Men, let’s be honest:
Sometimes reading the Bible can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.
You sit down with your coffee and good intentions, crack open the Word…and five minutes later you’re staring blankly at Leviticus or Isaiah, wondering if you’ve entered another dimension.
Even the New Testament has its moments—have you ever tried to make sense of Romans chapter 7 or the Book of Revelation without a commentary?
You’re not alone.
Even the Apostle Peter admitted that some of what the Apostle Paul wrote in his letters was “hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16).
Let that sink in: Peter, who walked with Jesus, got confused by Paul.
So, if you’ve ever hit a tricky passage and thought, “Am I just not spiritual enough to get this?”, the answer is no. You’re in good company.
But the Bible is still meant to be read, wrestled with, meditated upon, and understood. God gave us His Word not to confuse us, but to shape us.
So, what do you do when you hit a passage that doesn’t make sense? Here are some principles to help you stay the course.
Remember, the Bible Wasn’t Written to You—But It Was Written For You
This is key. The Bible was written thousands of years ago to real people in real places— Israelites in exile, first-century churches, and struggling young pastors like Timothy, amongst others. They spoke different languages and lived in different cultures, often in ways entirely foreign to us.
God gave us His Word not to confuse us, but to shape us.
That’s why it’s essential to ask:
What did this passage mean to them?
Do not start with “What does this mean to me?” Start with, “What did the original author want the original audience to understand?”
Once you get closer to the original, intended meaning of the biblical text, you’ll better understand how to apply it to your life today, as the message and application of the Word are timeless!
Use the 5 C’s
When a biblical passage is confusing, here’s a simple interpretive framework that helps:
Context: Never read just one or two Bible verses. Read what’s going on in the verses before and after in the paragraph and the chapter as a whole.
People often take a single verse out of context without considering what surrounds it. Take, for instance, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” is a beloved verse famous for motivating people to perform incredible athletic feats, pass their college mid-terms, or get enough courage to ask a girl out on a date.
However, the whole context of the passage reveals that Paul was talking about being content in both good and bad circumstances, and that’s how Christ strengthened him.
So don’t just take the “coffee mug interpretation” of a verse.
Culture: What was the historical setting of this passage of the Bible? What did certain words or customs mean back then?
Canon: Where else does the entire Bible talk about this topic? Let Scripture interpret Scripture to get a well-rounded view on a specific subject (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Covenant: Are we dealing with the Old Covenant (Law) or the New Covenant (Grace in Christ)?
Christ: How does this passage point to Christ or the Gospel? Jesus said all Scripture testifies about Him (John 5:39). Yes, even in the Old Testament, there are allusions, foreshadowings, and hints to the coming Jesus and His mission to save people from their sins.
Don’t Be Afraid to Admit “I Don’t Get It—Yet”
We live in an instant world, but spiritual understanding isn’t microwaveable. It’s more like slow-smoked brisket. Some truths take time to mature in your heart. You may read a passage a dozen times over a decade before it truly “clicks.”
Instead of being discouraged, take it as a prompt to pray: “Lord, I don’t understand this—please help me.” That’s not weakness. That’s humility, which is exactly the posture God honours (James 4:6).
Phone a Friend—or a Pastor
God gave us the Church for a reason. If something in Scripture is tripping you up, ask someone you trust—your pastor, a mentor, or a mature brother in Christ. You’d be surprised how many guys are silently confused by the same passages you are, but no one wants to admit it.
Also, use good tools, such as a trustworthy study Bible (like the ESV Study Bible), a Bible dictionary, or apps like Blue Letter Bible or Logos. Just don’t start with TikTok or Instagram theology. Make sure your sources are rooted in sound doctrine.
Apply What You Do Understand
Sometimes, the real issue isn’t that the Bible is unclear—it’s that we don’t like what it says.
Jesus said to forgive our enemies, pick up our cross, serve others, flee sexual sin, kill pride, be slow to anger, and lead with humility…those aren’t confusing. They’re just hard, especially for men.
So here’s the challenge: obey what you do know, even when other parts remain unclear. Obedience opens our eyes. Jesus said, “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God” (John 7:17).
In other words, spiritual clarity comes with spiritual submission.
You’re Not on This Journey Alone
Brother, don’t tap out when the Bible gets hard to understand. God didn’t hand us His Word just to have it behind locked glass or only for theologians to study.
It’s for you, a man chasing after Jesus, loving his family, fighting sin, and living on mission.
You don’t have to be the most brilliant guy in the room. Just surrender your heart. And as you keep opening the Bible daily, you are growing, even when you don’t feel it!
Guys, next time you hit a challenging passage, don’t close the Book. Lean in. Ask God for wisdom. Ask a brother for help. And trust that the same Holy Spirit who inspired the Word is in you, guiding you toward truth, one verse at a time.
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