Character in Biblical Narrative

Most of us think of characters in the Bible as either sinners or saints, good or bad. At least that’s how Bible stories are presented to children. In this video, we’ll explore the ways biblical authors present characters as more complex and morally compromised than we usually imagine.
#BibleCharacter #BibleProject #BibleVideo

[@bibleproject]

BibleProject creates free resources to help you experience the Bible. Everything we make is funded by generous supporters around the world. You can see our entire video library, check out our other resources, and give at bibleproject.com.

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

Thank you for that.

[@BibleIllustrated]

I love how flawed the characters of the Bible are. Bible pulls no punches when it shows us that Noah got drunk, that David basically killed a man in order to get a woman he wanted etc. Not only does that make the Biblical characters more human, it makes Christ's own sinlessness shine that much brighter when He comes to the scene.

[@doriaklobucar4088]

Bible Illustrated Aaaamen! Very well said :)

[@Ashman792]

You nailed it with this, buddy

[@BibleIllustrated]

Thanks guys!

[@enntheelementale7461]

mohammed lbrahim But who among us is truly good enough? The answer is none of us; it's in His ability to use flawed people for His flawless plans that the amazing nature of our Father's work is made evident. Sin is sin, no matter how the law of man may weigh it. The prophets may indeed have been noble and upstanding, and they were still humans who did less than righteous things nonetheless, so for you (a mere man) or me to call them the best people for the task is a judgement completely shortsighted on our part since only the Father knows who the "best" components of His plans are.

[@BibleIllustrated]

Models can be models in different aspects. St. Mary of Egypt was a great sinner who has also manifested great repentance. So did David. Yes, it makes sense that God will choose the best person to carry His message, but, surprise, surprise, that does not make them immune to sin, and oftentimes, that 'best' does not mean 'perfect' or 'immaculate.' All people sin, period. Your last sentence is very interesting. I thought that Islam teaches that Allah gave the Bible as well. If that is the case, why does Qur'an need to correct the Bible at all?

[@jongohhh]

You guys are seriously the single most helpful Christian resource out there today. Thank you for your ministry to make the Word accessible to all. May God continue to establish the work of your hands :)

[@BibleIllustrated]

Seriously! They helped me out so much! Terrific channel!

[@michaelturnage3395]

Revelationsofjesuschrist and Dayz of Noah are really good channels too.

[@jhamilton1007]

Mike Winger, Melissa Dougherty, and Allen Parr are also very informative.

[@pattymullen1695]

I agree!!! I use many of your videos for my Bible class. Thank you for keeping them easily accessible.

[@jackiebunting4000]

Amazing Facts and Little Light Studios are good resources as well!

[@jessicaambadipudi8127]

" God keeps working through them dispite their failures " best thing i heard all day!!!

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

I agree

[@Hope-fj4ep]

I love the shot with the man falling, only to look up and see God’s glory. Thank you

[@szymonczaja5498]

Yeap. That is me...

[@thywordalamp]

Amen!

[@jessicasng2654]

agree; I almost teared up.

[@AlexCFaulkner]

I love the comic book artwork

[@tolbiny36]

Me too!

[@vampyrick]

Wouldn't mind see them publishing the complete bible as a comic book series. Action Bible was missing quite a bit.

[@especialexpression6922]

I know, all the Bible Project artwork is so epic!

[@pamelacaldwell6055]

👍👌❤📖🙏😁

[@charfraser1916]

that picture of Moses and his wife is legendary, i could never imagine Moses like that. lol. You guys are so funny.

[@LloydXL]

My thoughts exactly 😂

[@johnwassonsr.7559]

Moses did kill an Egyptian man and escape to the wilderness. He led the Hebrews children out of Egypt and was mightily used of God but wasn't allowed to enter the promised land. But was later was later identified in the new Testament with Christ on the mountain transformed a picture of Grace or promise. That's my question.

[@baruch669]

I've been reading through the stories of Abraham's family and I'm struck over and over how few stories are appropriate for kids much less models of good behavior. The main thing that I've been getting from it is how messed up we are and how un-phased God is while relating with us.

