Home Pastors Articles for Pastors 17 of the Most Misused Verses in the Bible

17 of the Most Misused Verses in the Bible

misused verses in the Bible

I recently read a helpful book by Eric Bargerhuff titled, The Most Misused Verses in the Bible: Surprising Ways God’s Word Is Misunderstood (Bethany House, 2012)Eric takes the reader through 17 of the most misused verses in the Bible and helps us see their proper meaning and application.

Since some of these misinterpretations are more damaging than others, Eric doesn’t recommend we run to correct people who innocently mis-apply the passages.

He does recommend, however, that pastors and teachers take special care to avoid the common mistakes that lead to misuse.

I should note that pastors and scholars don’t always agree on the meaning and application of some of these passages.

Personally, I found myself appreciating Eric’s analysis of some of the more rampant misunderstandings that come from these verses without necessarily agreeing with all the particulars of Eric’s interpretation. Still, the book is a helpful tool that resembles F.F. Bruce’s Hard Sayings of Jesus.

17 Most Misused Verses in the Bible

“Judge Not” – Matthew 7:1

“Plans to prosper you and not to harm you” – Jeremiah 29:11-13

“Where two or three are gathered” – Matthew 18:20

“Ask for anything in My name” – John 14:13-14

“All things work together for good” – Romans 8:28

“If My people who are called by My name” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

“Jesus as the firstborn of all creation” – Colossians 1:15

“Money is the root of all evil” – 1 Timothy 6:10

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Trevin Wax is first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. Trevin currently serves the church by working at LifeWay Christian Resources as managing editor of The Gospel Project, a gospel-centered small group curriculum for all ages that focuses on the grand narrative of Scripture. He has been a regular blogger since 2006 and regularly contributes articles to publications such as Christianity Today. He authored two books, "Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals" (2010) and "Counterfeit Gospels: Rediscovering the Good News in a World of False Hope" (2011).