Old Testament Survey: Inspiration, Canonicity, and Preservation

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture: inspiration, canon, preservation, the OT’s role, and how the NT uses the OT to reveal Christ.

Old Testament Survey

Foundational course covering Genesis–Malachi that provides context for the entire Bible and shows why the OT matters for understanding Christ.

Inspiration

God intervened in the writing process so that human authors accurately conveyed the message God intended for all time.

God-breathed (theopneustos)

Scriptural phrase indicating that all Scripture is breathed out by God, granting it divine authority.

Original autographs

The original manuscripts written by the biblical authors; the inspired writings to which the definition of inspiration refers.

Manuscripts

Copies of the original texts; may contain copying errors, but preservation seeks to retain the original meaning.

Preservation

Faithful transmission of Scripture across generations, evidenced by abundant manuscripts (e.g., Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls).

Masoretic Text

Traditional Hebrew text of the Old Testament maintained by Masoretes; a primary basis for many OT translations.

Dead Sea Scrolls

Ancient Jewish manuscripts (c. 3rd century BCE–50 BCE) containing significant biblical material, showing long-term textual fidelity.

Canon

The recognized collection of inspired books that belong in Scripture; canonicity is revealed/recognized, not manufactured.

Canonical Consciousness

The Bible’s self-awareness of its own canonicity; writers acknowledge certain writings as Scripture (e.g., Deut 4:2; 18:18; Joshua 1:8).

Deuteronomy 4:2

“Do not add to the words I command you, nor take away from it”—a guardrail against altering Scripture.

Deuteronomy 18:18

Prophets may speak and their words become part of Scripture; basis for prophetic contribution to canon.

Joshua 1:8

The book of the law shall not depart from your mouth—recognition of the Torah’s canonical status.

Redemptive history

God’s saving purposes carried out through history, the overarching narrative of Scripture.

John 1:1

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” Connects Jesus to OT themes from Genesis.

I am (Exodus 3:14)

God’s self-identification revealed to Moses; Jesus’ use of “I am” in John 8:58 ties Jesus to the OT God.

Gospel of Thomas

An apocryphal, non-canonical gospel used as an example of non-canonic writings (dynamicism).