Letters of Hope

Inspire: Latin: spirare – to breathe;

inspirare – to breath in or into (inspire vs. expire)

Inspiration: Latin: inspiratio – Theological usage:- Divine influence exerted upon the mind or spirit; especially the Divine influence underlying prophetic or scriptural revelation.

The word “inspiration” is derived from the Latin “inspiratio.” It refers to the act of drawing in the breath: inhalation as opposed to expiration. In Theological usage, it refers to the Divine influence exerted upon the mind or spirit, especially the Divine influence underlying Prophetic or Scriptural revelation. (R.D. Great Encyclopedia Dictionary)

“Inspiration” is found twice in the King James Version. In the Old Testament it is translated from the Hebrew “neshamah” (breath), and it is very revealing. “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration (breath) of the Almighty gives them understanding.” (Job 32:8) Using the same Hebrew word, translated as “breath,” Job declares, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.” (Job 33:4)

As the Divinely inspired Scriptures declare: In the very beginning, “the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed (blew) into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7)

The word in the New Testament is applied to the Scriptures: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (theopneustos – God breathed), and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16)

There is another wonder-full occasion in the New Testament when Jesus appeared in His glorified body to His beloved followers. Upon showing them His hands and His side, He then said to them, “Peace be unto you. As my Father has sent me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit…’” (John 20:19-22)

These passages outline for us the fact that man(kind) is a very special creation of the Almighty Creator-God Who has literally breathed into him both life and understanding, which sets him apart from all the rest of creation. As well, He has revealed His truth and His will to us in the inspired Scriptures, which sets them apart from all other writings. As we read, His Spirit breathes life into the written Word and it is quickened to our spirits.

May we always highly treasure the life and the understanding which God has breathed into our human spirits, and the even greater measure in which He inspires those who belong to His “Household of Faith.”