[@richardmaggio1979]

I think if they called the Bible, "A Book of Messed Up People Finding God" it would be less holy for sure but way more accurate. Being able to relate to a non-believer is what every Christian should be trying to do without compromising what they believe.

[@gabitheancient7664]

@@richardmaggio1979 I mean, bible just means library from what I heard, but if the title discribed something... ye

[@richardmaggio1979]

@@gabitheancient7664 That comment was from 4 years ago, I’m agnostic now.

[@gabitheancient7664]

@@richardmaggio1979 cool 👍

[@RachelLeynes]

Feeling very encouraged after watching this. That at the end of all the stories of characters in the bible, they come to the end of themselves, and ‘God remains faithful’ to the flawed human beings. Makes one tear up. 👍💕

[@hamzaturab1549]

Im a muslim and this is really helping me understand my own religion and others better..thank you so much

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

Agreed.

[@hayleyclements1737]

I just need to write to your channel how deeply and sincerely I appreciate the way you all narrate and illustrate the Word of God. The way you guys do everything is so beautiful and wonderful. God is given so much glory with this channel. Thank you so much for your dedication to demonstrate God’s Word the way you do and I pray and hope that your studies of God’s Word will grow you all deeper and deeper in relationship with Him. Thank you so much for the knowledge you share. It’s truly so life changing. My heart is so filled with God’s love when I watch these videos. Glory to God in the Highest!

[@StarStrider99]

"Only a master of evil, pharaoh!" Lol, I got that reference!

[@BibleIllustrated]

I loved it too! I laughed so hard!

[@DogAndEazy]

Yeah same, i was like 'nice' :p

[@JessePineapple1200]

Sorry, i missed the reference, what is? :/

[@StarStrider99]

Isaí Piña : It's from Star Wars: A New Hope. "Only a master of evil, Darth." :)

[@fumbanichunda7214]

I love how they ask and answer the questions that we’d want to ask 🙏🏾

[@RebekahParkhurst]

You guys are helping me fall in love with the Bible all over again

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

Agreed.

[@Outsiders5135]

Hahahah I love the Star Wars reference at 3:21 and yeah the Bible requires a level of maturity not often found in Star Wars fans (I am myself a Star Wars fan so I should know) :P Love you guys I've seen every single video you have produced and they are both incredible and inspiring to me. Keep the up the good work, blessings and greetings from Mexico!

[@JT5555]

So When Do You Think Disney Will Buy Out The Rights To The Bible And Gives Us Two New Movies A Year Until People Stop Watching Them? Maybe Put In A "Bibleland" At The Disney Parks.XD

[@josephyml]

nice to see a fellow fan catching that reference, lol

[@RhemaMusicc]

What was the star wars reference? Didn't see anything.

[@Outsiders5135]

@@RhemaMusicc @San Bivens explained it, in the panel Moses says "Only a master of evil, Pharoah", Obi-Wan says "Only a master of evil, Darth." in A New Hope. I know its a reference to SW because that line is definetely not in the Bible :P

[@lindsaysheffield]

Love this! The Bible Project has deepened my understanding of the Bible in ways I never imagined - I’m a “can’t see the forest for the trees” type, so the overviews and broad concepts explained really helps put it all together! Keep up the great work!

[@gwenbby2]

Amazing! Feeling like I fit right in, with all of these flawed and loved people in the Bible

[@dee144k]

Brittany Wilson They are trashing on OUR forefather Jacob (Israel) though, saying he is deceptive. The father of the so called blacks Latinos and natives is not Devil ( Deceiver)

[@gwenbby2]

JUDAH RISE I disagree, and I’m not quite sure what you’re taking about. Maybe you should read Jacobs story again.

[@dee144k]

Brittany Wilson I know Jacob's story sis, and he was no deceiver; but that is how these people portrayed him trashing his good name. And I was explaining that he is the so called negroe, Latino and native Americans forefather, according to scripture and history.

