When my husband Harold and I bought our first home, we knew nothing about the process. At the closing of our loan, we were determined to read every document to be sure we knew what we were signing. The 40+ pages filled with small font included words and concepts specific to the mortgage industry, which left us feeling lost and confused.

Reading the Bible can feel just as overwhelming. As determined as we are to read every word in a chapter, we may not understand what is happening in the scriptures. There are good reasons why.

1. The Bible was written in several languages.

The Bible we read today was translated from original ancient documents written in three languages: Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.

The Old Testament was written primarily in Classical Hebrew, also known as Biblical Hebrew, which was the language of the people of Israel. However, a few passages in Ezra and Daniel include Aramaic, the language of neighboring Syria.

The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the day, but the gospels are sprinkled with several words in Aramaic, Jesus’ native language.

Many scholars believe Jesus was trilingual.

His first language, the language of His community, was Aramaic. Because of His rabbinical training, He understood Hebrew at a time when most Jews could not read or speak the language. And, He conversed in Greek because it was the common language of the region.

As any bilingual individual knows, one word in a language cannot always represent just one word in another language. For example, “nai nai” in Chinese means a grandmother who is the mother of your father. In English, we need two words, “paternal grandmother,” to convey the complete meaning of one Chinese word.

Koine Greek uses four different words to communicate four types of love, while English is limited to only one word to describe all types of love. Studying the meanings of original words won’t reveal inaccuracies in translation but more color and depth that paints a more detailed picture.

2. The Bible was written centuries ago.

Recently, I ran across elementary and middle school textbooks that belonged to my grandmother. It was interesting to read the English literature selections from 100 years ago and to notice how different our vocabulary is today. Some words we no longer use, while others mean something completely different!

Scholars believe that the Bible’s 66 books were written between about 1400 BC and about 95 AD, which explains why some words and concepts may not be familiar to our 21st-century minds.

Since the inspired scribes recorded what we know today as the Bible, names of cities and locations have changed, people groups have disappeared from history, the meanings of original words have evolved, and yet the Bible is still determined to be more accurate than many other historical documents.

3. The Bible was written for people from different countries and cultures.

We can easily lump all 66 books together and envision that all the books in the Bible were written at one time for one group of people, but that wasn’t the case.

Instead, about 40 authors wrote individual books for specific groups of people in specific regions or nations experiencing specific challenges. Each verse of scripture carries a context the intended Middle Eastern audience would’ve understood.

When we read the Bible based on our western culture and experiences, our comprehension can be limited.

Our western culture is more Greek than Hebrew. We value linear thinking: a beginning and logical steps in the middle that move us forward toward a conclusion. This style of thinking is scientific and analytical. Linear thinkers read the Bible expecting to find the beginning of a story, chronological events, and a conclusion that makes a point or teaches a lesson.

But the Bible isn’t written like a textbook to increase knowledge, though it can do that. The Bible is more like a novel with complicated relationships, flashbacks, and unspoken thoughts that stir emotion and connection in the heart of a reader.

Treasure is waiting to be found.

What if I told you I had just put a diamond in a LEGO box?

Regardless of age, I believe you’d dash to that LEGO box with lightning speed, lock the door behind you, and search every inch of that pile of bricks until you found the precious stone.

What if we searched the Word of God as thoroughly as we would search the LEGO box? What if we learned about the Middle Eastern cultures of Biblical times, the basics of biblical languages, and what original audiences knew then that we don’t know today?

What if we read the Bible as a love letter instead of a study guide for a quiz?

The Bible can seem complicated, but ask God to make it clear to you. As you read, search for Him instead of a to-do list. Ancient ways of thinking and meanings of original words will grow your understanding of who God is, what His Word says, and how much He deeply loves you.

In those days when you pray, I will listen.
If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NLT)

Think about it . . .

What is your greatest barrier to reading and understanding the Bible? Time? Desire? Lack of understanding? Believing it’s true? Pray and ask God to show you the barrier and how to bridge the gap.
Choose one way to connect with the Bible this week.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Read a print version you own.
2. Download the free YouVersion Bible app and read digital versions wherever you are. (The brown icon says, “Holy Bible.”)
3. Use the YouVersion Bible app to listen to scripture while you travel or exercise. (Choose a scripture and click on the speaker icon at the top.)

Dig Deeper:

Ever wonder why we call it the Bible?—Article

FAQ’s about the Bible—Article

How Did We Get the Bible?—Video

More about Hebrew vs. Aramaic—Article

More about Hebrew vs. Greek Thought —Video

For Families:

How the Bible Came to Us is a picture book we used to teach our kids about how original documents became the Bible we read today. Parents may learn something, too!

Sources:

The original languages of the Bible—Article

Jesus was trilingual—Article

When the Bible was written—Article

3 Reasons You’re Confused When You Read the Bible