The 8 most misunderstood passages in the Bible and what they really mean

Navigating the Bible isn’t always an easy task. There are some passages that just seem to confuse more than they enlighten.

That’s because interpretation and comprehension can often be subjective and influenced by our own perspectives and beliefs.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help clear the fog. I’ve dug deep into those cryptic verses, consulted with biblical scholars, and came up with explanations that will shed light on these misunderstood passages.

In this article, we’ll delve into “The 8 most misunderstood passages in the Bible and what they really mean”. So buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey of enlightenment and discovery.

1) “Judge not, that ye be not judged” – Matthew 7:1

Now this is one verse that’s often thrown around carelessly, sometimes as a defense mechanism when someone’s actions are called into question.

The common misconception is that this verse is a blanket statement against all forms of judgment. But that’s not quite right.

In the context of the entire chapter, Jesus is actually advising against hypocritical judgement – you know, the old “pot calling the kettle black” scenario.

It’s about introspection and self-improvement before critiquing others. So it’s not a total ban on judgment, but a call to ensure we’re not guilty of the same faults we’re quick to point out in others.

The true meaning? Don’t be a hypocrite. Clean up your own act before you start pointing fingers.

2) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13

This one hits close to home for me. I used to think this verse meant I could do absolutely anything, as long as I had faith.

I remember when I was trying out for the school basketball team. I wasn’t really good at it, but I kept reciting this verse, believing it would somehow make me a great player.

Needless to say, I didn’t make the cut.

I was disheartened and questioned why the verse didn’t work for me. But then, a deeper study revealed the true context of this verse.

The Apostle Paul wrote this while he was in prison, facing real hardship. He wasn’t talking about gaining superhuman abilities through Christ.

He was talking about contentment and finding strength to endure any circumstance – good or bad, plenty or want – through Christ.

So it’s not a magic mantra for achieving anything you want, but a reassurance that you can endure and remain content in any situation with Christ’s strength.

That understanding changed my perspective and helped me appreciate the verse even more.

3) “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” – 1 Timothy 6:10

This verse is often misquoted as “Money is the root of all evil”, and that’s a significant difference.

In its true context, it’s not money itself, but the love of money that can lead to all sorts of trouble.

Historically, the misinterpretation of this verse led to some fascinating societal beliefs. In medieval times, many people took this verse literally, believing that wealth was inherently evil.

This led to a peculiar situation where the wealthy would buy “indulgences” from the Church to offset their supposed sin of being rich. This practice sparked controversy and was one of the factors leading to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.

The real message here? It’s not wealth that’s problematic, but the unhealthy obsession with it that can lead you astray.

4) “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” – Matthew 18:20

This verse is often quoted to encourage communal worship or to reassure that God is present even in small gatherings.

While it’s true that God cherishes our communal worship, this verse has a deeper meaning that often gets overlooked.

In its context, this verse is part of a larger passage dealing with church discipline and conflict resolution. It’s about ensuring fairness and justice within the community of believers.

So, yes, God is present in our gatherings, but this verse specifically underscores His presence and support when believers come together to resolve disputes and maintain harmony.

The real takeaway? God values justice, unity, and reconciliation in His community.

5) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Matthew 27:46

Reading this verse where Jesus cries out in despair from the cross can be heart-wrenching. It’s often misunderstood as a moment of doubt or abandonment.

But when you delve deeper, you realise that Jesus was quoting Psalm 22, a prophetic psalm that begins with despair but ends in hope and vindication.

In his darkest hour, Jesus was not expressing doubt, but connecting His suffering to the larger narrative of faith. He was pointing to the psalm to show that His suffering was not the end, but part of a divine plan leading to victory.

This verse reminds us that even in our darkest moments, when we feel alone and abandoned, there is a bigger story unfolding. There is hope and redemption waiting for us.

So keep going, keep trusting, because your story isn’t over yet.

6) “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11

I’ve always cherished this verse. It gave me hope during a period when life was throwing curveballs at me, and I had no idea where I was heading.

I was unemployed, uncertain, and honestly, quite scared. I clung to this verse, believing that it promised me a guaranteed success story – a good job, stability, happiness.

But when things didn’t pan out as expected, I was left confused. Wasn’t God supposed to prosper me?

Then I delved deeper into the context of this verse. It was a promise made to the Israelites during a time of exile and hardship. But it wasn’t an immediate promise – they had to wait 70 years for its fulfillment.

That’s when it hit me. This verse is a promise of hope and prosperity – but not always as per our timeline or expectations.

It taught me to trust in God’s timing and reminded me that His plans for me are far greater than any I could envision for myself.

7) “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” – Exodus 21:24

Often, this verse is quoted to justify a mindset of revenge or retaliation.

However, when you look at it in its original context, you’ll find that it’s not advocating for personal vengeance at all.

This was actually a legal principle used in the ancient world, aimed at ensuring that punishment for a crime was proportionate and not excessive.

The intention was to limit violence and retribution, not to encourage it. It’s about justice, not personal revenge.

So the next time you hear this verse being used to justify tit-for-tat behavior, remember – it’s about fair justice, not escalating conflict.

8) “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” – John 14:6

This verse is pivotal to understanding the Christian faith. Jesus here is claiming to be the exclusive path to God.

It can be a tough pill to swallow in our pluralistic world, where inclusivity and acceptance of all paths is often celebrated.

But understanding this verse is key to understanding the essence of Christianity – that it’s not about a religion, or a set of rules, or moral teachings.

It’s about a person – Jesus Christ.

He’s not just another prophet or moral teacher. He is the way, the truth, and the life. And that is the cornerstone of Christian belief.

Final thoughts: It’s all about context

The Bible, with its profound wisdom and timeless truths, is undoubtedly a treasure trove of spiritual guidance and insight. But its interpretation can be as diverse as its readers.

Our exploration into these ten misunderstood passages has underscored one key factor – context. Understanding the cultural, historical, and literary context of these verses is crucial to grasping their true meaning.

Martin Luther once said, “The Bible cannot be understood simply by study or talent, you must count only on the influence of the Holy Spirit.”

As we journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s remember to approach it with humility, openness, and a prayerful heart. Let’s allow the Spirit to illuminate our understanding.

Whether you’re a seasoned Bible scholar or a curious seeker, I hope this exploration has deepened your understanding and awakened a desire to delve deeper.

After all, every passage holds a treasure waiting to be discovered. So keep exploring, keep questioning and remember – the story isn’t over until it’s over.