Surah Ali 'Imran 3:7 How to Understand the Bible

[7] He it is Who has sent down to thee the Book: In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord:" and none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.


**How to Understand the Bible**


The passage cited above establishes a principle that is essential for approaching any sacred text: not all passages are of the same kind. Some are clear, direct, and foundational, while others are figurative, symbolic, or require deeper discernment. This distinction provides a framework that can be applied when reading the Bible. Without such a method, the reader is left vulnerable to confusion, contradiction, and misinterpretation.


The Bible itself confirms that its contents are not uniform in style or clarity. It contains history, law, prophecy, poetry, parable, and symbolic visions. Therefore, the first rule in understanding the Bible is to distinguish between what is plain and what is figurative.


The passage says: “In it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical.” This principle can be directly applied to the Bible. There are foundational teachings that are clear and repeated, and there are allegorical or symbolic passages that must be interpreted in light of those foundations.


For example, statements about moral conduct, commandments, and historical events are generally straightforward. In contrast, prophetic books such as Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation contain visions filled with symbols—beasts, horns, stars, and other imagery—that are not meant to be taken literally.


This distinction is reinforced within the Bible itself. In Proverbs it is written:


“Understanding a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” (Proverbs 1:6)


Here, the text openly acknowledges that some parts of Scripture are “dark sayings,” meaning they are not immediately clear and require interpretation.


Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus frequently spoke in parables. In Matthew it is written:


“And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” (Matthew 13:10–11)


This shows that not all teachings are meant to be understood at the surface level. Some require insight, context, and a proper method of interpretation.


The second principle in understanding the Bible is to recognize the danger of focusing on obscure passages while ignoring clear ones. The quoted passage warns: “those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings.”


This is a critical warning. When a reader prioritizes symbolic or unclear passages over clear teachings, they can construct doctrines that are unstable or contradictory. This has historically led to divisions, disputes, and confusion.


The Bible itself gives a safeguard against this approach. In Isaiah it is written:


“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20)


This means that any interpretation must align with the established teachings—the “law and the testimony.” In other words, unclear passages must be interpreted in harmony with clear ones, not the other way around.


The third principle is that understanding requires a certain disposition of mind. The passage says: “those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: ‘We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord.’”


This reflects an attitude of humility and coherence. Instead of forcing interpretations to fit preconceived ideas, the reader accepts the entirety of the text and seeks consistency within it.


The Bible echoes this requirement for humility. In Proverbs it is written:


“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)


Understanding is not merely an intellectual exercise; it requires discipline, patience, and a willingness to revise one’s assumptions.


Another important principle is the use of Scripture to interpret Scripture. Because the Bible is a collection of writings across different times and contexts, it often explains itself. Symbols, themes, and teachings are repeated and clarified in multiple places.


For example, symbolic language in one book is often explained in another. In Daniel, beasts are used symbolically, and the interpretation is given:


“These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.” (Daniel 7:17)


This establishes a pattern: symbolic imagery represents real entities such as kingdoms or rulers. When similar imagery appears in other texts, this principle can guide interpretation.


The same approach applies to parables. Jesus often explained his own parables, providing a model for interpretation. In the parable of the sower, he identifies the seed as “the word,” the ground as different types of hearers, and the outcome as their response.


This internal consistency is key. The Bible is not meant to be read as isolated fragments but as a unified body of teaching.


Another principle is context. Words and passages must be understood within their immediate and broader context. Removing a verse from its context can completely alter its meaning.


For instance, historical narratives must be read as accounts of events, not as symbolic teachings unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, poetic language—such as in the Psalms—often uses metaphor and should not always be taken literally.


In Psalm 18 it is written:


“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.” (Psalm 18:2)


This is clearly metaphorical language. It does not mean that the Deity is literally a rock or a fortress, but that He provides stability and protection.


Recognizing literary form prevents misinterpretation and confusion.


Another essential aspect is repetition. Foundational teachings are repeated throughout the Bible. These repeated themes form the basis for understanding. When a teaching appears consistently across different books and authors, it carries greater weight than isolated or obscure passages.


For example, moral commandments—such as justice, mercy, and righteousness—are emphasized repeatedly. These form part of the “foundation” mentioned in the passage.


In contrast, highly symbolic visions that appear only once or in a limited context should be approached with caution and interpreted in light of clearer teachings.


The passage concludes: “none will grasp the Message except men of understanding.” This suggests that understanding is not automatic. It requires effort, discipline, and discernment.


The Bible also emphasizes this idea. In the New Testament it is written:


“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)


The phrase “rightly dividing” implies careful handling and correct interpretation. It is not enough to read; one must analyze and discern.


Another related principle is patience. Understanding develops over time. Complex passages may not be immediately clear, and forcing an interpretation can lead to error.


In Ecclesiastes it is written:


“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)


This can be applied to understanding as well. Insight often comes gradually, through continued study and reflection.


Finally, unity of message is essential. The passage emphasizes belief in “the whole of it.” This means that interpretation should aim for coherence, not contradiction. If an interpretation creates conflict with clear teachings, it must be re-examined.


The Bible supports this principle. In 1 Corinthians it is written:


“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)


Confusion arises when passages are misapplied, taken out of context, or interpreted without regard to the whole.


In summary, the method for understanding the Bible can be outlined as follows:


First, distinguish between clear and allegorical passages.
Second, interpret unclear passages in light of clear ones.
Third, avoid focusing on obscure meanings at the expense of foundational teachings.
Fourth, maintain humility and consistency in interpretation.
Fifth, use Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Sixth, consider context and literary form.
Seventh, rely on repeated themes as a foundation.
Eighth, exercise patience and careful study.
Ninth, seek unity and coherence in the overall message.


By applying these principles, the reader approaches the Bible with structure and discipline, avoiding confusion and contradiction. The text becomes not a source of endless speculation, but a coherent body of teaching that can be understood through careful and consistent interpretation.


This approach aligns with the principle stated at the beginning: that some passages are foundational, while others require deeper discernment. Those who seek understanding must recognize this distinction and approach the text accordingly.