The reason I don't read the Bible that much.

[Guido]

I know I've started a lot of threads so far. Sorry.

Lately, I haven't been reading the Bible because I've been finding it difficult to concentrate and to understand many passages. Even though the KJV is my favorite translation, and even though I understand early modern English, the phrasing is often hard for me to interpret. Many times it's because the thoughts are expressed in a sophisticated way, but often it's simply because I can't concentrate, unable to comprehend simple phrases like "a servant of Jesus Christ".

I don't know if it's a spiritual problem, or if the rhythm of the text is distracting me. But I would think that the rhythm would enhance my understanding rather than detract from it.

I'm not saying that I never understand simple passages in the Bible; I'm just saying that sometimes I can't focus well-enough to understand simple phrases in the Bible, as well as simple passages and more sophisticated ones.

How can I obey God by reading His word if I can't understand it? Praying to God several times, I told Him that the only reason I don't read it is that I have trouble understanding it.

 

[Scarlett O.]

Read anyway. I am a speed reader with a very high comprehension rate.

And there are passages I struggle through sometimes.

Read it anyway. That's what I do.

The devil desires you to put the Bible aside and say, "I'm struggling with it - so I just won't read it." God desires you to read it.

If you can post in English on a message board on a computer, you can read God's Word, pray WHILE reading, and wait on him for clarity.

 

[Yeshua1]

I know I've started a lot of threads so far. Sorry.

Lately, I haven't been reading the Bible because I've been finding it difficult to concentrate and to understand many passages. Even though the KJV is my favorite translation, and even though I understand early modern English, the phrasing is often hard for me to interpret. Many times it's because the thoughts are expressed in a sophisticated way, but often it's simply because I can't concentrate, unable to comprehend simple phrases like "a servant of Jesus Christ".

I don't know if it's a spiritual problem, or if the rhythm of the text is distracting me. But I would think that the rhythm would enhance my understanding rather than detract from it.

I'm not saying that I never understand simple passages in the Bible; I'm just saying that sometimes I can't focus well-enough to understand simple phrases in the Bible, as well as simple passages and more sophisticated ones.

How can I obey God by reading His word if I can't understand it? Praying to God several times, I told Him that the only reason I don't read it is that I have trouble understanding it.

Have you tried other versions?

 

[Martin Marprelate]

I know I've started a lot of threads so far. Sorry.

Lately, I haven't been reading the Bible because I've been finding it difficult to concentrate and to understand many passages. Even though the KJV is my favorite translation, and even though I understand early modern English, the phrasing is often hard for me to interpret. Many times it's because the thoughts are expressed in a sophisticated way, but often it's simply because I can't concentrate, unable to comprehend simple phrases like "a servant of Jesus Christ".

I don't know if it's a spiritual problem, or if the rhythm of the text is distracting me. But I would think that the rhythm would enhance my understanding rather than detract from it.

I'm not saying that I never understand simple passages in the Bible; I'm just saying that sometimes I can't focus well-enough to understand simple phrases in the Bible, as well as simple passages and more sophisticated ones.

How can I obey God by reading His word if I can't understand it? Praying to God several times, I told Him that the only reason I don't read it is that I have trouble understanding it.

I am honestly not anti-KJV, but I would suggest that you switch to maybe the NKJV. I studied Shakespeare and even Chaucer at school, but I have found it hard to profit from reading the KJV. I think that is partly because I was subconsciously translating the KJV into modern English and partly that the KJV, like other early translations, was made to be read aloud. The other thing is to read first thing in the morning when your mind is fresh.
The other thing I would do is to choose a short book of the Bible, maybe Colossians, buy yourself a good conservative commentary and study just a few verses of that each day in addition to (not instead of) your regular reading. You could do that maybe in the evening.
That way you are not only gaining a familiarity with the continuity of the whole Bible, but also getting to grips with the doctrine.

 

[37818]

I recommend getting a New King James Version to use along with your KJV. You also might look into a parallel Bible with the KJV too. Online you could use Blueletterbible.org or a similar web site.

 

[Guido]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

I'm hesitant to read a modern Bible translation, as many preachers claim that the KJV is the only Word of God in English, being translated from the only trustworthy manuscripts we have. Even though I've watched debates and read articles on the issue, I'm still not confident that the modern Bibles can be called the Word of God. I have book on the subject, a book called "The KJV Only Controversy", but I haven't read it yet, feeling sluggish.

 

[RipponRedeaux]

That book that you mentioned by James White is excellent. It will help you to understand some things and put the whole subject into perspective.

