What Should I Do When I Don’t Understand the Bible?

When you encounter a Bible passage you do not understand, don’t assume you are failing at Bible study. Slow down. Read the surrounding passage, consider what kind of writing you are reading, pray for wisdom, and allow other parts of Scripture to help you. Sometimes understanding comes quickly. Sometimes it develops as we continue walking with God.

Is It Normal to Find the Bible Difficult?

Yes. Scripture contains writings produced in cultures and historical circumstances very different from our own. Even the apostle Peter observed that some of Paul’s writings contained things that were difficult to understand (2 Peter 3:15–16).

That should encourage us. Confusion does not mean we should stop reading. It can become an invitation to go deeper.

Start by Reading More, Not Less

When a verse seems confusing, one of the best things we can do is read the entire paragraph or chapter surrounding it.

Individual verses were not originally written as isolated statements. They are parts of conversations, arguments, stories, poems, prophecies, and letters.

For instance, Paul’s statement that he can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13) becomes clearer when we read Philippians 4:10–13. Paul is explaining that Christ enables him to remain faithful whether he has plenty or very little.

Often the surrounding passage answers questions that an isolated verse creates.

Ask What Kind of Passage You Are Reading

The Bible is a library rather than a single type of book. Psalms contain poetry and songs. Proverbs contain wisdom. The Gospels tell the story of Jesus. New Testament letters address real churches and situations. Revelation contains highly symbolic visions.

We should not read every kind of biblical literature exactly the same way.

When Psalm 91 speaks about taking refuge beneath God’s wings, for example, it uses beautiful imagery to communicate God’s protection. Recognizing the imagery helps us receive the truth the psalmist intended to communicate.

Let the Bible Help You Understand the Bible

Scripture continually develops themes introduced elsewhere in Scripture. One passage may therefore illuminate another.

When we encounter ideas such as covenant, sacrifice, Kingdom, temple, resurrection, or new creation, following those themes through the Bible can dramatically deepen our understanding.

Over time we begin seeing that Scripture is not simply a collection of unrelated religious writings. It tells one great story of God’s work to restore His creation.

Keep Jesus at the Center of the Story

After His resurrection, Jesus met two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus. Luke tells us that Jesus explained how the Scriptures pointed toward God’s purposes being fulfilled in Him (Luke 24:25–27).

The Bible’s story ultimately leads us to Jesus.

Reading Scripture this way helps us avoid reducing the Bible to a collection of rules, inspirational quotations, or moral examples. Scripture reveals God’s redemptive work that reaches its decisive fulfillment in Christ.

What If the Passage Still Doesn’t Make Sense?

You can leave a question unanswered for a while.

Write it down. Pray about it. Read another translation. Ask a mature Christian. Consult a reliable study Bible or commentary. Return to the passage later.

Understanding Scripture is a lifelong journey. God is not asking us to master the Bible immediately. He invites us to keep listening.

Read Scripture to Receive Life

The purpose of Bible reading is ultimately relational and transformational. Jesus told religious leaders who knew Scripture extensively that the Scriptures testified about Him, yet they refused to come to Him to receive life (John 5:39–40).

That is an important reminder for all of us.

We study Scripture not simply so that we can know more things about God. We read because through Scripture we learn to recognize God’s voice, understand His character, discover His purposes, and live in daily dependence upon Jesus.

So when you reach a difficult passage, keep going. The question you cannot answer today may become part of what God uses to deepen your understanding tomorrow.