The Bible has been around for over two millennia and has been translated into over 3000 languages. Each book in the Bible was written at different times by different people, and it took about 1500 years to complete the entire collection. With this in mind, it’s really no wonder that some verses in the Bible will make you go, “Huh?”
Here are 18 confusing Bible verses that challenge even the most faithful.
The Mystery of the Nephilim
Most scholars would agree that Genesis 6:1-4 is the most confusing, if not problematic, verse in the Old Testament. The history and nature of the Nephilim were not fully defined, as was the identity of the “sons of God.” Even today, these verses still leave many questions unanswered.
Jephthah’s Bargain with God
In Judges 11:30-40, Jephthah vowed to God that he would sacrifice whatever came out of his house first if God allowed him to win in his next battle. Unfortunately, his beloved daughter first came out of the house. This troubling story raises ethical and theological conflicts that are difficult to resolve. Does God condone human sacrifice? Did He really want Jephthah to kill his daughter? The answers to these questions still remain ambiguous and continue to spark debate among scholars and believers.
Summoning Samuel’s Spirit
1 Samuel 28:7-20 tells the story of the witch of Endor summoning Samuel from the dead. This story raises differences of opinion regarding the ability of the witch to summon someone’s spirit. Was it an illusion or a demonic deception? The implications are both mysterious and unsettling.
Elisha, the Bears, and the Boys
“From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. “Get out of here, baldy!” they said. “Get out of here, baldy!” He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.” – 2 Kings 2:23-25
This disturbing incident from 2 Kings 2:23-25 raises questions about divine justice. Some scholars see Elisha’s attitude as a prophet as petty, and his punishment on the boys was a little too severe. Why did God allow it?
The Strange Encounter with Moses
Another Bible verse that baffles many scholars and believers alike is from Exodus 4:24-26. This cryptic passage has sparked much debate. The answers to questions like, “Why did God seek to kill Moses right after letting him lead the Israelites?” and “Why did Zipporah’s act save him?” are still not fully understood up to this day.
A Prayer for Personal Revenge
“Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks.” – Psalm 137:9
This Psalm leaves many readers in shock, asking, “How can such a statement be in the Bible, and what does it mean?” The brutality mentioned in this verse is quite shocking, especially when taken out of context. To understand this verse, you need to explore the context of war, mourning, and the deep emotion of the psalmist.
God Created Evil
“I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” – Isaiah 45:7
Isaiah 45:7 states that God creates darkness and disaster in the same way He creates light and prosperity. This verse challenges our view of God as being purely good. It forces us to recognize God’s mighty power and its complexities.
Jesus Bringing a Sword, Not Peace
““Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:34
Despite the context surrounding Matthew 10:34, many believers still find trouble fitting this verse into the whole Christian idea of forgiveness and loving your neighbor. It seems like Jesus’ words in this verse do not align with the image of the Prince of Peace. To understand this, we must explore the deeper meaning of Jesus’ message and the cost of discipleship.
The Unforgivable Sin
“And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” – Matthew 12: 31-32
The idea of an unforgivable sin described in Matthew 12:31-32 is a bit troubling. What exactly is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and why can’t it be forgiven? Why is there this distinction between Jesus and the Holy Spirit? These questions push us to reflect more deeply on the nature of sin and forgiveness.
The Cursing of the Fig Tree
“The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” – Mark 11:12-14
And his disciples heard him say it.”Why did Jesus curse the fig tree if it wasn’t even the season for figs? This strange story, as told in Mark 11:12-14 has puzzled many. Is it a lesson in faith, judgment, or something else entirely? The meaning behind this act remains unsettled.
Hating the Family to Become Christ’s Disciple
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:26
Luke 14:26 seems to be a direct contradiction to the 5th Commandment, which is about honoring your mother and father. The radical nature of Jesus’ teaching in this verse challenges our understanding of family loyalty and discipleship.
Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood of Jesus
What does Jesus really mean in John 6:53-57? His words in this verse are disturbing, and many believers find them difficult to understand. This led to much debate and division in Christian history, particularly over whether the teaching should be taken literally or symbolically.
Impossible to Be Brought Back to Repentance
Christians believe in God’s abundant grace and forgiving nature. However, Hebrews 6:4-6 presents a challenging perspective on the possibility of falling away and the difficulty of repentance. Is repentance truly impossible for those who have turned away? The severity of this warning raises concerns among believers.
The Number 666
“This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.” – Revelation 13:18
The infamous “number of the beast” mentioned in Revelation 13:18 has sparked many theories and fears. Is the number 666 a literal number or a symbol of something deeper? Up until the present, the mystery of this verse continues to spark debate and invite intrigue.
Jacob I Loved, But Esau I Hated
“Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” – Romans 9:13
Many people see Romans 9:13 as a clue that God chooses who He will save or not. This verse can be confusing because it suggests that God’s love and favor are given based on His own will. Human merit or actions are disregarded. It raises questions about fairness and challenges our understanding of how salvation is determined.
The Nature of Confusion
The nature of confusion around these Bible verses lies in their complexity and seeming contradictions. These passages prompt us to question and seek deeper meanings. However, this confusion should not be considered as a barrier, rather it should be seen as an invitation to explore our beliefs more thoroughly.
Embracing the Mystery and Growing in Faith
The Bible has many verses that can test our understanding and challenge our faith. Instead of seeing these passages as obstacles, we can view them as opportunities to study and reflect deeper. Studying these confusing Bible verses gives us a better insight into God and His ways. In the end, the mystery of the Bible can lead us to a more profound trust in the One who authored it.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.