[@TheThinkingMathematician]

me too and it gives hope that god can still love me

[@dee144k]

@Baribefe Kpurubu Scripture says otherwise

[@bullheadedgideon1673]

Hey guys. Just wanted to say this video here has reignited my faith in Christ. I saw this video about a week ago, & it's been bouncing around in my head since. My faith unfortunately has tended to go up & down a lot; & one of the reasons was from hearing people talk about the plethora of flaws so many of the characters have. But now I've absorbed a new perspective. You guys are doing very good work, in my opinion. Never stop. God Bless you guys.

[@erinball7781]

❤

[@diegoantonio554]

If I could give a thousand thumbs up I would. Thanks guys. And May God bless more and more your gifts to keep sharing the Faith and Hope through the biblical stories. ❤️

[@jaimasson]

Keep the videos coming👍🏼 Mag GOD be with you always

[@nseven1117]

you might need to edit your comment, you spelled may as mag

[@belle208]

poor guy at the cafe, he just looked into the mirror and now he’s shook😂

[@lukezuzga6460]

Good stuff guys, always is.

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

Agreed.

[@mpaulm]

I used to wonder when I was a teen if the authors gave the characters their names after they wrote the story’s. They fit their roles so well.

[@marcosvillalba4655]

Excellent work Bible Project! As a graphic designer and biblical theologian, I am impressed with both the art work and the new evangelization of sharing God's Word to the world.

[@myneighbornate]

Thank you for portraying the true ethnicity of the people of the Bible. This is important even if white Christians think it's not. I feel very comfortable sharing your videos with EVERYONE, because you're not intentionally or ignorantly white-washing the truth. Whether this was a conscious decision, or not, thank you again. Grace and peace!

[@MysteStorm]

How racist can someone be ... to have the need to bring race into the equation. Very sad for you. You need to get past race, and stop with the need to vilify just one race. God is completely beyond need for attacking other races and putting them down as you just did.

[@kirstymca]

As a white person I am also grateful that they show their true ethnicity - and I don't think it's 'useless' - I think it's important. I agree, though, that the “even if white Christians think it’s not” is unnecessarily devisive.

[@JT5555]

Well,I Mean SOMEONE Had To Do The Coloring So I Assume They Knew What They Were Doing.XD

[@dee144k]

Gospel Riot They still white washed the characters because they are so called black people.

[@dee144k]

MysteStorm that's not true at all.. FACTS are not racist that's 1. 2 they are still white washed because the Hebrews are so called black people, and 3 GOD is racist by definition. That is not speaking with ignorance, I can very well prove that with multiple scriptures

[@kcmiles9832]

It's been a pure joy to watch this series. Thank you Bible Project.

[@joeyschuchardt8695]

So Joseph's outer beauty reflects his nobility. These are beautiful.

[@osgchurchpakistan5150]

Amazing... I love to explain in detail with my Sunday school children. I love my church and I love my kids that God give me to grow them in Him

[@yollexart]

I sing praises, right here in my kitchen, while I cook. Lord thank you for opening my heart and soul again and again. The Holy Spirit is helping me see clearly. Helping me understanding. I am so blown away by Gods good graces. Thank you for giving these people the talents and skills to educate. The patient to teach and learn for themselves. You are a gracious God. Meeting me at my level of faith and guiding me to understand and get stronger. I was blind and now I see Lord. Praises!!!🎉🙏🏽✨🥹

[@patrickwallett3752]

The concept of relating the stories of the bible in the way you do them makes it easier to understand and a little more captivating. Well done Bible Project.

[@annachristian4687]

Beautifully true about the love and goodness and patience of God ❤️🙏

[@faustinanathania6869]

Love the style of drawing of how to read the bible videos! It is amazing to see that there is group of artist, concert and critical about Godly things. When alot of paradigma about the art world that very secular and rebel. Good job guysss !

