The Word · How-to guides
How to Understand the Bible
The Bible can seem confusing at first, but it is meant to be understood. With a few simple habits, its message becomes clear, and it is far simpler than you might fear.
See it as one story, not sixty-six random books
The Bible is a single story of God rescuing people, moving from creation to Christ to the promise of all things made new.
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them ... the things concerning himself.”Luke 24:27, King James Version
Read every passage in its context
A verse means what it means where it sits. Read the verses around it, and ask who is speaking and why.
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”Psalm 119:130, King James Version
Let the clear parts guide the unclear
Much of the Bible is plain. Build your understanding on the clear teachings, and let them shape how you read the puzzling ones.
Remember it all points to Jesus
When a passage feels obscure, ask how it connects to Christ and the gospel. He is the thread that ties it together.
“Search the scriptures ... they are they which testify of me.”John 5:39, King James Version
Ask God's Spirit to teach you
Understanding is a gift, not just an achievement. The same Spirit who inspired the Bible helps you grasp it.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost ... he shall teach you all things.”John 14:26, King James Version
Read alongside others
You were not meant to figure it out alone. Trusted teachers, a study Bible, and a community help clarify what is hard.
“How can I, except some man should guide me?”Acts 8:31, King James Version
The One who makes this possible: Jesus
The key that unlocks the whole Bible is Jesus. Once you see that every part is leading to Him, the story holds together. Do not read to master a book but to meet the Savior it reveals; when you find Him at the center, the rest begins to make sense.
Open the Word whenever you are ready. You can read the Bible here, or let Bible Study walk beside you a passage at a time.
Common questions
Why is the Bible so hard to understand?
Much of it is actually plain; the difficulty often comes from reading verses out of context or starting in the wrong place. Read passages in context, begin with the Gospels, and let the clear parts illuminate the harder ones.
How can I understand the hard parts of the Bible?
Lean on the clear passages, read in context, and ask how the section connects to Jesus and the gospel. Prayer for insight, a good study Bible, and wise teachers all help with the difficult places.