7 Biblical Misconceptions And The Truth About Them

Throughout history, many popular stories and teachings from the Bible have been passed down with certain details that are not entirely accurate.

These misconceptions often arise from cultural interpretations, artistic representations, or misquotes that have taken on a life of their own. While these ideas can shape our understanding, it’s important to revisit the source—Scripture itself—to discover the full and accurate meaning.

Let’s begin by exploring a few misconceptions that have been widely circulated about biblical events and figures, clarifying the actual teachings of Scripture.

1. The forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was an apple.
Truth: The Bible does not specify the type of fruit. Genesis 3 simply refers to it as “the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” The idea of an apple likely arose from artistic interpretations and a Latin pun on “malum” (evil) and “malus” (apple).

2. There were three wise men who visited Jesus.
Truth: The Bible (Matthew 2:1-12) does not specify the number of wise men—only that they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The number three is inferred but not explicitly stated.

3. Noah took two of every animal onto the ark.
Truth: While Noah took two of every unclean animal, he took seven pairs of every clean animal (Genesis 7:2-3).

4. The Bible says God works in mysterious ways.
Truth: This phrase is not in the Bible. It originates from a hymn written by William Cowper in 1774. The Bible does emphasize God’s wisdom beyond human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).

5. The devil rules hell.
Truth: The Bible describes Satan as the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), roaming the earth (Job 1:7, 1 Peter 5:8). Hell is described as a place of punishment created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). He doesn’t rule it; he will be cast into it (Revelation 20:10).

6. Jesus didn’t have a house while on earth
Truth: While the Lord Jesus lived a life of humility and travel, He did have a place to stay at times. In Matthew 9:27-30, He led two blind men to a house, suggesting He had a home during His ministry. His statement in Matthew 8:20 about having “nowhere to lay His head” reflects His transient lifestyle, not complete homelessness.

7. “Cleanliness is next to godliness.
Truth: This phrase is not found in the Bible. It was popularized by John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, in the 18th century. The Bible does emphasize spiritual cleanliness and purity (2 Corinthians 7:1), but not in this phrase.