How not to read the Bible

Liba Hopeson

Introduction
The Bible is God’s Word, and how it is read determines whether its truth is rightly understood or seriously distorted. Because of this, it must be approached with care, humility, and responsibility. When Scripture is misunderstood or misused, its message is twisted, false teachings arise, and people are led away from the truth rather than toward it.

Sometimes, the best way to learn is by first understanding what to avoid. In the same way, learning how not to read the Bible helps believers recognize common mistakes such as taking verses out of context, forcing personal ideas into the text, ignoring historical background, or using Scripture to support personal agendas. Recognizing these errors is an important step toward reading the Bible rightly.

1. Proof-Texting: Proof-texting is the practice of lifting a verse out of its context to support a personal idea or argument. It treats the Bible as a collection of disconnected statements rather than a unified message. A verse may sound convincing on its own, but once removed from its context, its meaning can easily be misunderstood or even reversed.

The meaning of Scripture depends on its context—what comes before and after, the author’s purpose, and the situation being addressed. Ignoring this allows people to make the Bible appear to say almost anything. A common example is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Many use this to mean that a Christian can achieve any goal or success. However, the surrounding verses (Philippians 4:11–12) show that Paul is talking about learning to be content in every situation—whether he has plenty or nothing, whether he is well-fed or hungry. In that context, “all things” refers to enduring all kinds of circumstances. Christ strengthens him not to accomplish anything he desires, but to remain faithful and content in every condition. Therefore, do not read the Bible by taking verses out of their context.

2. Eisegesis: Eisegesis is the practice of inserting one’s own ideas, assumptions, or expectations into a biblical text and then reading the passage as if it supports them, instead of drawing meaning from what the text actually says. In this method, the reader controls the meaning of Scripture rather than allowing Scripture to speak for itself. Proof-texting takes a verse out of its context to support an idea, while eisegesis reads an idea into the text itself. They are related, but not the same.

This is dangerous because it twists God’s Word according to human preferences. People may interpret passages according to culture, emotions, traditions, or personal desires instead of seeking the author’s intended meaning. When this happens, the authority of Scripture is subtly replaced by the authority of the reader, so that the meaning comes from the reader rather than from the text. In such cases, Scripture is no longer shaping the reader; the reader is shaping Scripture. Christians must approach Scripture with humility and allow God’s Word to correct and shape their thinking. Do not read your own ideas into the Bible.

3. Cherry-Picking Verses: Cherry-picking happens when people select only certain verses that support their viewpoint while ignoring other passages that provide balance or correction. This creates an incomplete understanding of biblical truth.

A common example is Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This is often used to say that Christians should never point out sin or make moral judgments. However, in the immediate context (Matthew 7:3–5), Jesus condemns hypocritical judgment, not all judgment. In fact, Scripture also teaches, “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24), showing that discernment is necessary. Ignoring these balancing passages leads to a misunderstanding of Jesus’ teaching. Emphasizing only God’s love while ignoring His holiness and justice presents a distorted picture of His character. Likewise, focusing only on commandments without grace can lead to legalism. Sound interpretation comes from considering the whole counsel of Scripture. For this reason, do not read the Bible by choosing only the verses that support your view.

4. Taking Description as Prescription: Another common mistake is assuming that everything described in the Bible is automatically approved or meant to be practiced. However, the Bible often records human actions without endorsing them.

The Bible describes polygamy, deception, violence, and moral failures among many biblical characters. These narratives reveal human weakness and the consequences of sin, not necessarily examples for believers to imitate. Readers must distinguish between what the Bible merely reports and what it commands or approves. Therefore, do not treat every story in the Bible as something to follow.

5. Ignoring Literary Genre and Context: The Bible contains different forms of literature such as history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, parables, and letters. Ignoring these literary forms can lead to misunderstanding. Poetry often uses figurative language, while parables communicate spiritual truths through stories.

