Spiritually Understanding the Bible
The Bible is not just another book—it is God’s living Word, meant to guide, convict, comfort, and transform us. Yet, to truly understand it, we must approach Scripture in the way God Himself instructs us. The Bible reveals that understanding comes through a process—using Scripture itself, walking in obedience, opening our hearts, receiving the Spirit’s guidance, and growing little by little.
Let’s walk through these five principles of spiritual understanding.
1. Understand by Using Scripture Itself
God tells us to let the Bible explain the Bible. Jesus, Moses, and Paul all confirmed that truth is established by the testimony of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, 2 Corinthians 13:1).
For example, the word “lamp” is explained in several passages:
Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Proverbs 6:23 — “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light.”
2 Peter 1:19 — The prophetic word is a “lamp shining in a dark place.”
Together, these witnesses show us that a lamp represents God’s Word.
When we compare Scripture with Scripture, we allow God to define His own terms.
2. Understand Through Obedience
Understanding does not come only from study—it comes through obedience.
Jesus said in John 7:17:
“If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself.”
As we continue in His Word (John 8:31-32), we grow as disciples, discover truth, and experience freedom. Obedience unlocks revelation.
3. Understand with Your Heart (Conscience)
When we read the Bible, the word heart doesn’t always mean the same thing. Scripture uses the term in two different ways, depending on whether it is written in Greek (New Testament) or Hebrew (Old Testament).
The Greek Heart — “Kardia”
In Greek, the word for heart is kardia (where we get the word cardiac).
It refers to the seat of the mind, thoughts, and conscience.
Romans 2:15 shows that even unbelievers have this kind of “heart,” because God wrote His law within every person’s conscience. That’s why people often feel guilt or conviction when they do wrong, or a sense of peace when they do right.
In this sense, the “heart” is like an internal judge—your God-given conscience—designed to guide you toward truth.
The Hebrew Heart — “Labe”
In Hebrew, the word for heart is labe, which refers to feelings, emotions, and desires.
Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?”
This kind of heart is tied to our emotions, cravings, and passions. While emotions are not always bad, they can easily mislead us when they are not surrendered to God.
How Do We Tell the Difference?
This is where Hebrews 4:12 becomes powerful:
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit… able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Soul refers to emotions and desires (the Hebrew heart).
Spirit refers to our God-given conscience and the Holy Spirit within us (the Greek heart).
God’s Word acts like a spiritual surgeon—it cuts through the confusion between our feelings and God’s truth.
To “understand with your heart” means:
Not letting emotions alone guide your decisions.
Allowing Scripture to train your conscience so it lines up with God’s Spirit.
Listening for the Spirit’s conviction, which may not always “feel” good, but will always be true.
In short, when the Bible calls us to understand with our heart, it means submitting both our conscience and our emotions to God’s Word, so the Spirit leads—not our feelings.
4. Understand by the Spirit of God
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Every true believer receives the Spirit at salvation (Romans 8:9).
The Spirit reveals the very thoughts of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-16), teaches us, reminds us of Jesus’ words (John 14:26), and helps us discern truth from error.
This understanding is not for our pride but for God’s glory. As Paul wrote, God chooses “the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Our weaknesses reveal His strength (2 Corinthians 12:5).
And when we lack wisdom? Scripture is clear:
James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Understanding by the Spirit requires faith, humility, and dependence on God.
5. Understand the Bible Little by Little
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen all at once. Jesus said, “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now” (John 16:12).
The writer of Hebrews explains this process:
New believers need the “milk” of the Word (basic teachings).
Mature believers grow into the “meat” of deeper truths (Hebrews 5:12-14).
Growth happens gradually, like a seed: “first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain” (Mark 4:28).
We are to crave the pure milk of the Word daily (1 Peter 2:2). But beware—if we rely only on occasional or contaminated teaching, we remain spiritual infants. True growth requires consistent, pure intake of God’s Word.
The good news? God offers His Word freely:
Isaiah 55:1 — “Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”
Closing Encouragement
To spiritually understand the Bible:
Compare Scripture with Scripture.
Walk in obedience.
Open your heart and conscience.
Be led by the Spirit.
Grow little by little with the pure Word.
If you commit yourself to these principles, you will not only understand God’s Word but also be transformed by it—becoming a healthy, fruitful child of God who delights in His truth.
