4 Ways to Understand the Bible
By Aaron Joseph Hall
When I first became a Christian and started reading my Bible, I was both intrigued and confused. Have you ever caught yourself lost in the maze of stories, teachings, and parables in the Bible, wondering how to understand it or how it applies to your life today?
Understanding the Bible is a journey—much more than just reading; it's about discovering its essence, connecting on a deeper level, and allowing its messages to resonate within our lives. The Bible is unlike any other book in history. It’s the only book that reads you while you read it! Finding ways to understand the Bible offers not just knowledge but opens the door to connecting with the Lord on a much deeper level.
I want to share with you four ways to begin to understand what’s written in the pages of our Bible.
Exploring Biblical Context
Diving into the Bible without grasping the sands it was built on can leave us scratching our heads. Many times, early on when I read my Bible I would think to myself, “What did I just read?” Think of it like receiving a letter from a friend in another country; without understanding their culture and situation, we might misinterpret their words.
So, how do we bridge this gap?
Short answer: study.
Historical Insights
Historical events or figures mentioned in the Bible, such as the Exodus or King David's reign, aren't just stories; they're windows into the past. They allow us to see back in time to when the stories in the Bible actually happened.
Knowing the historical backdrop can transform a seemingly distant story into a rich, relatable narrative. For instance, understanding the Babylonian Exile can shed light on the despair and hope found in the Psalms.
Cultural Relevance
Our American culture is far different than the culture of the ancient Hebrew people. It’s different from what America was just 100 years ago! Understanding the culture of ancient times—its norms, values, and traditions—plays an important role in understanding the Bible. It helps provide context, which is key when studying the Bible!
Have you ever wondered why Jesus spoke in parables? Or why Paul's letters were so impactful? Understanding the cultural context of these times can shed light on the revolutionary nature of their messages, making the ancient words come alive today…and so we can learn how to apply their truths to our lives today!
Studying Biblical Narrative
The Bible is a treasure trove of narratives, each packed with layers of meaning and wisdom. A few years ago, I decided to teach a series at our youth group called “Odd Tales” where we walked through some narratives in the Old Testament that were crazy stories that most of my students had never heard before! The Bible is full of narratives that will make you scratch your head if you don’t read in context and understand the culture of the day!
Honestly, to grasp their depth, we need to engage with these stories as more than just historical accounts—they are reflections of human nature and divine interaction. They are not just words in a book. They are so much more than that!
Character Analysis
The Bible is full of interesting characters! From Adam to Noah to King David to the disciples and more! When we take the time to explore the journeys, decisions, and relationships of biblical characters it offers invaluable insights.
Take, for instance, Moses' reluctant leadership or Ruth's steadfast loyalty. These aren't just characters in a story; they're mirrors reflecting our own struggles, doubts, and acts of faith.
We can relate to a lot of the people talked about in the Bible stories we know and love. That’s because they were real people with real pain, struggles, hopes, and dreams like you and me.
Symbolism and Allegory
The Bible is rich with symbolism and allegory, from the simple mustard seed to the complex visions in Revelation.
When we take the time to study these, through context, it helps us learn the message the original authors were trying to convey in their day and age. That message still applies to us today.
Understanding these elements not only deepens our appreciation of the Bible but also connects us to the timeless truths hidden within its pages. The story of the Prodigal Son, for instance, goes beyond a family's tale, symbolizing divine forgiveness and human repentance. And many of us can relate to that story as being one of the brothers!
Utilizing Study Resources
We are very lucky because we live in a time where we have a plethora of Bible study resources at our disposal. When we try to study the Bible alone, it can feel very overwhelming, right? Thankfully, we're not without help!
There are various study resources and tools have been developed to help us dig deep into the Bible and the timeless wisdom it contains. Some of such resources are websites like EnduringWord.com, BibleGateway.com, or GotQuestions.org…all of which are great resources to help you grasp what the Bible is saying.
Practicing Reflective Meditation
Last, but certainly not least, reflective meditation allows us to internalize and personalize the teachings of the Bible. Joshua says in Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (NKJV).
Practicing meditating on God’s Word is more than just gaining intellectual understanding, it’s about developing a heart-level connection with our heavenly Father!
Prayer and Contemplation
Prayer is something more Christians need to grow in, because prayer and contemplation are not about seeking answers but about fostering a relationship, hearing God’s voice, and allowing Him to realign our hearts with His.
Prayer and contemplation invite us to listen, reflect, and open ourselves to divine wisdom, transforming our reading into a dialogue with the Lord. How cool is that? Prayer is not just words we mumble but conversations we get to have with our Creator!
Journaling and Application
Journaling is something I still struggle to do, but I realize how important of a discipline it is. Journaling our reflections on biblical passages and actively seeking ways to apply these lessons in our daily lives makes the Bible a living guide. It also allows us to keep a written record of what we are hearing from the Lord as we read His Word.
Conclusion
In our desire for ways to understand the Bible, we embark on an amazing journey that transcends time, culture, and geography. This journey is not just about acquiring head knowledge so we can look smarter and impress our friends and family; it's about fostering a deeper, more personal connection with the Lord.
Through exploring biblical context, studying narratives, utilizing resources, and engaging in reflective practices, we open our hearts to the transformative power of the scriptures. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (NKJV). The scriptures are powerful because they are alive and active…they are unlike any other book in history!
As we tread this path let’s do so with openness and curiosity, allowing the Bible to speak to us, guide us, and inspire us in our daily lives. Then, and only then, can we begin to understand the Bible and begin to teach others to do the same!
Aaron Joseph Hall is a husband, dad, pastor, speaker, and author. His latest book, Redeem the Story, is now available. He writes at TheGospelCollective.org. You can connect with him on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
