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Inspiration and Authority of the Bible
Inspiration and Authority of the Bible
442 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1948
65 people are currently reading
990 people want to read
About the author
B.B. Warfield
222 books92 followersBenjamin Breckinridge Warfield (usually known as B. B. Warfield) was professor of theology at Princeton Seminary from 1887 to 1921. Some conservative Presbyterians consider him to be the last of the great Princeton theologians before the split in 1929 that formed Westminster Seminary and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 29, 2023
This book was quite difficult at times but worth the effort. I’d highly recommend if you are curious of what the theological and exegetical arguments are for a typical evangelical theology of scripture.
May 31, 2019
How have I lived this long without ever reading this?
Benj. B. Warfield stands strong in his defense of the biblical view of “The Scriptures.”
The main body of the book is excellent and the appendices are invaluable. This book is scholarly, but in the best of ways. He keeps the information from being dry by including arguments from his contemporaries. It turns out that many of the same arguments he faced then are faced by the churches of today.
I highly recommend this book to any pastor, Christian worker, or believer who wants to be grounded in their belief that they have the Word of God.
Benj. B. Warfield stands strong in his defense of the biblical view of “The Scriptures.”
The main body of the book is excellent and the appendices are invaluable. This book is scholarly, but in the best of ways. He keeps the information from being dry by including arguments from his contemporaries. It turns out that many of the same arguments he faced then are faced by the churches of today.
I highly recommend this book to any pastor, Christian worker, or believer who wants to be grounded in their belief that they have the Word of God.
February 3, 2011
Two articles worth reading carefully: "The Biblical Idea of Inspiration" and "The Real Problem of Inspiration". Both are standards in the field, and excellent.
The other articles are extremely technical and a bit dated; I would not recommend them generally, unless someone has a particular problem with the use of "theopneustos" or something of that nature.
The other articles are extremely technical and a bit dated; I would not recommend them generally, unless someone has a particular problem with the use of "theopneustos" or something of that nature.
February 7, 2021
First half was very helpful. Very technical, especially in the articles in the second half. I knew enough Greek to get by, but I don't know Latin, and there were parts that were not possible to follow without knowing Latin.
September 2, 2017
Dr. Warfield brings massive scholarship, profound learning, and irrefutable logic to the defense of the Inspiration of the Bible.
September 24, 2024
This work of B.B. Warfield's, the greatest of the divines of Old Princeton is par excellence. It is eloquent, well articulated, and overall an edifying work. The book is broken out into an introduction, 8 chapters, and 2 appendices.
Van Til's introduction seemed like a bit of an afterthought on the part of the Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company. The introduction is 61 pages long and has relatively little to do with the contents of each chapter, which themselves were separate written works of Warfield's. Chapters 1-5 are a must read, and chapters 6-8 will be appreciated by seminarians who are able readers of Greek. I mostly skimmed the last 3 chapters where Warfield is responding to contemporary critics of his day due to my lack of knowledge concerning biblical languages.
The chief thesis of his work is that scripture is theopneustic, i.e., breathed out by God (1 Tim. 3:16), an ocacular work of God's, and God's very words. It is both inspired and inerrant. The Holy Scriptures are the inspired work of God born out by the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of men. Thus, scripture is plenary in that the entirety of scripture is inspired, verbal because the very words of scripture are inspired, and confluent because scripture is the product of both men and God. Since it is co-authored by the Spirt and men:
". . .the Spirit's superintendence extends to the choice of the words by the human authors (verbal inspiration), and preserves its product from everything inconsistnent with a divine authorship—thus securing, among other things, that entire truthfulness which is everywhere presupposed in and asserted for Scripture by the Biblical writers (inerrancy)." Warfield continues, ". . .the primary ground on which it [inerrancy] has been held by the Church as the true doctrine is that it is the doctrine of the Biblical writers themselves, and has therefore the whole mass of evidence for it which goes to show that the Biblical writers are trustworthy as doctrinal guides" (173).
