inspiration

Definitions

1. 1.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.
2. 2.(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.
3. 3.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.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

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