Top 10 Misunderstood Bible Verses

Commonly Misunderstood Verses

Introduction

Welcome to this blog post where we will explore 10 Bible verses that you may not have heard before or that may have a different meaning than you think. The Bible is a rich and diverse collection of writings that span thousands of years and multiple cultures. It contains stories, poems, laws, prophecies, letters, and more. Some parts of the Bible are familiar and comforting, while others are strange and challenging. Some parts of the Bible are easy to understand, while others require careful study and interpretation. In this blog post, we will look at 10 Bible verses that can surprise us with their message, challenge us with their implications, or inspire us with their wisdom. These verses are not necessarily obscure or difficult, but they may offer a fresh perspective or a deeper insight into God’s word and will. We hope that by reading and reflecting on these verses, you will grow in your knowledge and love of God and his word.

Verse 1: Deuteronomy 25:11-12

Here is the verse Deuteronomy 25:11-12 from the English Standard Version (ESV):

“If two men, a man and his countryman, are struggling together, and the wife of one comes near to deliver her husband from the hand of the one who is striking him, and puts out her hand and seizes him by his private parts, then you shall cut off her hand. Your eye shall not pity her.”

Meaning and Context:

Deuteronomy 25:11-12 is found in a section of the Old Testament that deals primarily with laws and regulations meant to guide the Israelites in their conduct. This particular verse is part of a larger set of laws dealing with various forms of conflict resolution and punishment for specific offenses.

This law relates to a situation where two men are fighting and the wife of one intervenes in a way considered unseemly or dishonorable – by grabbing the other man’s genitals. The punishment stated is the cutting off of her hand.

Historical or Cultural Insights:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, honor and shame were very important societal values. The act described in the verse was viewed as extremely dishonorable, not only because of the intimate nature of the assault but also because it could potentially affect a man’s ability to have children, which was of great significance in that society.

The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of the offense in the cultural context. The phrase “Your eye shall not pity her” further emphasizes that no leniency should be given due to her gender.

Misunderstanding the Verse:

This verse can be misunderstood if taken out of its historical and cultural context. It can seem unusually harsh to modern readers, particularly those from cultures where the punishment for a similar act would be considerably less severe. It’s important to remember that the Old Testament law was given to a specific group of people (the Israelites) at a specific time and place (the ancient Near East). The law doesn’t necessarily prescribe a universal standard for all cultures and times.

Personal or Practical Implications:

The personal or practical implications of this verse today might include the importance of fair fighting and respect for others’ bodies, even in conflict. It could also be used to discuss the importance of understanding cultural context when interpreting ancient texts, including the Bible.

However, it is important to note that modern ethical standards, including those of most Christian denominations, do not advocate for physical punishments like this. Instead, the focus is generally on forgiveness, reconciliation, and restorative justice.

Again, it is crucial to interpret this verse in its historical and cultural context and not take it as a direct prescription for modern behavior.

Verse 2: Judges 3:21-22

This verse records the assassination of Eglon, the king of Moab, by Ehud, a left-handed judge of Israel. Ehud had made a double-edged sword and hid it on his right thigh under his clothing. He presented a tribute to Eglon, who was a very fat man, and then pretended to have a secret message for him. When they were alone in the upper room of the palace, Ehud stabbed Eglon in the belly with his sword. The sword went so deep that even the handle sank in and the fat closed over it. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and Eglon’s entrails came out.

Judges 3:21-22 (WEB)
Ehud put out his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body.  The handle also went in after the blade; and the fat closed on the blade, for he didn’t draw the sword out of his body; and it came out behind.

This verse is part of the story of how God delivered Israel from the oppression of Moab through Ehud. It shows how God can use unlikely people and methods to accomplish his purposes. Ehud was a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, which means “son of my right hand”. He used his left hand to deceive Eglon and to execute God’s judgment on him. He also used a sword that he had made himself, which was unusual for Israelites who did not have iron weapons at that time.

This verse may be misunderstood as a graphic and violent description of a murder that glorifies violence and bloodshed. Some may wonder why God would approve of such an act or why it is included in the Bible. However, this verse should be understood in its historical and theological context. Eglon was an enemy of God and his people who had oppressed them for eighteen years. He was also a worshiper of false gods who had led Israel astray from the true God. Ehud was acting as God’s instrument of justice and deliverance for Israel. He was fulfilling the role of a judge, which was to save Israel from their enemies and to restore their loyalty to God. The Bible does not condone violence or murder, but it does acknowledge the reality of sin and its consequences in a fallen world. It also reveals God’s sovereignty and grace in using imperfect people to accomplish his will.