Warfield admonishes us that ". . .if the Biblical doctrine of inspiration is rejected, our freedom from its trammels is bought logically at the somewhat serious cost of discrediting the evidence which goes to show that the Biblical writers are trustworthy as teachers of doctrine. In this sense, the fortunes of distinctive Christianity are bound up with those of the Biblical doctrine of inspiration" (210).
This book is a must read for anyone who desires to learn more concerning the Doctrines of Inspiration, Inerrancy, or Revelation.
Van Til's introduction seemed like a bit of an afterthought on the part of the Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company. The introduction is 61 pages long and has relatively little to do with the contents of each chapter, which themselves were separate written works of Warfield's. Chapters 1-5 are a must read, and chapters 6-8 will be appreciated by seminarians who are able readers of Greek. I mostly skimmed the last 3 chapters where Warfield is responding to contemporary critics of his day due to my lack of knowledge concerning biblical languages.
The chief thesis of his work is that scripture is theopneustic, i.e., breathed out by God (1 Tim. 3:16), an ocacular work of God's, and God's very words. It is both inspired and inerrant. The Holy Scriptures are the inspired work of God born out by the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of men. Thus, scripture is plenary in that the entirety of scripture is inspired, verbal because the very words of scripture are inspired, and confluent because scripture is the product of both men and God. Since it is co-authored by the Spirt and men:
". . .the Spirit's superintendence extends to the choice of the words by the human authors (verbal inspiration), and preserves its product from everything inconsistnent with a divine authorship—thus securing, among other things, that entire truthfulness which is everywhere presupposed in and asserted for Scripture by the Biblical writers (inerrancy)." Warfield continues, ". . .the primary ground on which it [inerrancy] has been held by the Church as the true doctrine is that it is the doctrine of the Biblical writers themselves, and has therefore the whole mass of evidence for it which goes to show that the Biblical writers are trustworthy as doctrinal guides" (173).
Warfield admonishes us that ". . .if the Biblical doctrine of inspiration is rejected, our freedom from its trammels is bought logically at the somewhat serious cost of discrediting the evidence which goes to show that the Biblical writers are trustworthy as teachers of doctrine. In this sense, the fortunes of distinctive Christianity are bound up with those of the Biblical doctrine of inspiration" (210).
This book is a must read for anyone who desires to learn more concerning the Doctrines of Inspiration, Inerrancy, or Revelation.
June 14, 2021
I understand why many consider this work a Christian classic. The content is incredibly dense and rich, which allows Warfield to articulate the Christian doctrine of inspiration well by examining what Scripture says about itself. It is from the foundation that the Bible is breathed out that he then proceeds to the logical conclusion that if the Bible is breathed out by God, then it is authoritative in all manners of life. The downside of this book is that the writing style is hard to follow, and there are often large chunks in Latin or German that are not translated in full (this could be only particular to the edition I used). With that being said, I could not help but wonder if there is a better more current book out there on the subject matter, particularly one that reads more appropriately to a lay person.
December 30, 2025
This is a very deep, thoroughly researched proof of Scripture as being the very inspired gift of God to His church. His very word that is our authority alone. I was grateful for the abstracts to help prepare my mind for the proofs being argued and the conclusions to put it all together in each section.
November 25, 2019
3.5 stars. Not for the weak of heart. Helps to know Greek as is referenced often. Some very good stuff.
February 12, 2013
Perhaps the most well-known volume of all on the subject. It has graced the shelves of most conservative pastors since written. It would be a boon to the cause of Christ if more pastors read it today. Somewhat scholarly in tone, but worth mastering.
July 3, 2018
I just completed reading and rereading B.B. Warfield’s classic work, “The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible.” Warfield was Professor of Didactic and Polemic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary from 1887 - 1921. This book is a collection of essays written by Dr. Warfield in defense of the historic doctrine of verbal, plenary inspiration and the absolute authority and inerrancy of Scripture. This book is widely regarded as one of the finest defenses of inspiration ever written.
