Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Inspiration?

\In`spi*ra"tion\, n. [F. inspiration, L. inspiratio. See {Inspire}.] 1. The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif. (Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm; -- the opposite of expiration. 2. The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc. Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations. --Shak. 3. (Theol.) A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. --2 Tim. iii. 16. The age which we now live in is not an age of inspiration and impulses. --Sharp. {Plenary inspiration} (Theol.), that kind of inspiration which excludes all defect in the utterance of the inspired message. {Verbal inspiration} (Theol.), that kind of inspiration which extends to the very words and forms of expression of the divine message.