[@yvetteihemesinwa2981]

You guys are talented. And you've taught me so much about the word of God that I never thought about before. Thanks

[@emryslovely1446]

You probably won’t read this but honestly I’m so blessed by this, you help me understand, it’s not just the same old thing but it’s super helpful and idk how to put it but you inject life into the understanding of gods word as hearing it said to me every week can become tasking. I really appreciate this and I get so happy every time you have a new video out.

[@superman1234567826]

I love your guys channel so much. God bless you your videos are so encouraging to me as a young person and they explain things so clearly.

[@Igbo_chyna]

Sorry for being so random but I really think Jon would do a very good professor Snape impression. Apart from that, amazing video. So enlightening

[@schneblen]

Rrrrrrrrronald weeeeeeasleyyyy.

[@ArizonaWillful]

Try practicing spitting out "Potter!" with revulsion and disdain. LOL

[@youngsin1971]

Lol

[@sjrelucio782]

Done for the day! Thank you this is so comprehensive yet simple 🙏🏽❤️ Greetings from the Philippines.🇵🇭

[@Tuvy_Tuvemue]

Missed these video's. Made me appreciate what wonderful work you guys do❤❤❤ Thank you for all the video's 💖

[@gp6486]

I am so grateful to find you guys and to be part of your fellowship.

[@brendhacaldas4396]

That's the best serie of videos I has ever seen! You're amazing guys! God bless you 💕

[@PortCanon]

Love the artistic theme of the comic book / graphic novel. You can see the transition of story taking shape and standing out in full color, just like getting absorbed in the narrative of reading through the Word of God. ....annnd the composition is back to full screen landscape :D Thank you!

[@erinmonalisa]

I have found a new love for the Bible due to these videos. The videos are engaging, informative. I watch the video, then read the Bible, then watch the video again. Praise God.

[@keithr.4645]

Fantastic storytelling through video!!!! The illustrations and narrative were very stunning and engaging!

[@squidaker]

Alot of people imagine Sampson being a really massive buff guy, but think about it. If you saw a really massive ripped dude dead lift 300 lbs. you wouldn't ask him were he got his strength? I'm pretty sure that Sampson was probably a tiny little twig. I know that was kind of random, I was just thinking about it.

[@goldensun3507]

He was a giant 😐 what else? They mentioned before

[@bluntmcbeefcake]

I love your videos. They are very good. One thing about this one though is I would have pointed out that these were real people and not just characters in a book. The fact that they had all these individual attributes, like names that had real meaning or body types that spoke to their character as well, and were real, and play their parts in history speaks to the all knowing aspect to God. They came off as fictional in this video and I know that's not what you meant. God Bless and keep up the good work.

[@Tethefernandez]

LOVED it!!! Missing the Q&R aaaaand can't get over John The Baptist on :52! or is it Elisha? Is just fantastic! thank you for the effort and heart poured into this projects! Enjoyed a lot the podcast!

[@TheAsianCHEE]

Love how you keep these stories simple but rich. Love it!

[@chrismacaluso781]

Doing your Bible in a year plan on youversion and this was the daily devotional today. Love the extra information to give context along the way!

[@erinball7781]

Same :) love it

[@emmacoleman7060]

The Lord is good!

[@mariabrown8725]

I have learned so much from the Bible Project. Thanks guys for all your hard work God bless 😇😇😇🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@garfieldbraithwaite8590]

This is the healthiest binge watch of my life. Thank you so much

[@cafogee]

just wanted to say thank you guys for all the work you do; i came across your channel and podcasts a month ago and, by the grace of God, those resources are gradually shifting my affections back to Him, and kindling a greater love and understanding for his Word. bless your efforts and your team! :)

[@saragabriela7374]

I love the way you all teach about the Bible and a unique way! God bless you all. Don't stop doing this amazing work🙏✝✝💖💖💖

[@WildFaith]

EXCELLENT TIPS on how to read and understand God's Word !! Especially regarding the proper way to look at the characters we come across in Scripture. LOVE IT !! Thank you Bible Project & God Bless ! All Glory to God!!