 

[Guido]

That book that you mentioned by James White is excellent. It will help you to understand some things and put the whole subject into perspective.

Okay. Thank you. I will read it then.

 

[xlsdraw]

I pray for: knowledge, wisdom, understanding, discernment, and patience.

I am near constantly in contemplation/meditation on God's Word.

The Holy Spirit brings the recall and guides me into understanding the Precepts of God and their application to the times.

And I use the KJV.

Works for me.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

I'm hesitant to read a modern Bible translation, as many preachers claim that the KJV is the only Word of God in English, being translated from the only trustworthy manuscripts we have. Even though I've watched debates and read articles on the issue, I'm still not confident that the modern Bibles can be called the Word of God. I have book on the subject, a book called "The KJV Only Controversy", but I haven't read it yet, feeling sluggish.

The NKJV is based on the same texts as the KJV used.

 

[37818]

The NKJV is based on the same texts as the KJV used.

Mostly. There are a few places where they missed a word. I have not keep notes when I came across a reference. I didn't even mark it in my NKJV. The NKJV followed the Majority text in the NT without a footnote I believe in those cases. Those were the mistakes. Then there are a few translation choices I did not like - one reason I stopped using the NKJV as my main Bible. As a modern English Bible it is the only one I recommend.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

Mostly. There are a few places where they missed a word. I have not keep notes when I came across a reference. I didn't even mark it in my NKJV. The NKJV followed the Majority text in the NT without a footnote I believe in those cases. Those were the mistakes.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'm not aware of this. I'll be interested to have an example if one comes to mind.

Then there are a few translation choices I did not like - one reason I stopped using the NKJV as my main Bible. As a modern English Bible it is the only one I recommend.

It's not perfect, but IMO it's more accurate than the KJV.

 

[37818]

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I'm not aware of this. I'll be interested to have an example if one comes to mind.

KJV, Luke 1:35, "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

The NKJV and Majority Text omits "of thee."

It's not perfect, but IMO it's more accurate than the KJV

KJV, Colossians 1:15, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:"

The NKJV follows the NIV changing the genitive case "of" to "over."

 

[kathleenmariekg]

Outlines. Pictures. Dramatized audio. Repetition. Let someone explain it to you.

Step 1. Before reading, Read an outline. If you mark your Bible, mark the divisions of the outline onto the text. I only use a mechanical pencil, and mark very sparingly, but others use a lot of color, even if it bleeds through the pages. If I am going to color code something, I will print out the outline and color code and scribble on that.

Step 2. Before reading look at pictures. Pictures are interpretation, so some people won't use them. I find them critical to use along with the KJV for some students.

I really like the 1 page pictures at the end of the binders for Bible Study Guide for all Ages. Most, but not all the Bible is covered in these 4 binders. Be careful of buying used copies, as the ISBN# is used for all editions. The oldest versions have inferior pictures. You can buy the pdfs fairly cheaply and print a page that covers a chapter or so of text. The binders were written to be used with the KJV and the NIV 1984, back before there were all these new translations. I only use the pictures in the back of the pdf version of the binders. Nothing else.
Unit Teacher’s Guide - The Original Bible Study Guide For All Ages

I am not sure what might have been updated, but I have the middle grade teacher manual for the Grapevine Stick Figure Bible Curriculum. I only use the pictures to draw a lesson on a blackboard or whiteboard, and have students copy me. My pdf curriculum says it was written for the NKJV and I have had no trouble using the pictures for the KJV. I only use the pictures in the teacher manual. Nothing else.
Middle School Archives - Grapevine Studies
New Testament Stick Figure Bible Study : Half a Hundred Acre Wood

I like the pictures in the Good News Bible, even if I don't use the text. BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | The best-selling artist of all time

Kids story bibles can be used for the pictures and you can ignore the text.

Step 3. Find a DRAMATIZED audio Bible. Just let the narrator read to you. Read along in your Bible, or just lay in bed and close your eyes and rest.

Step 4. Repetition. Don't try and understand it all the first time. Be like a small child that is content to let mommy read to him, and does not feel any pressure to do it "right" or understand it all. Children love to listen to the same book over and over, because each time, it gets clearer and clearer. Children are exhausted by all the new and all the hard. Every time you listen again, it will get easier.

Step 5. Let someone explain it to you. Vernon McGee is a mess sometimes, but he covers the whole KJV Bible, and makes it understandable. I have a solar powered Bible Bus. When it gets windy and the power surges rip through my neighborhood, I unplug everything and lay in the dark and listen to my Bible Bus.

