Why is the Bible so hard to read??

Answer 1

it isnt really-takes some time to get into but once you understand what the bible actually is about- it's actually quiet the best read you'll ever get.

Answer 2

First off, the Bible was written in several languages that are rather dissimilar from English. What you are reading is a translation and stuff tends to get lost or altered in translation which can make things more difficult. Second, some translations are very literal, meaning they translate trying to preserve the literal meaning of the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek message. This helps if you're doing an in-depth study but can make it tough to get concepts across. I'd suggest trying a translation that focuses on translating figuratively, such as the New International Version. Third, many of the concepts in the Bible are based on the culture at the time. For example there are a lot of farming references (because most of the people in the ancient world farmed) that I just don't easily get. There's also a lot of references to ancient Jewish culture and some of the messages don't make sense until you learn the background of the point(s) the writer's trying to get across. Unless you are already a Christian or a scholar on world religion I don't think it's necessary to get all the background information but after reading a book once it's kinda interesting to read through again after reading this sort of background info.

Answer 3

I understand what you mean. The bible was obviously written a long time ago and things were so different then. It also has alot of Hebrew references in it. I could see where versions such as King James could be complex. Maybe you should try an NIV version or "The Message" Don't be discouraged. There are also alot of bibles out there that have foot notes for every verse explaining things. Good Luck!

Answer 4

It's hard to read because it's often hard to understand. It was written by people that lived thousands of years ago from cultures very different from ours. There's also lots of pages of rules for building a temple or arc, etc and geneology.
I recommend reading "Don't know much about the Bible" by Kenneth C. Davis. He summarized how the Bible was put together and goes over most of the books. It's an entertaining secular read that's manages to stay respectful to the faiths and people of them.

Answer 5

It is not written for a casual understanding.

Proverbs 25:2 - It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

Isaiah 28:13 - But the word of the Lord was to them, "Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little," That they might go and fall backward, and be broken And snared and caught.

Luke 8:10 - And He said, "To you [who are Jesus's followers] it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that 'Seeing they may NOT see, And hearing they may NOT understand.'

However, if you really do want to understand...

Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who DO HIS COMMANDMENTS.

Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Luke 11:13 - If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Of course, finding a good readable English translation is also helpful. I generally use the New King James Version.

Answer 6

Try a different translation

New King James
New Living Translation
New International Version

Blue Letter Bible has these, and more, online.

Answer 7

Because it is often read with the eyes of people...
which sounds logical but in this case is not.

For it to make sense it has to be read for the right reasons....
read by your heart and be discerned by your Spirit.

That is why the Bible is known to be living word of God & applies at all times, not just now & then but.... ALWAYS!

Answer 8

The disciples once asked Jesus why do you speak to the people in parables? He answered the secrets of the kingdom of heaven are given to you, but not to them. God unfolds the understanding of the bible to those who earnestly seek Him. If you have a intimate connection with God, He will unfold the understanding of it through His Spirit. Solomon was a man who was very connected to God. Through the Spirit of God, Solomon had profound wisdom about life, animals, plants and everything you could think of because he walked with God.

Answer 9

i hear that question alot but i do not understand it because for me it is not that hard to read and understand. i would like to leave you with a on line audio bible site i really hope it Will help you

Answer 10

The Holy Spirit shows us what the Bible means. To understand it you must be a christian and filled with the Holy Spirit.