The Most Difficult Bible Verse, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the verse you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:23
Embark on a thought-provoking journey with StrawPoll as we dive into the depths of the sacred scriptures to uncover the "Most Difficult Bible Verse." We've curated a list of perplexing passages that have left even the most devoted scholars scratching their heads. But we need your divine insight! Join thousands of fellow truth-seekers as you cast your vote and help us rank these enigmatic verses. Do you hold the key to unlocking their meaning? Or perhaps there's an even more challenging verse that's eluded us? Share your wisdom and suggest a missing option. Together, let's unravel the mysteries of the Holy Word that have captivated the minds and hearts of generations. Explore, vote, and discuss - your journey to enlightenment awaits!
What Is the Most Difficult Bible Verse?
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175votes"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." This verse can be difficult because it seems to suggest that it's impossible for wealthy people to be saved, which contradicts other parts of the Bible that emphasize God's grace and forgiveness for all.In Matthew 19:24, Jesus speaks about the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.
- Book: Matthew
- Chapter: 19
- Verse: 24
- Context: This verse is part of a conversation between Jesus and His disciples about the challenges of living a righteous life and gaining eternal life.
- Meaning: Jesus uses a metaphor to convey the idea that the pursuit of wealth can hinder one's devotion to God and make it harder to prioritize spiritual matters.
Matthew 19:24 in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult Bible verse to understand
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228votes"As it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." This verse can be difficult because it seems to suggest that God plays favorites and chooses some people to love and others to hate, which goes against the idea of God's love for all people.Romans 9:13 is a verse from the New Testament of the Bible which discusses the concept of predestination and God's sovereignty over salvation. It is often debated and considered one of the most challenging verses in the Bible to interpret.
- Book: Romans
- Chapter: 9
- Verse: 13
- Context: Discussion on God's sovereignty and predestination
- Challenging Interpretation: Debate on the meaning of election and God's choice
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324votes"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This verse can be difficult because it challenges our natural instincts to seek revenge or hold grudges against those who have wronged us.Matthew 5:44 is a verse from the New Testament in the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew. It is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where he instructs his followers on various ethical teachings.
- Verse: Matthew 5:44
- Book: Matthew
- Chapter: 5
- Verse Number: 44
- Context: Sermon on the Mount
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413votes
Genesis 1:1
Moses"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse can be difficult because it raises questions about the origins of the universe and the role of God in creation.Genesis 1:1 is the opening verse of the book of Genesis in the Bible. It is the first verse in the Bible and sets the stage for the creation story.- Verse: Genesis 1:1
- Book: Genesis
- Position: First verse
- Content: Describes the creation of the heavens and the earth
- Original Language: Hebrew
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514votes"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination." This verse can be difficult because it has been used to justify discrimination and persecution against LGBTQ+ individuals, despite the Bible's overall message of love and acceptance.Leviticus 18:22 is a verse from the Bible in the Old Testament. It states, 'You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.'
- Book: Leviticus
- Chapter: 18
- Verse: 22
- Context: The verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus that outlines various laws and prohibitions relating to sexual conduct.
- Subject: Homosexuality
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64votes
Revelation 20:10
The apostle John"And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This verse can be difficult because it raises questions about the nature of eternal punishment and God's justice.Revelation 20:10 describes a verse from the New Testament book of Revelation, which is believed to be authored by the apostle John. It is part of a series of visions revealing events to come. This particular verse speaks about the fate of the devil: 'And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.'- Book: Revelation
- Verse: 20:10
- Author: Apostle John
- Context: Describes the fate of the devil
- Scene: Lake of fire and sulfur
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78votes"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." This verse can be difficult because it addresses the problem of suffering and the idea that God may allow bad things to happen to good people.Job 1:21 is a verse from the Book of Job in the Bible that is known for its profound message about faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
- Book: Job
- Chapter: 1
- Verse: 21
- Translation: Various translations available
- Context: This verse is part of the dialogue between Job and his friends, where Job expresses his faith and acceptance of God's sovereignty even in the midst of tremendous suffering.
