How to Understand Difficult Bible Passages

What can we do when reading a difficult passage of Scripture? Here are ten suggestions:

Pray for God to provide understanding.
Read the passage multiple times.
Read the passage in different translations. My favorites are: the NIV (for ease of readability); and for a more literal rendering, I like the ESV and the NASB.
Discuss the passage with your pastor and other Christian friends.
Consult commentaries or study guides or a study Bible.
Get the big picture of the passage by creating an outline.
Focus on the verses that do make sense. Don’t fret about the hard ones, and don’t obsess about understanding every verse in-depth. After reading the passage several times and keeping the outline in mind, you will probably find verses that you do understand.
Is there a particular verse that you find especially meaningful? Spend time meditating on it and memorizing it.
Work through the four questions of the CRAM method of Bible study:
C – What does this passage teach about God’s character – his attributes and actions?
R – What does God require from people in this text?
A – What does this passage reveal about my attitudes and actions?
M – How does this passage direct me to trust and treasure Christ?
For more on the CRAM method, see Erik Raymond’s article here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/a-tool-for-reading-the-bible-devotionally/
Utilize the principles and practices of the inductive Bible study method, as presented by Kay Arthur in her book How to Study Your Bible. There are three key steps involved — Observation, Interpretation, and Application. Many Bible students ignore or minimize the first step, and that can make all the difference. https://www.amazon.com/How-Study-Your-Bible-Life-Changing/dp/0736953434

Can you think of anything else to add to the list? Leave a comment below.

I take comfort in this: even the Apostle Peter encountered difficult Bible passages. “His (Paul’s) letters contain some things that are hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16).