Approaching Difficult or Confusing Scripture Passages

Define

You could begin this discussion by affirming the truth, power, and beauty of God’s word (see 2 Nephi 32:3; Alma 31:5). Point out that while the scriptures contain the word of God, as currently recorded they are not complete or flawless (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:24; Ether 12:24; Articles of Faith 1:8). The limitations of language, translation errors, and missing content can result in passages that are difficult to understand. (See also “Bible, Inerrancy of” in Gospel Topics.)

Provide students the following handout, and briefly discuss how considering each question can help when they read confusing or difficult scripture passages. (This scripture study skill relies on understanding other study skills such as “Understanding the Scriptures in Context,” “Reading with an Eternal Perspective,” and “Evaluating the Reliability of Sources.”)

Questions to Ask When You Find Confusing or Difficult Scripture Passages

When you encounter a confusing or difficult scripture passage, consider asking one or more of the following questions.

• How can putting this passage in context help? The scriptures often present us with cultures and worldviews that are very different from our own. It can be easy to misunderstand the scriptures when we fail to understand the context of a passage. Use scripture study resources to help.

• What information or details might be missing? The scriptures are incomplete records. Some scripture passages may lack important details that, if known, could make them easier to understand (see 1 Nephi 13:26–29; Jacob 3:13; Helaman 3:14; 3 Nephi 26:6).

• What added insight can come by considering the passage from an eternal perspective? Be careful about what conclusions you make based on a single passage of scripture. Think about what else you know about the people, teaching, or event. Consider what you already know about Heavenly Father and His plan.

• How can reliable and trustworthy sources help? God is our most trusted source. When you pray to Him about confusing scripture passages, you can invite His Spirit to provide added insight and peace. Truths taught in other scripture passages and in teachings from God’s prophets can also guide you. Parents and Church leaders and teachers can also help. You can find help from Church publications and other trustworthy sources.

Note: If you still feel confused after exploring these questions, remember that there may be some scripture passages that can’t be explained right now. You may simply need to trust that in the Lord’s time, further light and knowledge will come (see Doctrine and Covenants 101:32–34).

Model

Choose a scripture passage from the current week of study that may seem difficult or troubling to your students. Briefly explain how you might use some of the guiding questions from the handout to approach this passage.

Or you could use 2 Samuel 6:1–7, which gives the account of Uzzah steadying the ark of the covenant. Explain that this account may be troubling for some people because it appears that Uzzah was killed by the Lord for trying to help.

• How can putting this passage in context help?

  We read from one scripture study help that though “the penalty may appear to us severe, … it must be remembered that the Ark was a sacred repository, and the people had been clearly warned that only designated persons could touch the Ark, and warned also of the consequences of disobedience” (Bible Dictionary, “Uzzah”).

• What information or details might be missing?

  The scriptures don’t tell us much about Uzzah, his intentions, or his understanding of the Lord’s instructions to the Israelites about touching the ark (see Numbers 4:15). The account also doesn’t give us the Lord’s perspective.

• What added insight can come by considering the passage from an eternal perspective?

  Consider what we know about Heavenly Father’s divine attributes. We know that God is not only just but also merciful and kind (see Moses 7:30). He doesn’t destroy people without warning them first (see 2 Nephi 25:9). As a loving Father, His desire is to help and bless His children (see 2 Nephi 26:24). There is likely more to the story than what is recorded in these few verses.

• How can reliable and trustworthy sources help?

  The Lord referred to this incident in latter-day revelation to teach the principle that we should not give direction (or “steady the ark”) to those God has called. God appoints prophets and apostles to reveal His will and direct His kingdom upon the earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 85:6–8).

  Referring to Uzzah and the ark, President David O. McKay taught that there is danger in trying to direct or correct the Lord’s work without His authority (see Conference Report, Apr. 1936, 60; see also Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual [2018], 457).

Practice

Students could select a scripture passage they find difficult or confusing. Invite them to use the handout from this lesson to discuss (in pairs, in small groups, or as a class) the challenging passage of scripture. Or you could invite students to select one of the passages below to study.

Additional passages for practice:

• 2 Kings 2:23–25. Elisha curses some youth, and bears attack them.

• Matthew 15:21–28. Jesus heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman.

• Acts 5:1–11. Ananias and Sapphira are caught in a lie and fall dead.

• 1 Nephi 4:10–18. Nephi is commanded to slay Laban.

Invite and Follow Up

Encourage students to use the questions on the handout the next time they study a difficult or confusing scripture passage. Look for opportunities during class discussions to invite students to use the questions when you encounter a difficult or confusing passage.