Dr. Warfield was a scholar. This book was not written at the popular level. Rather, this book is technical and comprehensive. It assumes a working knowledge of the Scriptures in the original languages. However, even if you are not adept in Greek and Hebrew, this book still has much to offer. Dr. Warfield’s argumentation is precise and tight. When Dr. Warfield makes an assertion, he is not content to establish the truth of his assertion with a few points; rather, Dr. Warfield provides a shock-and-awe level of argumentation to establish his premise.
Oftentimes when one thinks about the inspiration of Scripture, one wonders whether the argument in support is circular. Scripture says it is inspired; therefore, Scripture is inspired. Now, that IS enough for the follower of Christ. The authority of Scripture is thus established and confirmed in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit. However, what about the skeptics? Warfield establishes the reasonableness of the claim of Scripture as to its inspiration. Thus, the circular logic accusation is effectively put to rest.
Warfield expends great effort to establish the New Testament author’s view of the Old Testament as inspired while also establishing the Old Testament author’s view of the Scriptures (ie., the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings) as the Word of God. Warfield then establishes the authority of the New Testament based on internal and external evidence, including the pronouncement of the early Church fathers who were students and contemporaries of the Apostles. In fact, the appendices of the book dealing with the establishment of the Canon of Scripture and the topic of Inspiration and Criticism is worth the price of the book alone.
In my opening paragraph of this review I indicated that I read and reread this book. I read it and then I carefully made notes of all that I read chapter by chapter. In doing this I was better able to comprehend and mentally appropriate what Warfield was attempting to convey. In other words, it took work to move through this weighty volume. Don’t let that intimidate you, however. This book is a classic for a reason. It has much to offer to those who are willing to expend the effort. Happy reading!
Dr. Warfield was a scholar. This book was not written at the popular level. Rather, this book is technical and comprehensive. It assumes a working knowledge of the Scriptures in the original languages. However, even if you are not adept in Greek and Hebrew, this book still has much to offer. Dr. Warfield’s argumentation is precise and tight. When Dr. Warfield makes an assertion, he is not content to establish the truth of his assertion with a few points; rather, Dr. Warfield provides a shock-and-awe level of argumentation to establish his premise.
Oftentimes when one thinks about the inspiration of Scripture, one wonders whether the argument in support is circular. Scripture says it is inspired; therefore, Scripture is inspired. Now, that IS enough for the follower of Christ. The authority of Scripture is thus established and confirmed in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit. However, what about the skeptics? Warfield establishes the reasonableness of the claim of Scripture as to its inspiration. Thus, the circular logic accusation is effectively put to rest.
Warfield expends great effort to establish the New Testament author’s view of the Old Testament as inspired while also establishing the Old Testament author’s view of the Scriptures (ie., the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings) as the Word of God. Warfield then establishes the authority of the New Testament based on internal and external evidence, including the pronouncement of the early Church fathers who were students and contemporaries of the Apostles. In fact, the appendices of the book dealing with the establishment of the Canon of Scripture and the topic of Inspiration and Criticism is worth the price of the book alone.
In my opening paragraph of this review I indicated that I read and reread this book. I read it and then I carefully made notes of all that I read chapter by chapter. In doing this I was better able to comprehend and mentally appropriate what Warfield was attempting to convey. In other words, it took work to move through this weighty volume. Don’t let that intimidate you, however. This book is a classic for a reason. It has much to offer to those who are willing to expend the effort. Happy reading!
July 9, 2017
Fantastic and meaty book, dealing not only with the nature of the historical doctrine of biblical Inspiration, but also with neighboring topics/subjects like formation of the NT canon, relationship of these doctrines to modern criticism, and also in depth Greek word studies on the language found in the NT about the OT Scriptures, and nature of them together being the “Word of God,” while also looking at what the authors and Jesus himself say about the Scriptures and how the Church is to understand them. Our doctrine should be rooted in what the Biblical authors (and God) say about itself.