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83votes"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" This verse can be difficult because it suggests that Christianity is the only true religion and that non-Christians cannot be saved.John 14:6 is a Bible verse from the Gospel of John in the New Testament. It is a statement made by Jesus Christ where he affirms his position as the only way to God. The verse reads, 'Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.''
- Book: John
- Chapter: 14
- Verse: 6
- Context: The verse is part of a conversation between Jesus and his disciples where he comforts them and explains his relationship with God.
- Meaning: The verse highlights Jesus' central role in the Christian faith as the only way to have a relationship with God.
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911votes"If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." This verse can be difficult because it raises questions about the value of human life and the morality of punishment.Exodus 21:22-25 is a Bible verse found in the Old Testament. It presents a legal scenario regarding the consequences of causing harm to a pregnant woman. This passage has been interpreted and discussed by theologians and scholars, often generating debate and differing opinions.
- Book: Exodus
- Chapter: 21
- Verses: 22-25
- Testament: Old Testament
- Context: Legal scenario
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108votes"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." This verse can be difficult because it challenges our sense of purpose and meaning in life, and may lead to feelings of nihilism or despair.Ecclesiastes 1:2 is a verse from the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. It reads, 'Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.' This verse is known for its expression of the fleeting and meaningless nature of worldly pursuits and the overall theme of the book.
- Book: Ecclesiastes
- Chapter: 1
- Verse: 2
- Theme: Fleeting nature of worldly pursuits
- Message: All is vanity
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Discussion
Ranking factors for difficult verse
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Language and translationThe Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Translating these ancient languages into modern languages can be challenging, and certain subtleties may be lost in translation. Therefore, understanding the original meaning of a verse might require knowledge of the original language and context.
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Cultural and historical contextUnderstanding the cultural and historical background of a particular Bible verse is crucial in grasping its meaning. Societal norms, customs, and events that took place during the time of the writing of the Bible play a significant role in interpreting the text.
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Literary genreThe Bible contains multiple genres of literature, such as poetry, narrative, prophecy, wisdom literature, and apocalyptic writing. Each genre has its own style, rules, and methods of interpretation. Recognizing the genre of a particular verse and interpreting it accordingly is vital in understanding its meaning.
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Symbolism and figurative languageBiblical authors often used symbolism and figurative language to convey certain ideas, making it necessary to identify these elements and interpret them to understand the intended meaning of a verse.
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Theological conceptsThe Bible contains numerous complex theological concepts, such as the nature of God, salvation, and the end times, which may be difficult to fully comprehend. Understanding these ideas and being familiar with their development throughout the Bible can help interpret challenging verses.
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Relation to other Bible verses and themesThe Bible contains numerous interconnected themes and ideas, and interpreting a particular verse often involves understanding it in relation to the broader context of biblical teachings. Identifying these connections can be helpful in understanding difficult verses.
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AmbiguitySome Bible verses are intentionally ambiguous or contain multiple possible interpretations. In such cases, interpreting the verse may involve exploring and evaluating various explanations.
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Differences among biblical scholarsBiblical scholars often disagree on how to interpret certain verses or passages, and their interpretations can impact how difficult a verse is perceived to be. Understanding the various perspectives can provide insight into the challenges associated with interpreting a particular verse.
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Personal beliefs and biasesPersonal beliefs and biases can affect how one interprets a Bible verse. Acknowledging and addressing these biases can help in arriving at an objective understanding of the text.
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Tradition and the interpretation of the early churchThe early Christian church and subsequent tradition have often preserved interpretations of difficult passages that incorporate significant insights and understanding. Taking these interpretations into account can shed light on challenging Bible verses.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult Bible verse. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or verse is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2451 views
- 185 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each verse once every 24 hours. The rank of each verse is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult bible verse
The Bible is an ancient text that has been studied and analyzed for centuries. It contains a vast array of teachings, stories, and moral lessons that continue to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds. However, there are some verses within the Bible that have proven to be particularly challenging to interpret and understand. These verses may be difficult due to their complexity, ambiguity, or controversial nature. Some of the most difficult Bible verses include those that address topics such as suffering, salvation, and the nature of God. Despite their challenges, these verses continue to inspire debate and discussion among scholars and laypeople alike.
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