Many people, especially those new to or deeply involved in Church life, often seek guidance on how to effectively read and understand the Bible. Questions arise about the best approach to Scripture, particularly within the Orthodox Christian tradition. How did the ancient Church read the Bible? What insights do the Church Fathers offer? How is Scripture utilized in the Liturgy? And most importantly, how should we, in the 21st century, engage with this sacred text today?
This article aims to provide simple yet concrete suggestions for reading the Bible from an Orthodox perspective. It draws upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the practices of the ancient Church to offer practical advice for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Holy Scripture.
The Importance of Bible Reading in Orthodox Tradition
Historically, there have been varying perspectives on Bible reading within the Orthodox Church. It’s important to address a misconception that once discouraged personal engagement with Scripture. In the past, some were advised against reading the Bible directly, with the notion that the Church already possessed the correct interpretation, and individual reading might lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Concerns were even raised about becoming overly focused on the Bible to the exclusion of Church tradition, or falling into sectarian interpretations.
However, this view is not reflective of the true Orthodox tradition. A closer look at Scripture itself and the teachings of the Church Fathers reveals a strong emphasis on the importance of personal Bible reading for all literate believers.
Scriptural and Patristic Encouragement
The New Testament Scriptures themselves encourage engagement with the Old Testament, urging believers to “search the Scriptures” (John 5:39). The Apostle Paul emphasizes that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Church Fathers unanimously echoed this sentiment. Figures like St. John Chrysostom famously stated, “The cause of every difficulty and schism and division in the Church is the ignorance of the holy Scripture.” St. Gregory the Theologian noted the problem of leaders who “quote the Scripture second-hand, and even then they get it wrong.” St. Tikhon of Zadonsk held the Bible and a commentary by St. John Chrysostom as central to his study. St. Seraphim of Sarov urged believers to “swim in the words of the holy Scripture.”
A depiction of St. Seraphim of Sarov, emphasizing the importance of immersing oneself in Holy Scripture.
Early Church apologists diligently collected and studied Scriptures. Origen, an influential early scholar, described the Scriptures as the very lifeblood of the Church, stating that “the blood that flows through the veins of Christ, the holy Church, is the blood in which the holy Scriptures are written, and the words of the Scripture are our food.”
The Orthodox Practice of Daily Scripture Reading
The Orthodox tradition emphasizes daily Scripture reading. Those ordained as readers in the Church are specifically exhorted to read the Scriptures daily. Canon 2 of the Seventh Ecumenical Council even stipulated that bishops should be able to recite the entire Psalter by heart, highlighting the centrality of Scripture in Orthodox Christian life and leadership. This familiarity with Scripture was more readily attainable in times when access to information was less fragmented than today.
The example of children naturally memorizing and quoting Scripture from liturgical services further illustrates how deeply ingrained Scripture was in the lives of Orthodox Christians. However, it’s crucial to remember St. Hilary of Poitiers’ wisdom: “Non in legendo sed in intelligendo” – it is “not in the reading, but in the understanding.” Simply reading the Bible is insufficient; we must strive to understand it deeply and interpret it correctly.
Choosing a Bible Translation
For English speakers, selecting a reliable Bible translation is a crucial first step. While acknowledging the complexities of translation, it’s important to choose a version that is accurate and accessible.
Recommendations for English Translations
The Old Revised Standard Version (RSV) is highly recommended. It is considered a genuine translation, not a paraphrase, and generally avoids theological biases. It is also available in an annotated edition, the Oxford Annotated Bible, which provides valuable notes and insights. An ecumenical edition of the RSV, originally created with input from Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant scholars, has been republished by Ignatius Press (sometimes referred to as the Ignatius Bible) and is particularly valuable due to its notes reflecting diverse faith traditions.
Translations to avoid include paraphrases like the Living Bible or Good News for Modern Man. These versions take excessive liberties in rewriting Scripture in colloquial language, which can distort the meaning and diminish the sacredness of the text. Similarly, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is cautioned against due to concerns about politically motivated revisions that may compromise accuracy.
