The Scriptures- Inerrancy & Infallibility

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Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind

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Volume I August 2011 Issue 34

Inerrancy and Infallibility

            Webster’s Dictionary defines Inerrancy as “exemption from error” and infallibility as “incapable of error.” These terms are similar in meaning and, when used to describe the original Scriptural texts, are inseparable. 

            I believe it is important to make the distinction between modern translations (i.e. KJV, ESV, NASB, NKJV) and the original texts. While these translations are very accurate (as well as a small group of other translations), they cannot be considered inerrant or infallible. These versions are what most Bible Scholars would describe as “reliable” translations, meaning, the words and meanings used in these translations, while not in the original language, are as close to the originals as is conceivable. 

            This method of translation is known as formal equivalence. This is the practice of translating from reliable manuscripts to another language as closely as the language will allow. It does not require a verbatim translation due to the differences between the languages. Rather, it seeks to use words and phrases that mirror, as closely as possible, the exact words that were originally used. 

            The only person capable of producing a document of such content, completely infallible and inerrant is Christ himself. He used inspiration to direct the original writers as they penned the documents. Those original documents were the only words inspired by God. Because God did not use the English language, it is not possible to suggest that our English Bibles are “inspired.” What we have today is as close as we are able to have to the original words of Christ, written in our language. As such, they are worthy to be used for faith, study, and practice in the life of believers. 

            That being said, the original signatures or texts are indeed infallible and inerrant. First of all, Romans 3:4 says, “God is true” (KJV). Secondly, 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that God breathed out or “inspired” the Scriptures. This brings us to the conclusion that the Scriptures are true (John 17:17). As God is exempt and incapable of error, so is His Word. God has provided various Scriptures that testify of His inspiration of the Bible, such as 1 Peter 1:20-21, Romans 15:4, and many others. Matthew 4:4 refers to the Authority of Scripture. It is the “word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (KJV).   The Bible has been proven true throughout history. To deny the inerrancy and the infallibility of the Word of God is to deny God’s perfection. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the Word was God” (KJV). 

            We, as Christians, have been given a precious gift—the Word of God. It 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 thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV).

Jonathan Halk