How to Truly Understand the Bible

Many of us struggle with regular Bible reading, feeling too busy, discouraged, or simply unsure of how to approach God’s Word. While the challenges are real, so is the promise: you can understand the Bible. God wants His Word to be clear and transformative, equipping us for life and deepening our relationship with Him.

The Struggle to Read

For some, busyness pushes Bible reading to the margins. Urgent tasks crowd out the minutes we might otherwise dedicate to listening to God. For others, the challenge lies in feeling inadequate: How am I supposed to understand this?

Even the apostle Peter admitted that parts of Scripture are "hard to understand" (2 Peter 3:16). If someone who wrote the Bible wrestled with understanding it, it’s no surprise that we sometimes do, too.

Yet, Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is as true for us as it was for him: “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Timothy 2:7). God’s promise to grant understanding should motivate us to press on, even when we don’t grasp everything immediately.

You Are Equipped to Understand

As followers of Christ, we’re no longer “natural” people, blind to the things of God. Through salvation, we’ve received supernatural insight:

• “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

• “You are not alienated from God anymore. Through the cross, He’s brought you near” (Ephesians 4:18).

• “God has shone in [your] heart to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

If you’re in Christ, the Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture, giving you access to truths that remain hidden to others. God has equipped you to understand more of the Bible than you may realize.

All Scripture Is Profitable

Paul assures us that all Scripture is “breathed out by God” and is profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Even the genealogies of Numbers or the apocalyptic imagery of Revelation have value for your spiritual growth.

God’s promise isn’t that we’ll immediately understand everything but that we can gradually grow in understanding. As we read, reflect, and live out Scripture, its meaning often unfolds over time. A familiar passage can suddenly take on new relevance, revealing deeper insights we may have missed before.

Practical Ways to Grow in Understanding

• Ask God for Help
  Prayer is the starting point. Remember, understanding doesn’t come from our intellect alone but from God. Paul reminds us, “The Lord will give you understanding in everything” (2 Timothy 2:7).

• Think Hard
  Understanding Scripture requires effort. Paul encourages Timothy to “think over” his words, emphasizing that divine understanding often comes through diligent study and reflection.

• Use the Resources God Provides
  Throughout history, most Christians didn’t own personal Bibles. Instead, they learned in community through public readings, teachings, and discussions. Today, we have even more resources:

  • Local churches and Bible studies

  • Study Bibles and commentaries

  • Sermons, podcasts, and online courses

• Be Patient and Persistent
  Don’t expect to grasp everything immediately. Keep reading, praying, and studying, trusting that God will reveal His truths in His timing.

Encouragement for the Journey

Understanding the Bible isn’t a passive process. It’s an active partnership with God, much like His command to Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8–9).

God’s promise to Joshua that He would be with him wherever he went is the same promise He extends to us when we open His Word.

So, as you read Scripture, be strong and courageous. Don’t let confusion or discouragement stop you. Think deeply, pray earnestly, and trust that the Lord will help you understand His Word, one passage at a time.

If this encouragement has helped you, consider sharing it with others or subscribing to our newsletter for more insights on growing in your faith.