopneustia, and verse 17 closes by stating the goal: that the man of God be perfect (artios, fitted) and thoroughly furnished for every good work. The passage serves as Paul's pastoral charge to cling to Scripture when culture crumbles.

How to Apply This Verse

1. Build your devotional life around Scripture itself, not only books about it. Because the Bible is God-breathed, reading it directly allows the Spirit to accomplish the fourfold work of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in your heart. Use a reading plan that covers both Testaments yearly.
2. Submit your opinions to Scripture, not the reverse. When a biblical passage reproves your behavior or exposes a wrong belief, respond with repentance rather than reinterpretation. Theopneustia means God speaks with authority Himself; we are hearers, not editors.
3. Equip others through the Word. Teachers, parents, and mentors should lead with Scripture rather than personality or pragmatism. Memorize key passages and quote them in counseling, parenting, and leadership, trusting the text to do what human argument cannot.