46% of the respondents of a 2010 survey said it’s difficult to understand the Bible. They perceived its language and tone being hard to comprehend.
Yet, understanding the Bible is crucial in the Christian life. How important is it? What steps are there to be able to do so?
We’ll find the answers to those questions in this article. But first, let’s determine the common reasons why we find it difficult to understand the Bible.
4 Most Common Reasons Why It is Difficult to Understand the Bible
1) The Bible is a historical and cultural text.
Understanding the Bible can be challenging because it’s deeply tied to history and culture.
Each passage is influenced by the specific cultural context of its time. Hence, unlocking its intended meaning requires unraveling historical layers.
For instance, in Leviticus 11:7, the directive against eating pork is rooted in the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel.
To truly grasp the significance of this dietary law, it’s essential to explore the historical setting and the unique cultural norms of the Israelites.
This intricate connection between history and culture highlights the importance of contextual awareness when interpreting the Bible.
2) It is rich in symbolism.
Understanding the Bible can be challenging because of its abundant use of symbolism. The Scriptures frequently employ symbolic language to communicate profound truths.
Take, for example, Revelation 12:1. It depicts an image of a woman adorned with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of 12 stars, symbolizing cosmic realities.
To comprehend this, it’s essential to explore the symbolic meanings within the cultural and literary context.
Deciphering such symbols demands a careful grasp of the metaphorical language woven throughout the Bible. This adds to the complexity of interpreting what is being read.
3) It requires contextual understanding.
Comprehending the Bible can be challenging because it demands contextual understanding. Scriptures were written in specific historical and cultural context that shaped their meanings.
For instance, understanding Jesus’ parables in Matthew 13:3-23 requires insight into the agricultural practices of that time.
Similarly, comprehending Paul’s letters, like Romans, necessitates awareness of the socio-religious dynamics of the Roman Empire.
Without considering these contexts, readers may misinterpret the intended messages, making contextual understanding crucial for more accurate comprehension of biblical teachings.
4) Human understanding is limited.
Understanding the Bible can be challenging due to the inherent limitations of human understanding.
In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Scriptures underscore the idea that God’s thoughts surpass ours, emphasizing the finite nature of human understanding.
As Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 2:14, spiritual matters necessitate spiritual discernment, acknowledging the innate constraints of human reasoning in fully grasping profound biblical truths.
4 Benefits of Understanding the Bible
1) It establishes a strong spiritual foundation.
Understanding the Bible is fundamental for establishing a strong spiritual foundation.
Proverbs 2:6 underscores that true wisdom and knowledge originate from God, emphasizing the pivotal role of biblical comprehension in gaining spiritual insight.
Psalms 119:105 portrays God’s Word as a guiding light, illuminating the path of righteousness.
Jesus, in Matthew 7:24-25, urges building on a solid foundation, drawing parallels between a wise person who builds on rock and the necessity of grounding one’s spiritual journey in biblical teachings.
2) It helps shape your moral and ethical values.
Understanding the Bible is instrumental in shaping moral and ethical values, providing a solid foundation for guiding your behavior.
Proverbs 2:6 emphasizes that divine wisdom helps you discern right from wrong, contributing to the development of a virtuous character.
Similarly, the Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20, offer clear ethical principles that have influenced moral frameworks across various cultures.
Lastly, Jesus’ teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), further illustrate ethical ideals such as love, forgiveness, and compassion.
In essence, a deep understanding of the Bible cultivates a moral compass rooted in divine wisdom and timeless ethical teachings.
3) It fosters a deeper relationship with God.
Understanding the Bible fosters a deeper relationship with God, serving as a channel through which individuals can connect with the divine.
James 4:8 encourages believers to draw near to Him, assuring that He will draw near to them.
Through the Scriptures, His guidance becomes a constant presence.
John 15:7 highlights the significance of abiding in God’s words for a profound connection, emphasizing that aligning your heart with divine teachings deepens the bond.
Ultimately, a rich understanding of the Bible nurtures a meaningful and transformative relationship with the Creator.
4) It helps you navigate life’s challenges.
Understanding the Bible equips you with valuable guidance to navigate life’s challenges.
In Proverbs 3:5-6, the Bible advises trusting in the Lord with all your heart, not leaning on your own understanding but relying on His wisdom and guidance instead.
In addition, Psalm 119:105 depict the Scriptures as a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. It underscores the illuminating role of God’s Word in life’s journey.
Finally, James 1:5 encourages seeking divine wisdom, reinforcing the idea that a biblical foundation provides insight in facing challenges. With its timeless wisdom, the Bible becomes a compass, offering solace and direction amid life’s complexities.
Top 5 Secrets to Understanding the Bible
1) Approach God’s Word with humility and openness.
Approaching the Bible with humility and openness is a key secret to unlocking its profound truths.
In Matthew 18:4, Jesus teaches the value of humility, stating that those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Psalm 25:9, on the other hand, emphasizes that the humble God guides in justice and teaches His way.
Finally, James 1:21 underlines the transformative power of the Word when received with meekness. This is essential for a fruitful engagement with the Scriptures.
2) Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.
Praying for God’s wisdom and guidance is a powerful aid in understanding the Bible.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5, NIV).
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6, NIV).
True enough, connecting with God through prayer aligns your heart with His, fostering a deeper understanding of His teachings in the Scriptures.
3) Study it in context.
Studying the Bible in context is pivotal for grasping its message and teachings.
In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul advised Timothy to rightly handle the word of truth, emphasizing the importance of accurate interpretation of the Bible.
In Luke 24:27, Jesus Himself, while walking with disciples on the road to Emmaus, explained the Scriptures in the context of all that was written about Him.
Ultimately, contextual understanding allows you to discern the intended meaning of the Bible and avoid misinterpretation.
4) Compare scriptures with scriptures.
Comparing scriptures with scriptures is a valuable strategy for understanding the Bible.
In Isaiah 28:10 (ESV), the principle of “precept upon precept, line upon line” highlights the interconnectedness of biblical teachings.
This interconnectedness enables cross-referencing between passages, which enriches comprehension.
This is evident in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received.
This approach ensures a holistic understanding by aligning various passages to reveal a cohesive message.
5) Learn from trusted scholars and teachers.
Learning from trusted scholars and teachers is instrumental in understanding the Bible.
Proverbs 9:9 emphasizes the value of seeking knowledge from the wise. In the context of biblical understanding, reliable Bible scholars and teachers serve as your guide.
The encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:30-31 showcases the role of a knowledgeable teacher in guiding interpretation.
Similarly, the scene in Ephesians 4:11-12 underscores the importance of God-appointed teachers for the equipping and edification of believers.
Indeed, by consulting Bible experts, you can navigate the complexities of the Scriptures with clarity and depth.
Any Thoughts or Learnings to Share?
What have you learned from this article about understanding the Bible?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