Some personal or practical implications or applications of this verse are:

• God can use anyone who is willing to serve him, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations. Ehud’s left-handedness was not a hindrance but an advantage for him. We should not let our weaknesses or insecurities stop us from obeying God’s call and using our gifts for his glory.
• God can use unexpected and unconventional ways to fulfill his plans. Ehud’s sword and strategy were not common or conventional, but they were effective and successful. We should not limit God by our human expectations or traditions but trust him to work in ways that are beyond our understanding or imagination.
• God is faithful and powerful to deliver his people from their enemies and oppressors. Ehud’s act was a sign of God’s intervention and salvation for Israel. We should remember that God is on our side and that he will fight for us and rescue us from our spiritual enemies and oppressors.

Verse 3: Ezekiel 23:19-20

This verse is part of a larger allegory that compares the kingdoms of Israel and Judah to two sisters who became prostitutes and betrayed God by worshiping idols and forming alliances with foreign nations. The verse says (from NIV):

“Yet she became more and more promiscuous as she recalled the days of her youth, when she was a prostitute in Egypt. There she lusted after her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses.”

The verse uses graphic language to describe the sexual immorality and idolatry of Oholibah, who represents Jerusalem or Judah. She is said to have recalled the days of her youth, when she was a prostitute in Egypt, which refers to the time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and worshiped the Egyptian gods. She also lusted after her lovers, who are identified as the Assyrians and the Babylonians, two powerful empires that threatened and eventually conquered Judah.

Some historical or cultural insights or facts about this verse are:

• The verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern view that sexual relations between a man and a woman created a bond of loyalty and obligation between them. Therefore, adultery was seen as a violation of not only the marriage covenant, but also the political and religious covenant between a king and his subjects, or between a god and his people.
• The verse uses hyperbole or exaggeration to emphasize the depravity and lust of Oholibah. The comparison of her lovers’ genitals and emission to those of donkeys and horses is not meant to be taken literally, but rather to portray them as unnatural, beastly, and excessive.
• The verse also uses irony or contrast to highlight the folly and futility of Oholibah’s actions. She sought after her lovers for protection and pleasure, but they turned out to be her enemies and destroyers. She defiled herself with their idols, but they stripped her naked and killed her with the sword.

This verse may be misunderstood for several reasons:

• Some people may take the verse out of context and use it to justify anti-Semitism or hatred towards Jews or Israelites, ignoring the fact that the allegory is meant to expose their sin and call them to repentance, not to condemn them forever.
• Some people may misinterpret the verse as literal history or biography, rather than symbolic prophecy or poetry, and assume that it describes actual events or persons that took place in Jerusalem or Judah, rather than using metaphors or images to convey a spiritual message.
• Some people may misuse the verse as a proof-text or pretext for their own agenda or bias, such as promoting sexual violence or abuse, denigrating women or sexuality, or attacking other religions or cultures, without considering the original meaning or purpose of the verse within its literary and historical context.

Some personal or practical implications or applications of this verse are:

• The verse warns us about the dangers of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God, which can lead us astray from his will and his ways, and expose us to his judgment and wrath.
• The verse challenges us to examine our hearts and lives for any signs of compromise or corruption with the world and its values, which can seduce us away from our love and loyalty to God.
• The verse reminds us of God’s grace and mercy towards his people, who despite their rebellion and sin, he still calls them to return to him and promises to restore them if they repent.

Verse 4: Leviticus 26:29

This verse is part of a series of curses that God pronounces on the Israelites if they disobey his covenant and commandments. It says (from KJV):

“And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.”

This is a horrific and shocking image of the extreme famine and desperation that would result from God’s judgment on their rebellion.

This verse has a historical and cultural context that helps us understand its meaning. It is not a literal command from God, but a hyperbolic warning of the consequences of sin. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of using curses and blessings as incentives for obedience and loyalty. It also echoes the language of Deuteronomy 28, where Moses repeats the blessings and curses of the covenant before the Israelites enter the promised land.

This verse may be misunderstood by some people who think that God is cruel or unjust for threatening such a terrible fate on his people. However, we need to remember that God is holy and righteous, and he cannot tolerate sin. He also loves his people and wants them to enjoy his blessings and protection. He gives them ample opportunities to repent and return to him before he executes his judgment. He also promises to restore them if they confess their sins and seek his mercy.

This verse has some personal and practical implications for us today. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and its consequences. It also shows us the need for repentance and faith in God’s grace. It also challenges us to trust God even in times of hardship and suffering, knowing that he is sovereign and faithful. It also encourages us to pray for those who are facing famine, war, or persecution because of their faith or circumstances.

