Lol… wut? Ways to help when the Bible is confusing.

Let’s be real: reading the Bible isn’t always this magical, Instagram-worthy experience where every verse fills you with peace and understanding. Sometimes it’s confusing. Sometimes it’s frustrating. And if you’re like me, there are moments when you finish reading a passage and think, Wait, what just happened? Is this supposed to make sense?

If you’ve ever found yourself in that boat—wondering if you’re missing some secret decoder ring that everyone else seems to have—know this: you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not doing it wrong. God never asked us to understand everything right away. He just asks us to seek Him.

I found myself in the position the other night, after I got done reading I said there looking like:

and knew I couldn’t be the only one who felt like this sometimes.

Over time, I’ve learned some helpful ways to approach those what-does-this-even-mean moments. Here’s what I do when I don’t understand something in the Bible.

1. Pray Before You Start

This might seem obvious, but for the longest time, I skipped this step. I would just dive right in, assuming my brain was enough to figure it all out. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

Now, before I even open my Bible, I pray. Nothing fancy—just a simple, honest request:

“God, I want to know You better. Help me understand what You want me to see here. Give me clarity and patience as I read.”

It’s wild how often that small prayer makes a difference. Even if I don’t fully grasp everything, I feel more connected and open to what God wants to teach me.

2. Read for Context, Not Just Quick Answers

Sometimes confusion happens because we’re only seeing a tiny piece of the puzzle. Bible verses are part of a much bigger story, and taking them out of context can lead to misunderstandings.

For example, when I first read some of Paul’s letters, I struggled with certain statements about women and church roles. But when I took time to learn about the cultural context of the time—and who Paul was writing to—it started to make more sense.

Using tools like study Bibles, trusted commentaries, or even Bible apps with footnotes can help. They provide background information that fills in gaps and brings clarity.

3. Ask Questions and Talk with Others

One of the best things I ever did was start Bible Babes, a small group for women like me who want to grow in their faith but sometimes feel stuck or unsure.

Talking things out with other people brings so much clarity. What confuses me might make perfect sense to someone else—and vice versa. Hearing different perspectives reminds me that none of us are walking this faith journey alone.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it’s in a group setting, at church, or with a trusted friend. Faith grows in community.

4. Use Resources (Yes, Even ChatGPT!)

Sometimes you just need someone—or something—to explain it in plain English. That’s where resources come in handy.

I used to think it was “cheating” to look up explanations, but God never said we have to figure it all out on our own. I’ve found that tools like Bible apps, podcasts, and study websites can break down complicated passages in ways that actually make sense.

And honestly? I’ve even asked ChatGPT to help rephrase verses or explain biblical concepts before. I’ll say something like, “Hey, what does this passage from Romans really mean?” It doesn’t replace prayer or deeper study, but sometimes hearing it in everyday language gives me the clarity I need to dive back into scripture with a fresh perspective.

Just remember: always cross-check what you read online (yes, even here) with trusted sources and scripture itself. God’s Word is the ultimate truth, but modern tools can be a great supplement to your study.

5. Be Okay with Not Knowing Everything

This one is tough. I like answers. I want things to make sense. But faith isn’t always about having everything figured out—it’s about trusting God even when you don’t.

There are still parts of the Bible I don’t fully understand, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to sit with the mystery and trust that God will reveal what I need to know when I’m ready to receive it.

6. Look for the Heart of the Message

Sometimes we get so caught up in the details that we miss the bigger picture. I’ve learned to ask myself, What does this teach me about God’s character?

Even if I don’t understand every word, I can usually see themes of love, grace, forgiveness, and redemption shining through. Those truths anchor me when the specifics feel murky.

7. Keep Showing Up Anyway

This is the most important part: keep reading, even when it’s hard. Even when you walk away with more questions than answers.

There have been plenty of times when I’ve closed my Bible feeling confused, wondering if I wasted my time. But God promises that His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). Even when we don’t see it, He’s planting seeds in our hearts.

So, what’s that all mean…

If you’ve ever felt discouraged because you don’t understand something in the Bible, I want you to hear this: you’re not failing. You’re growing. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect scholars; He just wants us to keep seeking Him.

So, pray, ask questions, lean on community, and trust that understanding will come in His time. And remember—you’re not walking this journey alone.

What do you do when the Bible confuses you? Have you found any tools or tips that help? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Let’s grow together, one imperfect step at a time.