Sometimes I hit a verse and… nothing. Lately I’ll read it in two translations, check a short commentary, and if I’m still stuck, listen to a sermon on that chapter during a walk. What do you do—different translation, study Bible notes, a quick message?
(I’ve found book overviews and short sermons helpful when I’m short on time.)
2 Likes
I am not sure what you mean by “nothing” There are plenty of verses like person A went from town B to town C these sort of verses do not generally leave one inspired.. Or do you mean that the verse is difficult to understand. If this is the case, I first look at context like who is saying what to whom and why. If there are words that may not have been translated as well as the could have, I can look up the meaning in the original language.
1 Like
That’s a great approach — you’re really covering all angles! I do something similar: I’ll compare a few translations (especially NIV, ESV, and The Message) to catch the tone and flow, then glance at a study note or two for background. If it still doesn’t click, I’ll step away and listen to a short teaching or overview like you mentioned sometimes hearing it explained in context makes everything connect. I also jot down questions or key words to revisit later.
1 Like
What’s “The Message”? Do you mean the message of the verse your confused about? What is it?
1 Like
That is a good approach and it shows that you are genuinely seeking to understand rather than just to read mechanically. When you reach a verse and it feels like nothing speaks, do not rush or force an interpretation. Sometimes the Holy Spirit teaches through stillness and patience more than through activity. Begin by praying briefly, asking the Lord to open your understanding as in Luke 24:45. Then read the verse slowly in its paragraph, not in isolation, because context often unlocks meaning. Notice repeated words, verbs, and transitions since the Spirit often highlights through structure.
If the verse remains unclear, compare translations as you already do, then check the original words in a simple lexicon or interlinear to see what the Greek or Hebrew verbs convey. Often a single verb tense or participle gives life to the text. Then ask what the writer intended to communicate to the first audience before applying it to yourself. That order protects you from reading personal ideas into Scripture.
When time is short, brief overviews or faithful sermons can indeed help, but always use them as supplements, not replacements. Let Scripture interpret Scripture. Sometimes one verse elsewhere clarifies the one that seems dark. And if still nothing comes, leave it in peace and return later. Many times a passage that once felt closed suddenly bursts open in another season because your heart has been prepared through experience or prayer.
Above all, read with expectation that the Word is alive. Even silence from the text can be God teaching humility and patience. The goal is not to gather information but to hear His voice.
–and put the Imperatives into action.
J.
3 Likes
I love this!
The encouragement to begin by asking God for help is so often overlooked, but it is exactly what we are encouraged to do. Ask! Your Father loves you and loves to reveal Himself to you. Actually, I encourage you to begin by asking for help before you read the first word of the day.
Re-reading slooooly and in the context is GREAT too. Slow down, be patient; he who waits on the Lord will renew his strength. Do not demand an answer from God in your hasty timetable. He will reveal His truth as He sees fit.
This also is great
This too expresses patience. We take in truth from God’s word much like we take in food. Sit, relax, ask for His blessing, and then eat slowly, chew fully, savor every bite, and eat until you are satisfied. Don’t expect that food to do it’s work in the next few minutes, but know it is digesting, and being asorbed, and reworking you into the image of Jesus.
Thanks again @Johann for your great advice.
KP
2 Likes
“Chewing the cud” A Jewish saying brother. @KPuff
J.
My first move is to read the entire chapter to better understand the purpose of the passage.
1 Like
Why just 2 translations? the biblehub site will give multiple translations of any verse and it and biblegateway also will let one look at an interliner translation.
If really stuck reread the whole passage several times in different translations, pray about it and think about it, and ask others you trust for there understanding.
1 Like