Solar Bible Bus purchase page
Thru the Bible

Listen online for free
Thru the Bible with Dr. J. Vernon McGee | Home

The Bible IDEAS are difficult to understand, no matter what version is used. At least they are for some of us. I give myself permission to understand at the level of a child. Sometimes I just listen to the audio Bible and color in a Bible coloring book while my thoughts wander to all my worries, and truthfully I am understanding very little. But I am participating in a "family" activity, and I hear SOMETHING.

 

[Guido]

Everyone thank you for your advice. I will keep trying to read the KJV, applying the advice here (hopefully I can remember it), but I will also continue reading "The KJV Only Controversy" by James White. If I come to trust that good modern Bibles are accurate, then I will start studying them.

 

[HAMel]

I know I've started a lot of threads so far. Sorry.

(Lately, I haven't been reading the Bible because I've been finding it difficult to concentrate and to understand many passages.)

Hey Guido. First, let me say that I hardly ever visit this site and this is perhaps the first time within the past year..., but I noticed your posting and felt compelled to respond. I too am where you are when it comes to understanding/studying the Bible. For many years..., going all the way back to my High School days, I was lead to believe that perhaps something was wrong with me. It wasn't until 1990 that my situation was identified and explained (by a professional) as to how my mind works. For real, not everyone processes information (data) the same and since that time (1990) my purpose in life began to blossom. I can now see what at one time was hidden. No, I'm not blessed with any 'super-power' and no, I can't leap tall buildings..., but when I finally came to the awareness of my God given gift my Spiritual life began to turn and now I can see like never before.

In 1st Corinthians, 12:28-31 we find the following.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Obviously, not all of us fit comfortably within the same mold. For my understanding of the Scriptures I rely upon those who have been gifted with the ability to (teach). In short, I learn from listening..., and then discerning! When it comes to gifts, many can be found though-out the Bible but the above seems quite suitable for us in today's world. If you visit any hospital, for example, you're surrounded by very intelligent people who, on the surface, appear to work miracles when it comes to healing. The most always over-looked contributor in such a setting however, and who is just as important..., is the janitor. Without proper custodial services said medical miracles would fall by the wayside. So it is with us who have been blessed with our seemingly lesser gifts. Not everyone can be a doctor and not everyone can be a janitor! Discern the spirits brother and know that God is not the author of confusion. If you can't read and understand certain parts of Scripture then so be it. We are not all blessed the same.

I have a very specific gift for which I keep to myself (I don't disclose it as I don't want to appear to be a braggart) and it serves me well. You also have been gifted in a unique way. In the meantime may I suggest that you 'tune in' to those who have been given the gift of teaching. Just realize that not all can teach so search (for) them and then, search them! Diligently search for those who have been gifted and soon you will discover your gift. Some of us are appointed to be janitors! At this point move on and don't be concerned about those abilities you claim you don't have. God will bless you.

 

[Yeshua1]

Everyone thank you for your advice. I will keep trying to read the KJV, applying the advice here (hopefully I can remember it), but I will also continue reading "The KJV Only Controversy" by James White. If I come to trust that good modern Bibles are accurate, then I will start studying them.

No translation is perfect, but many are trustworthy, such as along with the Kjv, would be NKJV, Nas and Esv!

 

[RipponRedeaux]

No translation is perfect, but many are trustworthy, such as along with the Kjv, would be NKJV, Nas and Esv!

And the NIV, CSB and NLT.

 

[kathleenmariekg]

I support you in whatever version that you choose to read. Read what feels right for now, and in the future read what feels right then. It is okay to change your mind along the way. It is okay to focus on the here and now, and the conditions that exist here. And it is okay to adjust as they change.

Years ago, I learned that the strongest churches have often been in places that had the worst translated Bibles. These churches often only had portions of scripture translated by a missionary directly from his primary language and not the original languages.

Because of copyright issues and cost and consistency and compatibility, I choose the KJV most of the time. But I am just finishing up several online courses on the Pentateuch in which the professor used the NKJV. I just used that so I could focus better on the learning opportunity that was given to me. I might be taking a course on the book of Matthew next, and the professor uses the 1995 NASB. I ordered a cheap paperback copy from betterworldbooks.com and I will use that for the course if I sign up for it.

When I get tired of the reality of my brother and sisters, the church, I climb in my bed and pray to the Father. Sometimes I have to put all books aside for a bit, even the Bible. More study and working harder is not always the answer. Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to be His child, and to act like one when you get tired.

 

[Yeshua1]

And the NIV, CSB and NLT.

Prefer formal/literal versions for serious studies though!