Interpreting the Bible can sometimes be a challenge. In some cases, the author or character in the story tells the audience the meaning of a story. At other times, the author just tells a story without describing its significance, usually because the audience understood the point being made. Sometimes a verse can be quite obscure because it relates to local customs we don’t understand. The historical context also provides insights to understand for the full meaning of some stories, but we often do not know that context.

The field of study related to the interpretation of the Bible is called hermeneutics. In general, the correct interpretation of a story or verse will be consistent with the main themes that run through all the Biblical documents. Since the local context influenced what was written, specific guidance provided to people in one location at a particular time may not be appropriate to those living in other areas or times — the guidance may be cultural or situational instructions rather than universal truths for all to always follow.

For example, Timothy said women should not wear braided hair or wear gold or pearls (I Timothy 2:9). Paul said women should not talk in church — they were less educated and were interrupting the speaker by asking questions during the service (I Corinthians 14:34–35). But earlier he wrote about women who spoke and taught in church with their head uncovered (I Corinthians 11: 5). He rebuked women who didn’t cover their head but said nothing about them speaking in church. (Covering their head was a local custom at the time.) Paul simply was giving practical advice to ensure an orderly gathering. Peter also quoted the prophet Joel when he spoke about women teaching (Acts 2:17–18). Thus, specific instructions must be viewed in light of the local customs and situation.

Understanding the specific meaning of the words is also important. Some of the original words in Greek or Hebrew may might not be translated accurately into other languages. For example, the Greeks had three different words for love: agape involves action and sacrifice for others and is not an emotional feeling, philia relates to friendship, and eros relates to physical love. When Paul writes about love in I Corinthian 13 (the “love” chapter), he uses the word agápē. Thus, in-depth study is important to get the best interpretation of the writings.

Finally, not everything that was written in the Bible is literally true. The various authors used different literary devices and symbolism to convey essential meanings: allegories and metaphors, irony and hyperbole, satire and similes, parodies and parables. The authors used these devices to convey their messages, and their audiences knew they were meant to make a point rather than to be taken literally or report historical facts. For example, Jesus told his followers that if their eye caused them to sin, they should tear it out, and if their hand caused them to sin, they should cut it off (Matthew 5:29–30). His words were exaggerations and his audience knew he was talking about how awful sin was, and he didn’t want them to cut out their eye or cut off their hand.

Confusing Verses

Some of the stories and symbolism can be confusing to the modern reader. The authors assumed their readers knew what they were talking about and could “read between the lines” to understand the meanings of the message. But modern readers don’t have the benefit of understanding the context and subtle meanings.

Verses About Burning Coals

For example, in both the Old and New Testaments, there is a reference to helping your neighbor that used the following statement: “If your enemy is hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink. This will heap burning coals on their heads, and the Lord will reward you” (Proverbs 25:21, Romans 12:20). These sentences could have two meanings, both of which have a positive intent.

• The phrase can be taken literally within the context of that culture, alluding to somebody who gives a large amount of charcoal to rescue a neighbor’s dwindling fire. In ancient times, people sometimes carried their loads on their heads.

• The phrase also has a deeper meaning, in which a person’s extravagant generosity toward the enemy stirs their conscience about how to treat others. The practical result of such a gesture is to increase the likelihood of a more peaceful relationship between the two parties.

The phrase does not mean hurting your enemy by burning their head in some way, but a modern reader might take the instructions literally and think this was a way to punish the enemy. The point was to love your enemy in excessive ways.

Verses About Crooked and Rough Roads

The prophet Isaiah used another obscure reference when he predicted the coming of the Messiah. He wrote, “A voice calls in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight and the rough places smooth’” (Isaiah 40:3–5). The part about making “paths straight and rough places smooth” refers to a king who sends his workers ahead to ensure the road he will travel on is direct and smooth, thus making the king’s trip faster and more comfortable. Jesus said John the Baptist was the voice that was getting people ready to meet the Messiah (Luke 3:4, 7:27; Matthew 11:10).

While the Bible can be confusing at times, it’s possible to figure out what is being taught most of the time. However, sometimes just the events are reported, and it’s left to the reader to ponder it’s significance. Some events in the Bible are quite horrific, and this does not mean that they are what God intended.