Verse 5: Psalm 137:9

Psalm 137:9 (NIV) says

“Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks”

This verse is part of a lament psalm that expresses the anguish and anger of the Israelites who were exiled in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC . The psalmist recalls the pain of being mocked by their captors and vows to never forget Jerusalem. The psalm ends with a curse on the Babylonians, wishing that they would suffer the same fate as they inflicted on the Israelites.

Some historical or cultural insights or facts about this verse are:

• The verse relies on the principle of “an eye for an eye” justice, which was established by God through Moses as a way to limit vengeance and ensure that the punishment matched the crime.
• The verse reflects the common practice of ancient warfare, where infants and children were often killed or enslaved by the conquering army. The Babylonians were notorious for their brutality and cruelty, as recorded by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 13:16-18).
• The verse is not a command from God, but a human expression of grief and rage. It does not reflect God’s character or will, but rather the raw emotions of the oppressed and suffering people. The psalmist does not take matters into his own hands but appeals to God as the judge and avenger of his enemies (Psalm 94:1).

This verse may be misunderstood for several reasons:

• It may be taken out of context and used to justify violence or hatred against others. However, this verse is not a universal or timeless truth, but a specific and historical situation. It does not apply to Christians today, who are called to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).
• It may be seen as contradictory to God’s love and mercy. However, this verse does not contradict God’s character, but rather reveals his justice and righteousness. God hates sin and evil, and he will judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous (Psalm 96:13). God also loves his people and cares for their suffering, and he will deliver them from their enemies (Psalm 34:17-18).
• It may be ignored or avoided as too disturbing or offensive. However, this verse is part of God’s inspired word, and it has a purpose and value. It shows us the honesty and realism of the biblical writers, who did not hide or sugarcoat their feelings. It also invites us to bring our own emotions and struggles to God, who can handle them and heal them (Psalm 62:8).

Some personal or practical implications or applications of this verse are:

• It can help us to empathize with those who are persecuted or oppressed for their faith, and to pray for them and support them (Hebrews 13:3).
• It can challenge us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards our enemies, and to seek God’s forgiveness and grace to overcome bitterness and resentment (Ephesians 4:31-32).
• It can remind us to trust in God’s sovereignty and justice, and to wait for his final judgment and salvation (Revelation 19:1-2).

Verse 6: Matthew 10:34

This verse is part of Jesus’ instructions to his twelve disciples before he sends them out to preach the gospel in Israel. He warns them of the persecution and opposition they will face, and the cost of following him.

The verse reads (NIV):

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

This verse does not mean that Jesus came to cause violence or war. Rather, he came to bring a radical message of repentance and faith that would divide people, even within families. The sword is a metaphor for the conflict and separation that would result from accepting or rejecting Jesus as the Messiah and Lord.

Some historical and cultural insights that can help us understand this verse are:

•  In the Old Testament, the word of God is compared to a sword that pierces and judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 49:2).
•  In the first century, many Jews expected the Messiah to be a political and military leader who would overthrow the Roman oppressors and bring peace and prosperity to Israel. Jesus challenged this expectation by proclaiming a spiritual kingdom that transcended earthly politics and power.
•  Jesus’ message was offensive and scandalous to many religious leaders and people who trusted in their own righteousness and traditions. He exposed their hypocrisy and sin and called them to repent and believe in him as the only way to God (John 14:6; Matthew 23).
•  Jesus’ message was also divisive and dangerous for his followers, who faced hostility and persecution from both the Jewish and Roman authorities, as well as from their own families and communities. Many of them had to leave everything behind to follow him (Matthew 10:21-22; 10:37-39).

This verse may be misunderstood by some people who think that Jesus came to promote violence or hatred, or that he was a failure because he did not bring worldly peace. However, this verse should be understood in light of Jesus’ whole teaching and mission, which was to bring peace with God through his death and resurrection, and to offer eternal life to those who believe in him (John 3:16; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14-18).

Some personal and practical implications or applications of this verse are:

• We should not be surprised or discouraged when we face opposition or rejection because of our faith in Jesus. We should remember that he warned us of this, and that he is with us always (Matthew 10:23; 28:20).
• We should not compromise or water down the gospel to avoid conflict or please people. We should speak the truth in love and be ready to give a reason for our hope (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 3:15).
• We should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as Jesus taught us (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28). We should also seek peace and reconciliation with others as much as possible, without compromising our loyalty to Christ (Romans 12:18; Matthew 5:9).
• We should count the cost of following Jesus and be willing to take up our cross daily. We should also rejoice in the privilege of sharing in his sufferings, knowing that we will also share in his glory (Luke 14:27; Philippians 3:10-11; Romans 8:17).