Though this book is intense in the latter two chapters with in depth Greek Word studies, it has been very encouraging and edifying for me to read. Never have I found such a robust defense of biblical authority and inspiration than in the essays written here by Warfield. Understanding Koine Greek certainly will help in certain chapters of this book, but isn’t necessary to understand the arguments. Regardless, this volume will be richly beneficial for all, even for those struggling to understand these doctrines and especially for those combating contemporary attacks on the Inspiration of the Bible and it’s reliability. Warfield shows the importance and necessity of affirming what the Bible says about itself: that it (in the original autographs) is entirely the Word of God and therefore, utterly true in all it says. Christianity certainly could’ve been established without the Bible, but this is how God has chosen to reveal truth about himself and how we are to live unto him, and if the Christian cannot trust this divinely given and kept book, then innumerable treasures and comforts would be lost and man prey to the uncertainties and doubts that creep in a heart without a steadfast revelation to anchor them.
“Revelation is but half revelation unless it be infallibly communicated; it is but half communicated unless it be infallibly recorded. The heathen in their blindness are our witnesses of what becomes of an unrecorded revelation. Let us bless God, then, for His inspired Word! And may He grant that we may always cherish, love and venerate it, and conform all our life and thinking to it! So may we find safety for our feet, and peaceful security for our souls.”
Though this book is intense in the latter two chapters with in depth Greek Word studies, it has been very encouraging and edifying for me to read. Never have I found such a robust defense of biblical authority and inspiration than in the essays written here by Warfield. Understanding Koine Greek certainly will help in certain chapters of this book, but isn’t necessary to understand the arguments. Regardless, this volume will be richly beneficial for all, even for those struggling to understand these doctrines and especially for those combating contemporary attacks on the Inspiration of the Bible and it’s reliability. Warfield shows the importance and necessity of affirming what the Bible says about itself: that it (in the original autographs) is entirely the Word of God and therefore, utterly true in all it says. Christianity certainly could’ve been established without the Bible, but this is how God has chosen to reveal truth about himself and how we are to live unto him, and if the Christian cannot trust this divinely given and kept book, then innumerable treasures and comforts would be lost and man prey to the uncertainties and doubts that creep in a heart without a steadfast revelation to anchor them.
“Revelation is but half revelation unless it be infallibly communicated; it is but half communicated unless it be infallibly recorded. The heathen in their blindness are our witnesses of what becomes of an unrecorded revelation. Let us bless God, then, for His inspired Word! And may He grant that we may always cherish, love and venerate it, and conform all our life and thinking to it! So may we find safety for our feet, and peaceful security for our souls.”
August 21, 2025
"The religion of the Bible thus announces itself, not as the product of men's search after God, if haply they may feel after Him and find Him, but as the creation in men of the gracious God, forming a people for Himself, that they may show forth his praise. In other words, the religion of the Bible presents itself distinctively a revealed religion."
— B.B. Warfield, The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible, Chapter 1, p. 72.
The other day I found myself watching a video of a man claiming, "Jesus only quoted the actual words of God in the Old Testament as the words of God himself because the rest of the text wasn't inspired. Only the direct statements by God were." His video serves as proof that Warfield's book is as timely today as when first published. I would even be willing to call The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible one of the most important books a Christian can study outside of the scripture.
Now that doesn't mean everyone should study it.
First, it's not an easy read. It's dense and scholarly; he did not write this with a wide audience in mind. The sentences are often complex and the arguments require careful attention to follow along.
Second, some knowledge of Koine Greek may be beneficial. While I can only speak for my version, it does have some untranslated sections that I had to work through. A good grasp of Greek grammar (including concepts like subjects, objects, and cases) is essential to follow his arguments.
