What is ipsissima vox? What is ipsissima verba?

Answer

The Bible frequently documents conversations, leading to questions about whether the transcribed words are the exact ones spoken or merely a summary or paraphrase. Two distinct approaches to speech records exist, known as ipsissima verba and ipsissima vox. Ipsissima verba (“the very words”) denotes the precise wording of a conversation, while ipsissima vox (“the very voice”) captures the essence of a conversation without quoting verbatim.

Scripture primarily serves as a historical record. When conversations are documented for historical purposes, the writer’s aim is often not to create a verbatim transcript. Instead, the writer summarizes while ensuring the intended message of the speaker is conveyed. Newspapers and history books exemplify this practice. Rather than detailing every word spoken, the writer may selectively quote certain phrases, approximate the wording for the rest, and condense the main points for quick comprehension. Many conversations in the Bible likely fall under the category of ipsissima vox.

Nevertheless, there are instances in Scripture where exact words appear to be recorded. This is common in historical records, where crucial phrases or dialogues are documented word-for-word, as spoken, or ipsissima verba. For instance, Jesus’ statements from the cross are concise, fitting for a man in His final moments. It is also plausible that specific sermons or speeches were transcribed in writing as they were delivered by disciples like Matthew. Luke, being well-educated, likely transcribed the words of eyewitnesses he interviewed for his gospel.

Some scholars argue that the conversations in Scripture are predominantly ipsissima vox rather than ipsissima verba. In other words, the true essence of the dialogue is presented, but the writers did not aim for an absolute, word-for-word transcription.Word-for-word transcript. Two possible examples of ipsissima vox in Scripture are Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-15) and His discussion with the woman at the well (John 4:7-30). As records of the conversation, these passages clearly present the topics, positions, and ideas being discussed. However, some scholars say they are probably not exhaustive, word-for-word dialogues. Both conversations can be read aloud in a short period of time. It is unlikely that Jesus’ conversation with either person was that quick or that they moved so quickly from point to point. The same is true of most of Jesus’ discourses as found in Scripture. It’s likely that Jesus spent some time explaining these subjects, not only one or two paragraphs of speech. As John says at the close of his gospel, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” «And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.», (John 21:25). According to the ipsissima vox view, what we have recorded for us is a condensed, although still accurate, version of Jesus’ words and actions.

According to the ipsissima verba view, the dialogues and discourses of Christ were recorded verbatim. Certainly, this is well within the power of God to do. As Jesus said before leaving His disciples and ascending to heaven, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” «But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach youAll things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”, (John 14:26). The Bible is history, but it is not secular history and should not be approached as an ordinary book; it is divine history, inspired by God Himself.

We emphasize again that the Bible is the written Word of God. Its contents are inspired and inerrant (2 Timothy 3:16-17)—which makes any debate over transcription less important than the actual words of Scripture. What’s recorded in the Bible is exactly what God intended. Whether a particular passage is a direct quote or a summary of an event, that passage is still inspired by God. Ipsissima vox or ipsissima verba, the accounts are exactly what the Holy Spirit desired to have written, as the human authors were superintended by God, and the narratives contain no error.