Bible Quote by Karl Barth
““What is there within the Bible?" "It is a dangerous question. We might do better not to come too near this burning bush. For we are sure to betray what is—behind us! The Bible gives to every man and every era such answers to your questions as they deserve. We shall always find in it as much as we seek and no more: high and divine content if it is high and divine content that we seek; transitory and "historical" content, if transitory and "historical" content that we seek. Nothing whatever, if it is nothing whatever that we seek. The hungry are satisfied by it, and to the satisfied it is surfeiting before they have opened it. The question, "What is in the Bible?" has a mortifying way of converting itself into the opposing question, "Well, what are you looking for, and who are you, pray, who make bold to look?””
About This Quote
Source Theology: Unknown, sermon excerpt
The Bible offers answers matching seekers' intent; superficial reading yields limited insight.
In simple terms: Interpretation depends on what you seek.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth, not shallow answers.
Themes
faith
interpretation
spirituality
search
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal study
- religious counseling
- academic research
Key Concepts
theology
exegesis
human desire
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you truly seek in scripture?
- How does intention shape understanding?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes a binary view of sacred texts.