— B.B. Warfield, The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible, Chapter 1, p. 72.
The other day I found myself watching a video of a man claiming, "Jesus only quoted the actual words of God in the Old Testament as the words of God himself because the rest of the text wasn't inspired. Only the direct statements by God were." His video serves as proof that Warfield's book is as timely today as when first published. I would even be willing to call The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible one of the most important books a Christian can study outside of the scripture.
Now that doesn't mean everyone should study it.
First, it's not an easy read. It's dense and scholarly; he did not write this with a wide audience in mind. The sentences are often complex and the arguments require careful attention to follow along.
Second, some knowledge of Koine Greek may be beneficial. While I can only speak for my version, it does have some untranslated sections that I had to work through. A good grasp of Greek grammar (including concepts like subjects, objects, and cases) is essential to follow his arguments.
May 23, 2025
I think it is safe to say that you cannot speak of the Reformed doctrine of Scripture without invoking B. B. Warfield. He remains the preeminent scholar defending the Bible's infallibility, inerrancy, and authority against its critics, in his day and our own.
Though this book is a collection of individual essays, there is a common thread that runs throughout Warfield's work: What Scripture says, God says. So the Bible is inerrant, authoritative, and immanent.
In 2 Timothy 3:16, the Apostle Paul says all Scripture (thus, we're talking about plenary inspiration) is breathed out (theoneustos) by God. As Warfield painstakingly proves, to say Scripture is inspired is to say it originates from God. It is a divine product. Therefore, it must be without error in all its parts since God Himself is truth and cannot lie. Scripture's divine origin also means it is authoritative; it compels the obedience of creatures to their Creator. Finally, and often overlooked as a key aspect of Scripture, the Bible is immanent. What does that mean? God is the living God and his word is so closely attached to his character and action that to read the Bible is to actually hear God speaking to us now. It is, as the author of Hebrews says, a living and active word (Hebrews 4:12).
Though this book is a collection of individual essays, there is a common thread that runs throughout Warfield's work: What Scripture says, God says. So the Bible is inerrant, authoritative, and immanent.
In 2 Timothy 3:16, the Apostle Paul says all Scripture (thus, we're talking about plenary inspiration) is breathed out (theoneustos) by God. As Warfield painstakingly proves, to say Scripture is inspired is to say it originates from God. It is a divine product. Therefore, it must be without error in all its parts since God Himself is truth and cannot lie. Scripture's divine origin also means it is authoritative; it compels the obedience of creatures to their Creator. Finally, and often overlooked as a key aspect of Scripture, the Bible is immanent. What does that mean? God is the living God and his word is so closely attached to his character and action that to read the Bible is to actually hear God speaking to us now. It is, as the author of Hebrews says, a living and active word (Hebrews 4:12).
November 25, 2019
Helpful articulation of the historic Christian belief in the inerrancy of the Bible. Particularly takes on the idea that one can affirm the truths of Christian spirituality without affirming the authority and trustworthiness of the Bible.
Not all chapter are created equal, though. The Biblical Idea of Revelation and the Real Problem of Inspiration are excellent. The Church Doctrine of Inspiration and the Biblical Idea of Inspiration are helpful, though a bit tedious because of the level of detail. The last four chapters are technical studies of specific terms in the NT (and other contemporary writings). Helpful if someone is struggling with historical critical critiques of specific words meaning specific things, but too technical to be more than tiresome in most circumstances.
My copy came with two appendices on the formation of the NT canon and the relationship modern criticism *actually* has to the modern study of Scripture. Both were phenomenally good at simply clarifying terms and grounds of concern in a way that helps clarify concepts that scholars often make murky.
Not all chapter are created equal, though. The Biblical Idea of Revelation and the Real Problem of Inspiration are excellent. The Church Doctrine of Inspiration and the Biblical Idea of Inspiration are helpful, though a bit tedious because of the level of detail. The last four chapters are technical studies of specific terms in the NT (and other contemporary writings). Helpful if someone is struggling with historical critical critiques of specific words meaning specific things, but too technical to be more than tiresome in most circumstances.
