The doctrine of biblical inerrancy holds that the Bible is without error in everything it affirms. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith, as the truth and authority of Scripture stands or falls on its inerrancy. Here are some key Bible verses that teach the inerrancy of Scripture:
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
This famous verse teaches that because all Scripture comes from God, it is true and without error. Since God cannot lie or speak falsely, the very words of Scripture as originally given were completely true and free from error.
Psalm 12:6
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
The psalmist uses poetic language to affirm that God’s words are perfectly pure, like silver purified to perfection. There is no impurity of error in God’s Word.
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
This verse again confirms that God’s words are completely true because God Himself is true. His words can be trusted fully.
John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Jesus Himself affirmed the complete truth of God’s Word. He identified God’s Word as truth itself, meaning it contains no lies or inaccuracies.
Hebrews 6:18
It is impossible for God to lie.
This succinct verse teaches that God, by His very nature, cannot lie. Therefore, His words must be free from all error.
Numbers 23:19
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
This verse in the context of Balaam’s prophecies affirms that God does not change His mind or break His word. What He says is true and will be fulfilled.
Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.
Again, this verse directly states that it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, His Word contains no lies or errors.
1 Kings 8:56
Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.
This affirmation of the complete fulfillment of God’s promises to Moses demonstrates that all of God’s words prove true.
Psalm 119:160
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
The entirety of God’s Word is characterized by truth. No part of it contains any untruth.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Jesus affirmed the enduring truth of all of God’s words down to the very letters and strokes of the letters.
John 10:35
If he called them gods to whom the word of God came – and Scripture cannot be broken…
Jesus stated that it is impossible for Scripture to be “broken” or annulled – it remains entirely true.
There are many other verses that imply or point to the complete truthfulness of God and His Word, but these are some of the clearest, most direct verses on biblical inerrancy. While some claim the Bible contains errors, these verses teach a high view of Scripture as the very words of God Himself, who cannot lie. The Christian can have full confidence in the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible.
The Bible’s testimony about itself makes an unmistakable claim to complete, precise accuracy in all that it affirms. This extends even to small details, as Jesus said “jot and tittle” in Matthew 5:18. Although the Bible was written over many centuries by different human authors, the unity of Scripture demonstrates the Divine authorship through the Holy Spirit who moved men to record God’s very words (2 Peter 1:21).
The authority of the Bible stands or falls on its inerrancy. If the Bible contains errors, then its authority is called into question. However, as the very Word of God, the Bible speaks with absolute authority and truth in everything it addresses. The Christian can fully trust the Bible as the true, authoritative guide for doctrines, ethics, and everyday life.
The Bible’s inerrancy is vital because it tells us the truth about God’s nature, His plan of salvation, and how we are to live. The reformers fought hard to uphold biblical inerrancy against attacks by Roman Catholicism. In more recent times, biblical inerrancy has been undermined by liberal theology, higher criticism, skeptical scholars, and postmodern denials of absolute truth. It remains a watershed issue today between evangelical churches who uphold inerrancy and liberal denominations that deny it.
Evangelicals continue to affirm, as the church has throughout its history until recent attacks arose, that the Bible is completely free from error in everything it addresses. As Augustine stated, “If we are perplexed by any apparent contradiction in Scripture, it is not allowable to say that the author of this book is mistaken; but either the manuscript is faulty, or the translation is wrong, or you have not understood.” Scripture alone is the Word of God written and the supreme authority for the church.
The Bible is God’s complete written revelation of Himself and His will. Therefore, it must be treated with reverence and humility. Scripture should be read prayerfully,dependently on the illumination of the Holy Spirit who inspired it. Believers can have full confidence in the authority and reliability of Scripture, even where supposed “errors” may trouble us. Perceived difficulties are due to incomplete information on our part, not inaccuracies in God’s Word.
The Bible promises blessings to those who read and obey Scripture (Revelation 1:3). The Word of God is active and alive, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). As believers study and memorize Scripture, it equips them for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It provides wisdom and light for life’s journey as a lamp to our feet and light for our path (Psalm 119:105). The inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture mean that it alone is the supreme authority for Christian faith and practice.
In summary, the Bible clearly testifies to its complete truthfulness. Since God cannot lie, His words are free from all error. As the divine Word, the Bible speaks with absolute authority in everything it addresses. Trusting in the Scripture’s inerrancy is essential to trusting its saving message. The Bible promises blessing to those who obey God’s inerrant, authoritative Word.