While the New King James Version (NKJV), used in the Orthodox Study Bible, is mentioned, the RSV is generally preferred for its balance of accuracy and readability. Comparing different translations, including the RSV and NKJV, can be beneficial for gaining a broader understanding.
For those seeking deeper engagement with the New Testament, learning basic biblical Greek and utilizing an interlinear Bible can be incredibly insightful, allowing for a closer examination of the original text and nuances of meaning.
Approaching Bible Reading with the Right Mindset
Beyond choosing a translation, the approach taken when reading the Bible is paramount. To truly understand and be transformed by Scripture, certain dispositions and practices are necessary.
Desire to Understand and Openness to God
The primary intention should be to genuinely understand the meaning of Scripture. This requires approaching the text without pre-conceived notions or a judgmental attitude. Avoid picking and choosing favorite parts or seeking to prove the Bible wrong. Instead, approach it with humility and a willingness to be guided.
Recognize that Scripture can have multiple layers of meaning, even within the same passage. The goal is to allow the Scripture to judge us, rather than us judging it. Ask, “What is God trying to tell me in my life, here and now?” and, for Christians, “What is He trying to tell me as an Orthodox Christian?”
Christocentric Interpretation: Seeing Christ in All Scripture
A foundational principle of Orthodox Bible reading is interpreting Scripture through the lens of Christ. Ancient and Orthodox Christianity firmly believe that the Old Testament, in particular, cannot be understood apart from the illumination of Christ. Christians believe that Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection, reveals the true meaning of all Scripture.
An icon of Christ Pantocrator, symbolizing Christ as the key to understanding all Scripture.
The Gospels themselves describe the risen Christ opening the minds of his disciples to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). St. Paul refers to the Old Covenant Scriptures as a “shadow” and a “preparation for Christ” (Colossians 2:17, Hebrews 10:1). He states that a “veil” remains over the eyes when reading Scripture outside of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14-16).
Therefore, to understand the Bible, one must at least consider the hypothesis that Christ is the key to its interpretation. For Christians, this is not merely a hypothesis but a foundational belief. Christ should be the central element in our desire to read and understand Scripture.
Starting with the Gospels: Encountering Christ Directly
For those beginning to read the Bible, starting with the New Testament, specifically the Gospels, is highly recommended. Within the Gospels, a suggested order is Mark, Matthew, and Luke.
- Mark: Often considered the foundational Gospel, it presents a concise and dynamic account of Jesus’ ministry.
- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and the new Torah, connecting the Old and New Testaments.
- Luke: Presents a more universal and historically grounded Gospel, highlighting God’s salvation for all people.
Reading these three Gospels multiple times, slowly and attentively, allows for a deep immersion in the life and teachings of Christ before exploring other parts of the Bible. Committed Orthodox Christians should ideally read these Gospels repeatedly throughout the Church year, continually revisiting these foundational texts. During the Paschal season (between Easter and Pentecost), the Gospel of John, along with the Pauline Epistles, are traditionally read.
Practical Steps for Effective Bible Reading
To make Bible reading a fruitful and transformative practice, consider these practical steps:
Read Regularly and Slowly
Consistency is key. Make Bible reading a daily habit, even if it’s just for a short period. Avoid rushing through the text. Read slowly and reflectively, allowing the words to sink in. As Isaiah 28:16 says, “He who believes will not be in haste.”
Don’t Be Discouraged by Difficult Passages
It is natural to encounter parts of Scripture that are difficult to understand or even seemingly contradictory or disturbing. Don’t get bogged down by these passages. Make a note of them if desired, perhaps to ask someone for clarification later, but continue reading. “What you don’t understand, just let it go.”
Practice What You Understand
Focus on the parts of Scripture that are clear and understandable. Actively try to implement these teachings in your life. Jesus’ commands to love your neighbor, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you, and give generously are examples of readily understandable and actionable teachings.
Cultivate a Life of Prayer
Prayer is essential for understanding Scripture. Approach Bible reading as a form of prayer, seeking God’s guidance and illumination. Even if you are unsure of your belief, pray with an open heart, asking God to reveal Himself and guide you to truth. Skepticism and closed-mindedness will hinder understanding.
Live a Moral and Virtuous Life
Moral conduct and spiritual discipline are intertwined with biblical understanding. Striving to live according to the ethical teachings of Scripture, including basic principles like the Ten Commandments and Christ’s teachings on love and forgiveness, creates a receptive heart and mind for deeper understanding. This also involves taking care of one’s physical body through healthy habits, as physical and spiritual well-being are interconnected.
Suggested Order of Reading
After becoming familiar with the Gospels, continue reading the rest of the New Testament. While the Letter to the Romans can be challenging and is often best approached later, other Pauline epistles like 1 & 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon) are generally more accessible. The Letters of John (especially 1 John) and the Letter of James are also excellent choices for relatively straightforward and impactful reading. The Book of Revelation, though complex, should eventually be included in your reading of the New Testament corpus.
Concurrently with New Testament reading, incorporate the Book of Psalms into your daily practice. Reading a psalm or two each day is invaluable. The Psalter is considered a “miniature Bible,” encompassing a wide range of human experience and expressing it in prayer and poetry before God. Familiarity with the Psalms is foundational to Orthodox worship and spirituality.
Only after developing a solid foundation in the New Testament and Psalms should you gradually explore the Old Testament. Begin with key books like Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Isaiah. Genesis lays the foundation for salvation history, Deuteronomy is frequently quoted in the New Testament, and Isaiah contains powerful prophecies of Christ. Proverbs is another accessible and beneficial Old Testament book to include early on. These books—Genesis, Proverbs, and Isaiah—are traditionally read during Great Lent in the Orthodox Church, highlighting their importance.
Gradually expand your Old Testament reading to include historical books, other prophetic books, and wisdom literature like Sirach, Wisdom of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes. Avoid reading the Bible straight through from beginning to end. Instead, follow the suggested order, starting with the New Testament and Psalms, then moving into the Old Testament in a more focused way. Also, avoid jumping randomly between different parts of the Bible.
Christocentric Reading of the Old Testament
Remember to read the Old Testament in light of the New Testament, understanding that ultimately, all Scripture points to Jesus Christ. Every story and teaching in the Old Testament can be interpreted as prefiguring or foreshadowing Christ and His saving work.
For example, the story of Adam is seen as being about the ultimate Adam, Christ. The Passover and Exodus prefigure Christ’s sacrifice and our deliverance from sin and death. The sacrificial system of Leviticus finds its fulfillment in Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. The feasts of the Old Testament are understood as types of the realities fulfilled in Christ. This Christological interpretation, also known as sensus plenior or the “fuller meaning,” is central to the Orthodox approach to Scripture.
Rublev’s Trinity icon, depicting the Old Testament narrative of Abraham’s hospitality, is often interpreted Christologically, revealing the Trinity.
Integrate Bible Reading with Church Life
Finally, to deepen your understanding of Scripture, actively participate in the life of the Orthodox Church. Attend church services, listen to the Scripture readings, hymns, and prayers. Observe how Scripture is used in the liturgical context. The worship of the Church provides the living context for understanding and experiencing the Bible. Icons, as visual representations of biblical narratives, can also enhance your contemplation of Scripture.
Conclusion: Embarking on a Lifelong Journey
Reading the Bible is a lifelong journey of discovery and transformation. It requires effort, patience, and a willingness to be challenged and changed by the Word of God. Approach Scripture with a pure heart, an open mind, and a desire to understand God’s revelation. Follow these practical suggestions, and allow the Holy Scriptures to guide you into a deeper relationship with Christ and a richer understanding of God’s plan for salvation. Embrace the journey, and trust that God will bless your efforts to engage with His Holy Word.