My copy came with two appendices on the formation of the NT canon and the relationship modern criticism *actually* has to the modern study of Scripture. Both were phenomenally good at simply clarifying terms and grounds of concern in a way that helps clarify concepts that scholars often make murky.
June 6, 2020
This is one of the classics on the topic of the Bible's inspiration and authority written in the early 1900's. It contains a series of articles by B.B. Warfield compiled together. This is a book of great depth and not for the faint of heart. You need a good understanding of the issues surrounding this topic in the late 19th and early 20th century. In addition, you better be up on your Greek, Hebrew and readings from first century sources. This is a book for scholars and theologians ... look elsewhere for a more popular treatment.
June 23, 2025
A more technical book than I expected. Reinforced the idea that the Bible is the source we have to know what God says to us. Went into detail on the meaning and use of Greek words. I listened to this book, so I wasn’t able to give it as much attention as I would have needed to to get more out of it. It also seems like the narrator didn’t have an understanding of how to pronounce Greek. Enjoyed it and I may return to it, but I would give it 4 stars mostly because I wasn’t able to give it the attention it needed to appreciate it.
June 24, 2021
This was a tough one for me, as it took a deep dive into Greek, which I do not read. However, the arguments for the inspiration of the Bible could be followed, but, be warned, the concepts and information conveyed are very dense in nature.
I would also point out there are two appendixes in this book, and, they alone are worth the price of this volume.
Outstanding book, though, I wish I were versed in the Greek language.
I would also point out there are two appendixes in this book, and, they alone are worth the price of this volume.
Outstanding book, though, I wish I were versed in the Greek language.
May 4, 2024
The author was inspiring but this book was neither authoritative nor inspired. And with a name like BB Warfield, I was expecting an airsoft arena. All that to say, I was thoroughly misled.
Very good treatment on the challenges to the doctrine of biblical inspiration. He is orthodox and deals with the best of his opponents arguments. Further reading is required to see the best responses to 20th century liberal criticism.
Very good treatment on the challenges to the doctrine of biblical inspiration. He is orthodox and deals with the best of his opponents arguments. Further reading is required to see the best responses to 20th century liberal criticism.
June 4, 2020
An in-depth and comprehensive treatise in favor of divine inspiration, namely, the belief that Scripture is God-breathed and is itself the very word of God. Warfield responds to the various challenges of modern skeptics who denied this historic Christian belief. A helpful resource for those looking to seriously study what Christians should believe about Scripture.
January 2, 2021
Parts are excellent: "The Biblical Idea of Revelation," "The Church Doctrine of Inspiration," "The Real Problem of Inspiration," and "Inspiration and Criticism." These are well worth the price of the book.
Some of the rest gets technical and a bit dated but still helpful.
Skip Van Til's convoluted introduction.
Some of the rest gets technical and a bit dated but still helpful.
Skip Van Til's convoluted introduction.
July 3, 2018
A classic of reformed theology.
June 6, 2019
He sure knows how to write a long paragraph
September 15, 2019
A very useful collection of papers ranging from broad issues to minutia. In each instance Warfield displays intellectual honesty and rigorous scholarship. Highly recommended
September 4, 2020
Good, but over my head. Need to return when I know Greek.
October 8, 2021
I give it two stars because there is some good material in this volume. Nonetheless, I can only give it two stars because 80% of it is a yawnathon.
December 24, 2021
A bit calvinistic for me, but what he has to say about inspiration and Authority is incredibly good, which is what I obviously grabbed it for!
November 24, 2025
Very scholastic defense of the inspiration of Scripture. Arguments hold up well even today.
July 5, 2024
Van Til's introduction was worth the price of the book. This is New Testament Studies and theology at its finest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews