The Bible, a sacred and revered text, has been a source of spiritual guidance, moral teachings, and historical accounts for countless individuals and communities across the globe. Over centuries, it has inspired a rich tapestry of beliefs, interpretations, and cultural narratives. However, woven into the intricate fabric of this ancient book are some widely held beliefs—beliefs about the Bible itself—that, upon closer examination, are not explicitly supported by its verses. In this exploration, we delve into 18 common misconceptions and beliefs that have emerged, casting a discerning light on the lines between scripture and tradition. Join us as we separate fact from fiction, embarking on a journey to unearth the truth behind these intriguing biblical myths.
Eve Eating an Apple
The misconception that Eve ate an apple likely arose from artistic interpretations and cultural influences over time. The Bible simply refers to the “fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil” without specifying it as an apple, leaving room for artistic creativity and symbolism.
Three Wise Men
The idea of three wise men possibly stems from the three gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) presented to the baby Jesus. However, the Bible does not specify their number, leading to the popular belief in the trio.
Noah’s Ark was Rectangular
While some depictions show Noah’s Ark as a rectangular vessel, the Bible only provides specific dimensions for its length, width, and height. The assumption of a rectangular shape likely results from practical considerations and artistic representations.
Mary Magdalene was a Prostitute
The confusion about Mary Magdalene’s profession arises from conflating her with another woman in the Gospels who was referred to as a “sinful woman.” The Bible does not identify Mary Magdalene as a prostitute.
Jesus Was Born on December 25th
The celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25th became a tradition but is not explicitly supported by biblical texts, which do not specify the date of Jesus’ birth.
The Forbidden Fruit was an Apple
The association of the forbidden fruit with an apple likely emerged from artistic depictions and cultural interpretations, as the Bible does not specify the fruit’s type.
The Devil Rules Hell
The concept of the devil ruling Hell is largely a product of later theological developments, as the Bible does not explicitly detail the devil’s role in Hell.
Adam and Eve Had Belly Buttons
The notion of Adam and Eve having belly buttons stems from artistic representations and is not mentioned in the Bible, given that they were the first humans created.
The Number of Animals on the Ark
The Bible provides a general description of animals entering Noah’s Ark “two by two,” but it doesn’t specify the precise count of every species, leading to speculations about the number of animals.
Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors
The Bible mentions Joseph’s “coat of many colors,” which likely signified his father’s favor, but it does not describe the specific colors, allowing for artistic interpretations.
Mary Rode to Bethlehem on a Donkey
The Bible doesn’t mention the mode of transport Mary used to travel to Bethlehem, leading to various interpretations in different cultures.
Jonah was Swallowed by a Whale
The term “great fish” in the Bible has been interpreted as a whale, but the Bible does not specify the creature’s species, contributing to the belief in a whale.
Moses Parted the Red Sea
The Bible refers to the “Reed Sea” or “Sea of Reeds” without specifying its exact location, leading to the tradition of Moses parting the Red Sea.
The Bible Contains the Phrase “Cleanliness is Next to Godliness”
The phrase “Cleanliness is next to godliness” is not found in the Bible but likely evolved as a cultural saying.
Cain’s Wife was His Sister
The Bible states that Cain found a wife in the land of Nod, but it does not specify her relationship to him. The assumption that she was his sister arises from the limited number of people mentioned in the early biblical narrative.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Class wars creep up in all aspects of life, including dating. We take a look at the things that men believe are telltale signs that you are lower class.
21 Things That Shout You’re “Lower Class” According To Men
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
The change in the automotive industry has been incredible over the year. Baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 can’t get enough of the cars listed below, as muscle cars emerged in the 1960s, and new technologies appeared in the 1970s and 1980s. You can imagine why boomers genuinely appreciate these vehicles.
Boomer Zoomers vs. Millennial Meh: 10 Cars the Older Gen Loves but Millennials Just Can’t Stand
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
There is a lot to love about America, from the bright lights of New York to the incredible breakfasts, but foreigners also dislike many things. We look at everything from poor public transport to an intimidating tip culture, sharing 18 things that America could be better at.
Across the Pond Disdain: 18 Horrendous American Habits Foreigners Just Can’t Stomach
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
While some old habits die hard, there are some things that Gen X need to eliminate as they are no longer relevant.
Out with the Old: 18 Gen X Fads That Millennials and Gen Z Just Can’t Vibe With
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
When thinking of America, we don’t expect there to be boring or unpleasant places to visit. We see all the different states on the TV, and they show the best parts. However, there are some states you won’t want to visit, and you should brace yourselves if you ever happen to stumble into them.
18 Unpleasant States You Might Want to Skip on Your Next Trip
