Why Is the Bible Difficult to Understand? Understanding the Challenges of Reading Scripture

Have you ever opened the Bible, read a passage, and thought:

"I want to understand this, but I feel like I am missing something."

If so, you are not alone. Many people want to read the Bible more deeply, but they quickly discover that understanding Scripture is not always as simple as reading the words on the page. You may come across stories that feel unfamiliar, teachings that seem difficult to apply, or passages where you wonder why certain things were written in the first place. Sometimes this can leave people feeling discouraged. They may think: "Maybe the Bible is too complicated for me." But the difficulty is not because you are incapable of understanding it. The Bible can feel challenging because it was written in a world very different from ours. Understanding Scripture is not about being a Bible scholar or knowing every difficult word. It begins with learning how to approach the Bible, asking better questions, and taking time to understand what God is communicating through it.

The Bible was written in a different world from ours

One of the biggest reasons the Bible can feel difficult is because it was written thousands of years ago. The people who wrote and first received Scripture lived in cultures, societies, and environments very different from modern life. They understood customs, traditions, expressions, and everyday examples that were familiar to them but may feel unfamiliar to us today. For example, when Jesus spoke about shepherds, vineyards, farming, kings, temples, and sacrifices, His original audience immediately understood the significance of those images because they were part of their everyday experience. Today, those same examples may require more explanation. This does not mean the Bible is outdated or irrelevant. It means we need to understand the world behind the words. Learning the historical and cultural background helps us see the meaning that was already there when the words were first written.

The Bible is not written like a modern book

Another reason people struggle with Scripture is because they approach it expecting it to read like a single modern book. But the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books written by different authors across many generations. It contains different forms of writing, including history, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, letters, songs, teachings, and stories. Each style communicates differently. A Psalm expressing emotions and prayers should not always be read in the same way as a historical account describing events. A parable uses a story to communicate a deeper truth, rather than simply describing something that happened. A letter written to a specific church addressed real situations within that community and needs to be understood within that context. Recognising these differences helps us read Scripture more carefully.

The Bible contains ideas that are unfamiliar today

The Bible also includes many concepts that were deeply meaningful to its original audience but may feel unfamiliar to modern readers. You may come across ideas about:

• Covenants
• Sacrifices
• Temples
• Ancient laws
• Jewish festivals
• Prophetic imagery

Without understanding the background, these parts of Scripture can feel confusing. For example, the sacrificial system in the Old Testament can seem strange when viewed only from a modern perspective. But when understood within the historical and spiritual context of ancient Israel, it reveals important themes about sin, forgiveness, worship, and humanity's relationship with God. The more context we gain, the more these passages begin to make sense.

We often read individual verses without seeing the bigger picture

Another reason the Bible can feel difficult is because we sometimes approach it one verse at a time without understanding the surrounding passage. A verse can sound like it means one thing when separated from the verses around it. For example, Philippians 4:13 says:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Many people understand this verse as a promise that they can accomplish any goal through God's strength. However, when we read the surrounding passage, Paul is actually talking about learning contentment in both seasons of abundance and hardship. The focus is not about achieving everything we want. It is about finding strength and peace through Christ in every circumstance. The meaning becomes clearer when we understand the verse within its original context.

The Bible tells one story through many different books

At first, the Bible can feel like a collection of separate stories. There are accounts of creation, Abraham, Moses, kings, prophets, Jesus, and the early church. But these stories are connected. The Bible tells one larger story about God's relationship with humanity. Throughout Scripture, we see themes of creation, brokenness, God's promises, redemption, restoration, and hope. Understanding how individual passages fit into this larger story helps us see why they matter. The Old Testament creates the foundation for understanding Jesus. The Gospels reveal Jesus as the centre of the story. The rest of the New Testament shows how His teachings continue through the early church. The Bible becomes clearer when we begin to see the connections between its different parts.

Understanding Scripture takes patience

Another reason the Bible can feel difficult is because we expect ourselves to understand everything immediately. But Scripture is not something most people fully understand after one reading. Some passages are simple and immediately meaningful. Others require more time, study, and reflection. You may encounter questions about history, culture, language, or different interpretations. That is normal. Even people who have studied the Bible for decades continue discovering new insights. Understanding Scripture is not about reaching a point where there are no more questions. It is about continuing to learn.

The difference between reading and understanding the Bible

Reading the Bible means encountering the words. Understanding the Bible means taking time to consider what those words mean. When reading Scripture, it can help to ask: What is happening in this passage? Who was this written for? Why was this written? What does this reveal about God? How does this connect to the bigger story of Scripture? How should this shape the way I live? These questions help us move beyond simply reading words and begin engaging with the message behind them.

What can help make the Bible easier to understand?

The Bible was never meant to be approached completely alone. Throughout history, people have learned Scripture through teaching, discussion, study, and community. Different tools can also help. Reading different Bible translations can bring clarity when certain words or phrases feel difficult. Commentaries written by pastors and scholars can provide historical background and explanations. Bible study apps can guide readers through Scripture, helping them explore passages, themes, and applications in a more structured way. The goal of these tools is not to replace Scripture. They help us engage with it more deeply.

How Waymark helps when the Bible feels difficult

Many people today do not struggle because they cannot access the Bible. The Bible is available almost everywhere. The challenge is knowing how to understand what they are reading. That is the space Waymark was created to support. Instead of overwhelming readers with a large collection of resources, Waymark guides them through Scripture one lesson at a time. Each lesson helps you read a passage, understand its meaning in simple language, see how it connects to everyday life, reflect personally, and respond through prayer. The goal is not to replace deeper Bible study. It is to help build a foundation where Scripture feels approachable, understandable, and meaningful. You do not need to understand everything before you begin. You simply need a place to start.

Final thoughts

The Bible can feel difficult to understand because it is ancient, rich, and written within cultures very different from our own. But difficult does not mean impossible. With patience, context, good questions, and the right guidance, Scripture becomes more approachable over time. You do not need to know everything before you begin reading. Start where you are. Stay curious. Take time to reflect. Allow understanding to grow. The Bible is not just a book to finish. It is a story to discover, a truth to explore, and a way to know God more deeply.