If I don’t understand the Bible, does that mean it’s not trustworthy?

If I don’t understand the Bible, particularly if I struggle with its historical context, complex theological concepts, apparent contradictions, or varying interpretations across different denominations and scholars, does that automatically invalidate its trustworthiness or reliability as a source of spiritual guidance, historical information, or moral teachings? In other words, is my personal lack of comprehension a valid reason to dismiss the Bible’s potential value or inherent truth, or could there be other factors, such as limitations in my own understanding, translation nuances, or the possibility that certain aspects are meant to be interpreted symbolically rather than literally, that could explain my difficulty?

Answer

No, not understanding the Bible does not inherently mean it’s untrustworthy. Trustworthiness and comprehensibility are separate issues. There are several reasons why someone might struggle to understand the Bible, none of which automatically invalidate its potential trustworthiness:

• Translation Issues: The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Translations can introduce nuances, interpretations, and even unintentional biases. A particular translation might be difficult to understand, while others are clearer. Differences in translation philosophy (e.g., literal vs. dynamic equivalence) impact readability.

• Cultural and Historical Context: The Bible was written in vastly different cultural and historical contexts than modern Western societies. Understanding the customs, social structures, literary genres, and historical events of the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world is crucial for accurate interpretation. A lack of this knowledge can lead to misinterpretations.

• Literary Genres: The Bible comprises a variety of literary genres, including narrative, poetry, law, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic literature. Each genre has its own conventions and interpretive approaches. Mistaking poetry for literal history, for example, would lead to misunderstanding.

• Language Complexity: Even in translation, the Bible can contain archaic language, complex sentence structures, and unfamiliar terminology. Some passages may be intentionally ambiguous or symbolic.

• Theological Concepts: The Bible deals with complex theological concepts that require careful study and reflection. Understanding doctrines such as the Trinity, atonement, and grace can be challenging, even for theologians.

• Personal Biases and Assumptions: Readers often approach the Bible with pre-existing biases, assumptions, and worldviews that can influence their interpretation. These biases can hinder objective understanding.

• Lack of Proper Study Methods: Effective Bible study requires using sound interpretive principles (hermeneutics), consulting reliable resources, and engaging with diverse perspectives. Casual or superficial reading is often insufficient for deep understanding.

• Spiritual Factors: Some religious perspectives suggest that spiritual insight is necessary for fully understanding the Bible’s message. Lack of faith, prayer, or guidance from a spiritual community might be seen as barriers to comprehension.

• Cognitive Limitations: Individual differences in cognitive abilities, reading comprehension skills, and prior knowledge can affect one’s ability to understand complex texts, including the Bible.

Therefore, difficulty understanding the Bible can stem from a variety of factors related to translation, culture, genre, language, personal biases, study methods, and even cognitive limitations. The trustworthiness of the text is a separate question that requires examining the evidence for its historical accuracy, internal consistency, and philosophical coherence, among other things.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

My heart is troubled, Lord. I approach you with a question that weighs heavily on my mind. If I don’t understand the Bible, if I struggle with its complexities and feel lost in its words, does that mean it’s not trustworthy?

The thought plants seeds of doubt within me. I desire to believe, to find comfort and guidance within your scriptures, but sometimes the meaning eludes me. I feel inadequate, like I’m missing something crucial.

Please, Lord, guide me. Help me to understand that misunderstanding doesn’t equate to untrustworthiness. Grant me the wisdom to recognize that the Bible is a vast and multifaceted text, interpreted across centuries and cultures. Help me to be patient with myself, knowing that understanding is a journey, not a destination.

Show me where to find reliable resources, wise teachers, and insightful commentaries that can illuminate the passages that confuse me. Open my heart and mind to the Holy Spirit, that I may receive your truth with clarity and understanding.

Remind me that even the disciples, who walked with Jesus himself, struggled to grasp his teachings. And yet, through faith and perseverance, they eventually understood and spread the Gospel.

Help me to trust in your divine inspiration, even when my comprehension is limited. May I never allow my lack of understanding to diminish my faith in you and in your Word. Instead, let it drive me to seek you more diligently, to study more deeply, and to pray more fervently.

Thank you, Lord, for your grace and patience. Thank you for the gift of the Bible, even with its complexities. I trust that with your guidance, I will grow in understanding and come to a deeper appreciation of your Holy Word.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.