Verse 7: Luke 14:26

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (ESV)

This verse is part of Jesus’ teaching on the cost of discipleship. He is addressing a large crowd of people who are following him, and he wants them to understand what it means to be his true disciple. He uses a strong word, “hate”, to emphasize the priority and commitment that he requires from his followers.

The word “hate” here does not mean an emotional hatred or a malicious feeling towards one’s family members. Rather, it means to love them less than Jesus, or to disregard them in comparison with him. It is a hyperbole, an exaggerated expression, to show the contrast between the love for Jesus and the love for anyone or anything else. Jesus is not contradicting the commandment to honor one’s parents (Mark 7:9-13) or the duty to provide for one’s household (1 Timothy 5:8). He is simply saying that no human relationship or attachment should come before him or hinder one’s obedience to him.

This verse also has a historical and cultural context that helps us understand its meaning. In the first century Jewish society, family ties were very strong and important. To follow Jesus meant to go against the expectations and traditions of one’s family and community. It could result in rejection, persecution, or even death. Many of Jesus’ disciples had to face this reality, such as Peter, James, John, Matthew, Paul, and others. They had to leave their families, their jobs, their homes, and their security to follow Jesus. They had to be willing to suffer for his sake and even die for him if necessary.

This verse may be misunderstood by some people who think that Jesus is teaching us to hate our families or ourselves. This is not true. Jesus is teaching us to love him more than anything else, and to follow him no matter what the cost. He is not asking us to neglect our families or ourselves, but to put him first in our lives. He is not asking us to do something that he has not done himself. He loved us more than his own life, and he gave it up for us on the cross.

This verse has some personal and practical implications and applications for us today. It challenges us to examine our hearts and see if we truly love Jesus more than anyone or anything else. It calls us to count the cost of following him and to be ready to give up everything for him if he asks us to. It encourages us to trust him and obey him even when it is hard or painful. It reminds us that he is worthy of our highest devotion and loyalty, because he is our Lord and Savior.

Verse 8: Revelation 2:23

Revelation 2:23 from the New International Version (NIV) reads:

“I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.”

Meaning and Context:

This verse is part of the message to the church in Thyatira, which is one of the seven churches in the province of Asia addressed in the Book of Revelation. The messages to these churches include both commendations and criticisms. The church in Thyatira is praised for their love, faith, service, and perseverance. However, they are criticized for tolerating a woman referred to as “Jezebel,” who leads church members into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.

The verse in question (2:23) is part of a prophecy of judgment against this “Jezebel.” The children mentioned here are most likely symbolic of her followers rather than literal offspring. The judgment will serve as a demonstration of Christ’s authority and knowledge, emphasizing that He searches hearts and minds, and will repay each person according to their deeds.

Historical or Cultural Insights:

Historically, Thyatira was a city in the Roman province of Asia (now in modern-day Turkey). It was known for its trade guilds, which often had religious rites involving emperor worship and feasting on food sacrificed to idols—practices incompatible with Christian faith. This historical context might explain the specific issues addressed in the message to the church in Thyatira.

The woman referred to as “Jezebel” in the text is not likely to be the literal Old Testament character, but rather, it’s a symbolic name, drawing parallels with the infamous queen of Israel who led her people into idolatry and sexual immorality in the Old Testament (1 Kings 16:31).

Potential Misunderstandings:

This verse may be misunderstood if taken literally. Some may interpret it as God acting in extreme vengeance, killing children for the sins of their parents. However, it’s crucial to understand the apocalyptic and symbolic nature of the language used in Revelation. The “children” being referred to are likely spiritual progeny—those who follow the teachings of the symbolic “Jezebel.”

Personal or Practical Implications:

The personal and practical implications of this verse lie in the understanding that Christ knows the hearts and minds of all people and that actions have consequences. It serves as a warning against straying from the teachings of Christ and an encouragement to remain steadfast in faith.

This verse can remind us to be discerning about what teachings we accept and follow, to be wary of those that may lead us astray from our faith, and to strive for righteousness in our actions, knowing that they do not go unnoticed by God. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of the church’s role in correcting erring members, rather than tolerating false teachings.

Verse 9: Genesis 19:30-38

“30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar. He and his two daughters lived in a cave.

31 One day the older daughter said to the younger, ‘Our father is old, and there is no man around here to give us children—as is the custom all over the earth.

32 Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep with him and preserve our family line through our father.’

33 That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and slept with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.

34 The next day the older daughter said to the younger, ‘Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.’

35 So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went in and slept with him. Again, he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.

