The Bible, one of the most influential and widely-read texts in human history, has been interpreted and reinterpreted across generations, cultures, and languages. For centuries, scholars and theologians have sought to translate and explain its teachings in ways that resonate with the people of their time. Among the many translations that have shaped modern understanding of the Bible, The Message, a contemporary paraphrase by Eugene Peterson, stands out for its ability to reframe familiar stories in fresh language, making the text accessible to a broader audience. Now, with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), we are entering a new era in which AI-driven tools can further transform how people understand and engage with the Bible. AI has the potential to create personalized Bible translations and offer insights tailored to individual needs, allowing for a deeper, more meaningful connection with the text.

The Power of Translation: The Example of The Message

One of the greatest challenges in understanding the Bible is that it was written over thousands of years in ancient languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. These languages have complex nuances, cultural contexts, and idiomatic expressions that don’t always translate neatly into modern tongues. Every translation of the Bible is, therefore, an interpretation. Translators must make choices about how to express the meaning of the text in ways that will resonate with contemporary readers while staying true to the original message.

The Message is a striking example of how translation can reshape our understanding of the Bible. Instead of adhering to a word-for-word or even a thought-for-thought translation approach, Peterson sought to capture the essence of the text in language that feels natural and relatable for modern readers. For example, in Matthew 5:3, where traditional translations might say, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” The Message reads, “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” This rephrasing brings the text closer to everyday speech, allowing readers to see its relevance in their own struggles and joys.

By using contemporary language and idioms, The Message has helped many people rethink the Bible’s common stories and teachings. For some, it has opened up new ways of understanding passages that had previously felt distant or inscrutable. This demonstrates the importance of context and accessibility when it comes to engaging with sacred texts. Much like how The Message offers a personalized reading experience for a broad audience, AI can take this concept even further by providing customized translations and interpretations that cater to individual readers’ linguistic, cultural, and spiritual needs.

AI and Personalized Bible Study

AI has the potential to revolutionize how people study and interpret the Bible by offering highly personalized translations and insights. One of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to process vast amounts of data and learn from user interactions. In the realm of Bible study, this means that AI could analyze a reader’s language preferences, cultural background, and even emotional or spiritual state to generate translations and interpretations that speak directly to them.

For instance, someone who is new to Christianity and unfamiliar with biblical terminology might benefit from a simplified translation that avoids complex theological jargon. An AI-driven tool could recognize this and offer a version of the text in plain language, much like The Message, but tailored even more specifically to that individual’s needs. Meanwhile, a seasoned theologian might prefer a translation that maintains a closer adherence to the original Hebrew or Greek, complete with footnotes offering historical and cultural context. AI could easily adjust to these preferences, providing a version of the text that aligns with the reader’s level of understanding and interest.

For example, asking AI to update Mathew 5:3, it presented me with, “Happy are those who know they don’t have all the answers, for they’re the ones who will unlock the next level of reality.” I intentionally asked Google’s Gemini for a translation that was written for technology accelerationists that played very loosely with the original text.

Moreover, AI can help bridge cultural gaps in Bible study. The Bible is a text that speaks to people from diverse backgrounds, but many of its stories and teachings are rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture. AI can provide contextual explanations that help readers from various cultural backgrounds understand the significance of certain stories or metaphors. For example, when reading a parable about shepherds and sheep, an AI tool could provide a brief explanation of the cultural importance of shepherding in ancient Israel, helping modern urban readers grasp the full weight of the metaphor.

AI as a Tool for Deepening Spiritual Understanding

In addition to translation and cultural contextualization, AI has the capability to enhance personal spiritual reflection. Many people approach the Bible not just as a historical or literary text, but as a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration. AI tools could be developed to offer personalized prompts for reflection, meditation, or prayer based on the reader’s engagement with specific passages.

For example, if a reader is struggling with anxiety or uncertainty, an AI could highlight relevant Bible verses that speak to themes of peace and trust in God, offering personalized commentary or devotional reflections that relate to their current emotional state. By analyzing patterns in how a person interacts with the text over time, AI could also suggest new areas of study or reflection, helping readers to grow in their spiritual journey in ways that feel organic and personal.

I received the following response when simply asked, “Provide me with Bible verses helping me to become a better husband”:

Here are some Bible verses that offer guidance and principles for becoming a better husband, categorized for clarity:

Love and Selflessness:

• Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” This is the cornerstone. It calls for sacrificial, selfless love.
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: This passage describes the characteristics of love: patience, kindness, not being envious or boastful or proud or rude, not demanding its own way, not irritable or keeping record of wrongs, not rejoicing in wrongdoing but rejoicing in the truth. Apply these to your marriage.
• Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Prioritize your wife’s needs and desires.

Respect and Honor:

• 1 Peter 3:7: “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” Treat your wife with honor and understanding.  
• Ephesians 5:33: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Mutual respect is crucial.  

Understanding and Communication:

• Proverbs 18:13: “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Listen attentively to your wife’s thoughts and feelings before responding.
• James 1:19: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” This applies directly to communication within marriage.  
• Proverbs 15:23: “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” Choose your words thoughtfully and speak with kindness.

Faithfulness and Commitment:

• Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Remain faithful in your heart and actions.  
• Malachi 2:14-16: This passage speaks against unfaithfulness and emphasizes God’s intention for lifelong marriage.

Leadership and Provision:

• 1 Timothy 5:8: “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This includes emotional, spiritual, and physical provision.  
• Ephesians 5:23: “For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.” This leadership should be modeled after Christ’s loving and serving leadership.  

Wisdom and Growth:

• Proverbs 24:3-4: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Seek wisdom in how to build a strong and thriving marriage.  
• Colossians 3:19: “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” Gentleness and patience are important.

Putting it into Practice:

Remember that reading these verses is just the first step. Pray for understanding and the strength to apply these principles in your daily life. Talk with your wife about how you can better love and serve her. Seek guidance from trusted Christian mentors or pastors if needed.

Becoming a better husband is a lifelong journey of growth and love. May these verses encourage and guide you on that path.

Furthermore, AI can foster a more interactive and communal approach to Bible study. AI-powered platforms could facilitate group discussions by generating questions tailored to the interests and backgrounds of participants. This could create richer, more engaging Bible study sessions, whether in-person or virtual, as AI helps guide conversations in ways that draw out deeper insights and connections between the text and the readers’ lives.

AI has the potential to transform the way people engage with the Bible, offering personalized translations, cultural insights, and spiritual guidance that can help individuals deepen their understanding of the text. Much like how The Message helped modern readers rethink familiar Bible stories by presenting them in accessible, everyday language, AI can offer customized translations that speak directly to the needs and experiences of individual readers. However, as we explore the possibilities of AI in Bible study, it is essential to approach it with care and humility, recognizing the need for responsible development and the ongoing importance of human interpretation and community in engaging with sacred texts. Through thoughtful use of AI, we may find new ways to connect with the Bible’s timeless messages and apply them to our lives in fresh and meaningful ways.