Historical and cultural context is also important. The Bible was written in ancient societies with customs and practices different from the modern world. Without understanding these backgrounds, readers may wrongly impose modern assumptions onto ancient texts. Proper interpretation requires attention to literary style, historical setting, and the author’s purpose. In light of this, do not read the Bible without considering its context and type of writing.

6. Reading the Bible with a Legalistic Lens: A legalistic approach reduces the Bible to a strict rule book focused mainly on outward behavior. This misses the central message of God’s grace and redemption. Although the Bible contains commandments and moral teachings, salvation is not earned through human effort but comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

When Scripture is read only through legalism, it often produces pride, fear, and judgmental attitudes. Christianity is not merely about rule-keeping but about a transformed relationship with God through His grace. Therefore, do not read the Bible as if it is only a book of rules.

7. Weaponizing Scripture: Weaponizing Scripture means using the Bible to manipulate, control, condemn, or justify harmful actions. Instead of using God’s Word to bring truth and transformation, people misuse it to gain power or defend personal agendas.

Throughout history, some tyrannical or authoritarian rulers have misused Romans 13, which teaches submission to governing authorities, to justify oppressive rule and demand unquestioning obedience. Such interpretations ignore the Bible’s broader teaching about justice, righteousness, and the fact that all human authority is accountable to God. Scripture must therefore be handled with humility, wisdom, and love rather than as a weapon against others. With this in mind, do not use the Bible to control, condemn, or harm others.

8. Taking Partial Reports as False Reports: Some people assume that different biblical accounts contradict one another simply because they mention different details. However, a partial report is not necessarily a false report. For example, one Gospel writer may mention one angel at Jesus’ tomb while another mentions two. These accounts complement rather than contradict each other. When one writer mentions “an angel,” it does not mean there was only one angel present; it simply means one angel is being reported or emphasized. The statement is true without being complete. One writer may focus on the main speaker while another includes additional details. In other words, reporting one does not deny the presence of another—it only limits what is being described, not what actually existed. Careful reading helps avoid unnecessary confusion and false accusations of contradiction. Hence, do not assume differences in the Bible are contradictions.

9. Building Doctrines on Obscure Passages: Another mistake is building major doctrines mainly on difficult or unclear passages. Obscure texts may contain symbolic language or details that are hard to interpret with certainty. Sound doctrine should be based on clear and repeated teachings found throughout Scripture. Difficult passages should be interpreted in light of clearer passages rather than the other way around.

For example, when David said about his dead child, “I will go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23), some take this to mean that all children go to heaven. However, the verse itself is not clear enough to support such a conclusion on its own, and it should not be used to build a doctrine without support from clearer teachings elsewhere in Scripture.

Building doctrines mainly on obscure verses often leads to confusion and false teaching. Therefore, do not form major beliefs from passages that are not clearly explained.

10. Old Testament Blindness: Some Christians focus only on the New Testament while neglecting the Old Testament, as though it is no longer important. However, the Old Testament forms the foundation for understanding the New Testament and the full story of redemption.

The Old Testament reveals God’s holiness, covenant promises, sacrificial system, prophecies, and His dealings with humanity. Jesus and the apostles constantly referred to the Old Testament and affirmed its authority. Many New Testament themes—such as sacrifice, covenant, kingdom, and priesthood—cannot be fully understood without their Old Testament background. The Bible should therefore be read as one unified story centered on Jesus Christ. Therefore, do not ignore the Old Testament.

Conclusion: Reading the Bible wrongly is not a small mistake—it leads to confusion, false teaching, and a distorted understanding of God. Misusing Scripture through proof-texting, eisegesis, cherry-picking, legalism, or ignoring context does not simply weaken interpretation; it misrepresents God’s truth. The Bible must never be twisted to fit personal ideas or used to justify harmful practices.

These common mistakes must therefore be recognized and avoided. When Scripture is handled carelessly, its message is lost; when it is handled wrongly, its truth is distorted. To read the Bible in these ways is to misunderstand what God has spoken.