36 So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father.

37 The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today.

38 The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.” (NIV)

Context and Meaning:

This passage comes immediately after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his two daughters were the only survivors of the family. They fled to the mountains and lived in a cave. The daughters, believing that they and their father were the only humans left on earth, decided to ensure the continuation of their family line by sleeping with their father while he was intoxicated.

Historical or Cultural Insights:

During the time the Old Testament was written, lineage and family line were extremely important. The daughters were living in a post-apocalyptic mindset, believing they were some of the last humans on earth, and took desperate measures to ensure their family line survived.

The two sons who were born from this event, Moab and Ben-Ammi, became the progenitors of the Moabites and Ammonites. These were two nations who frequently interacted with Israel, often in conflict, throughout the Old Testament.

Why This Verse May Be Misunderstood:

This verse can be particularly difficult for modern readers to grasp because it includes incest, a universally recognized taboo and crime in almost all contemporary cultures. However, it’s important to remember that the Bible often records historical events and actions of people without endorsing them. The daughters’ decision wasn’t portrayed as righteous or approved by God.

Personal or Practical Implications or Applications:

This verse can serve as a reminder that fear and desperation can lead people to commit drastic, and even immoral, actions. It underscores the importance of faith and moral integrity, even in the face of despair and perceived hopelessness. Furthermore, it reminds us that actions have long-term consequences: the nations that stemmed from these actions had a contentious history with Israel for generations to come.

Verse 10: Numbers 31:17-18

This verse is part of the account of the Israelites’ war against the Midianites, who had seduced them into idolatry and immorality at Baal Peor (Numbers 25). God commanded Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites and destroy them completely (Numbers 31:1-2). The Israelites obeyed and killed all the Midianite men, but spared the women and children as captives (Numbers 31:7-9). Moses was angry with this and ordered them to kill all the male children and all the women who had slept with a man, but to keep the virgin girls for themselves (Numbers 31:14-18).

Numbers 31:17-18 (KJV)
Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

This verse may seem harsh and cruel, but it has to be understood in its historical and cultural context. The Midianites were a wicked and idolatrous people who had tried to curse Israel and had enticed them to sin against God. They were guilty of many abominations, such as child sacrifice, cult prostitution, and bestiality (Leviticus 18:21, 23-24). God had warned Israel not to intermarry with the Canaanites or adopt their practices, lest they be corrupted and punished (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). The Midianite women were the main culprits in leading Israel astray, and they would have continued to do so if they were spared. The male children would have grown up to be enemies of Israel and seek revenge for their fathers. God, as the sovereign and holy Judge of all nations, had the right to execute His justice on the Midianites and protect His chosen people from their influence.

This verse may also be misunderstood as condoning violence, sexism, or slavery. However, this is not the case. The war against the Midianites was not a human-initiated aggression, but a divine commandment for a specific situation. It was not motivated by greed, hatred, or lust, but by obedience, justice, and holiness. It was not a general rule for dealing with other nations, but a unique exception for a particular enemy. The Israelites did not kill the Midianites because they were inferior or worthless, but because they were guilty and dangerous. The Israelites did not keep the virgin girls for themselves because they were objects or prizes, but because they were innocent and vulnerable. The virgin girls were not abused or exploited, but treated as servants or wives according to the law of God (Deuteronomy 21:10-14).

This verse has some personal and practical implications for us today. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the wrath of God against those who rebel against Him. It warns us of the danger of being influenced by the world and its temptations. It challenges us to be faithful and obedient to God’s commands and to avoid compromising with evil. It also assures us of God’s mercy and grace for those who repent and trust in Him. God did not destroy all the Midianites, but spared some of them who later joined Israel and worshiped Him (Numbers 32:1-5; Judges 6:11; Ruth 1:4). God also sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and offer us forgiveness and eternal life if we believe in Him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-9).

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have explored some of the fascinating aspects of the Bible, such as its literary genres, historical contexts, cultural diversity, and theological themes. We have seen how the Bible is not a single book, but a collection of books that reflect the experiences and perspectives of different people and communities over time. We have also learned how the Bible invites us to engage with its stories, poems, laws, prophecies, letters, and visions in various ways, depending on our own questions and interests.

The Bible is a rich and diverse book that offers us many insights and challenges for our lives today. It is also a book that invites us to explore more of its depths and dimensions, to discover new meanings and connections, and to grow in our understanding and appreciation of God and his people. We hope that this blog post has inspired you to read the Bible more often and more deeply, and to share your discoveries and insights with others.

We would love to hear from you! What are some of the things that you find most interesting or surprising about the Bible? What are some of the questions or difficulties that you encounter when you read the Bible? How do you apply the Bible to your own life and context? Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback with us through our social media channels. We look forward to hearing from you and learning from you!