The Bible contains stories and teachings that are some of the most fascinating we’ve heard in our lives. However, not all the stories we’ve come to believe are true. Today, we’ll explore 21 common misunderstandings people have had about the Bible since childhood.
The Forbidden Fruit Was an Apple
Contrary to what many have come to believe, Genesis 3:6 doesn’t say the forbidden fruit was an apple or even mention the name of the fruit to begin with. Rutgers University reveals that the confusion stems from the Latin word “malum,” which, by pronunciation, can be mistaken to mean either “evil” or “apple.”
Jonah Was Swallowed by a Whale
Reading from Bible Study Tools and taking from Jonah 1:17, God sent a “great fish” to swallow up Jonah for his disobedience, and there’s no specific mention of a whale. Yes, this distinction may seem minor, but it’s always better to stick to true accounts to ensure accurate translations and retellings.
There Were Three Wise Men
You should also know that Matthew 2:1–12 only mentions that there were wise men (called Magi) who visited Jesus after His birth, and it never specifies how many they were. The belief that there were three wise men came from the three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and some traditions even believe they were up to 12 men.
Mary Magdalene Was a Prostitute
Nowhere in the Bible is Mary Magdalene described as a prostitute. This misconception has been perpetuated by various interpretations and adaptations over the centuries. Luke 8:2 depicts Mary Magdalene as a devoted follower of Jesus who was present at His crucifixion and resurrection.
Jesus Was Born on December 25th
The Bible does not provide a specific date for Jesus’s birth. December 25th was chosen by the early church, possibly to coincide with existing pagan festivals. And the actual date of Jesus’s birth remains unknown, with various scholars proposing different times of the year to be more accurate.
Samson Had Superhuman Strength from His Hair
While Samson’s strength was indeed linked to his uncut hair, it was actually a symbol of his Nazarite vow to God. Judges 16:17 reveals that his strength came from his commitment to God, and breaking the vow by cutting his hair led to his loss of strength, not the hair itself.
The Bible Says “Money Is the Root of All Evil”
This commonly quoted phrase is a misinterpretation. The actual verse from 1 Timothy 6:10 states, “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” It’s the excessive desire for wealth, not money itself, that the Bible warns against. This, understandably, will come as a relief to many.
The Serpent in Eden Was Satan
Genesis 3:1 describes the serpent in the Garden of Eden as a cunning creature, but it doesn’t explicitly identify it as Satan. The University of Iowa explains that it was in later Christian tradition and interpretation that the serpent became associated with Satan, even though the original text does not make this connection clear.
Jesus Had Long Hair
Common depictions of Jesus show Him with long hair, but the Bible does not describe His appearance in detail. Cultural and historical evidence suggest it is unlikely that Jewish men of His time wore their hair long. Artistic portrayals have shaped this image over centuries.
The Ten Commandments Were Two Identical Tablets
The common image of Moses holding two tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments is somewhat misleading. Exodus 31:18 describes the commandments being given on two tablets, doesn’t say they were identical, and more likely alludes to the fact that they contained different parts of the commandments.
Satan Rules Hell
Popular culture often depicts Satan as the ruler of Hell, but the Bible portrays him as a fallen angel who opposes God. Matthew 25:41 describes Hell as a place of punishment prepared for Satan and his followers, not a kingdom that Satan governs undisturbed.
The Immaculate Conception Refers to Jesus
The term “Immaculate Conception” actually refers to Mary, not Jesus. It is a doctrine of the Catholic Church that states that Mary was conceived without original sin. This concept is often confused with the virgin birth of Jesus described in Luke 1:34–35.
The Bible Condones Slavery
While the Bible includes passages about slavery, it does not explicitly condone it. Many of the references, such as those in Ephesians 6:5, reflect the historical context of the times. Modern interpretations often emphasize the Bible’s messages of love, equality, and justice over these historical practices.
Hell Is a Fiery Underground Cavern
The Bible’s descriptions of Hell vary and are often symbolic. Revelation 20:14 describes it as a lake of fire, but these images are not meant to be taken literally. Hell is more commonly understood as a state of separation from God as a punishment for transgressing.
The Rapture Is Clearly Defined
The concept of the Rapture, where believers are taken up to Heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth, is not clearly outlined in the Bible. Different Christian denominations interpret passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:17 in varied ways, leading to diverse beliefs about the End Times.
The Bible Is One Continuous Book
The Bible is actually a collection of many books written over centuries by different authors. It includes various literary genres, such as history, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Understanding the Bible as a compilation helps in interpreting its diverse contents accurately.
Angels Have Wings
While some angels are described with wings in the Bible, not all angelic appearances include them. Many instances describe angels appearing as ordinary men. Genesis 19:1, for example, mentions angels appearing as men. The common image of winged angels has been heavily influenced by art and literature outside of biblical texts.
The Bible Is Against All Alcohol
The Bible does not prohibit alcohol consumption entirely. It only includes warnings against drunkenness and excessive drinking, such as in Bible.com’s Ephesians 5:18, and it also describes moderate alcohol use positively in certain contexts. The focus is on responsible use rather than total abstinence.
Heaven Is the Ultimate Reward
While the Bible describes Heaven as a place where believers will be with God, it also emphasizes the renewal of Earth. Revelation 21:1 speaks of a new Heaven and a new earth where God’s presence will dwell with humanity, which is the ultimate hope for many Christians.
The Earth Is Only 6,000 Years Old
The idea that the earth is 6,000 years old comes from a specific interpretation of biblical genealogies, known as Young Earth Creationism. Many Christians and scholars do not hold this view, and the Bible itself does not provide a definitive age of the earth.
The Bible Was Originally Written in English
The Bible was written in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. English translations came much later, with the first major one being the King James Version in 1611. Understanding the original languages and contexts is crucial for accurate interpretation of the scriptures.
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