[@zvziak9136]

I love your channel! I discovered it yesterday and it's really helpful! 🙌

[@kaizze8777]

This is beautiful, I am discovering ALOT by these videos, along with my Bible studies and daily reading, its good to just sit back and admire this tree that we call The Word of God, and what a tree it is indeed!

[@countryridgeproductions6088]

This channel is an inspiration and I thank you guys for it. Never stop! God Bless!

[@jwaanita2540]

The graphics are to die for... Thank you for doing the Lord's work to enable us understand the Bible .. glad I started this Bible plan

[@SassyChelle]

I love this channel I have been and still do read the bible and re-read stories over and over. This channel has help me understand thing's I did not understand and check it with the bible. Thank you for sharing the Lord with us all. God bless

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[@delobiye1456]

Another excellent video. I am sharing with all my teachers to use these as part of VARK styles of learning. Visual, auditory, reading (and writing) and kinesthetic. Thank you for helping to make their learning more fun.

[@katrinaablorh4366]

I love this channel, but this was my favorite video. Definitely spoke to me. Thank you sooo much!

[@dannyhalder6513]

Whoa,it was fun indeed! Thank you lot Bible Project team for by God's Grace, simply and beautifully explaining and interpreting the Bible's stories and narratives.

[@Pugpono]

🤯 This is making so much sense in so many aspects. Thank you!

[@guilhermearruda8564]

Always amazing the way you portrait biblical narrative. God bless you guys!!!

[@michellemcdaddie1704]

Amen!! I love this video!! ❤️ God bless you all and your whole family!! You all are so amazing and strong! Thank you so much for this video BibleProject Team!! Does ANYONE want me to pray for them or their family? I would LOVE to do that!!💕🥰❤️

[@yoyoneel45]

I love all of your videos, the design, the organisation and presentation of the theme through illustrations and animations are just perfect, the intelligence behind it is incredible, thank you for the visual artist ,coze they are doing a great job! But the only thing that is missing is the epicness and emotion through Soundtracks and Music, the musical aspect is absent and it is a major key to get more followers AKA people for Christ!

[@judysmith6321]

I love how you look at things in a different perspective and then draw them out so they won't be so boring.Thank You. Have a safe and Happy New Year. God Bless, to you and yours.

[@biblearmory]

I really like the style of this video. I hope to see more like it. May God bless this ministry and those who labor in it abundantly.

[@e.k.njoroge9738]

I just love you guys and the work you do, this animation got me looking at myself in comparison with some biblical characters, and I just can't fail to see the love and mercies of God upon my life, I'm encouraged, thanks guys and be blessed as you serve christ.

[@josiahhood7000]

Love your Channel and community you make great videos 👍👍🙃

[@Cre8ed2luvALL]

❤️ Thanks for all you do! Our family appreciates all the effort you invest in each your videos!!! God bless!

[@shekinahterry2886]

This video is so good, thank you! I am doing your year-long reading plan. I'm already behind but I'm still reading and that's what counts in my opinion. I love these video suggestions that go with the different chapters. They are so helpful in aiding my understanding of scripture. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@PelumiOTE2B]

My God! This is amazing. I'm sharing this with a couple of friends who are struggling with their faiths

[@CJBAudio]

God bless your Spirit-filled content and creative presentation skills!

[@thiefmat]

Great video as always, very entertaining and full of insight. Keep up the great work!

[@thiefmat]

Stop spamming comments on other people's videos trying to get views.

[@brooklynjones5385]

Luke Dees lol why are you talking to yourself

[@thiefmat]

They deleted the comment.

[@jus4000kicks]

The only qualm I have is the part where you said Abraham used an egyptian slave for sex. I'm not a bible scholar but it pretty clearly says that Sarah suggests Abraham to sleep with her servant so she could have a family through her. This was a common practice at the time.

[@mussaw81]

Very good point. Abraham was actually a very consistently good person. That was a harsh judgment of him.

[@arogue469]

@Baribefe Kpurubu One can't 'make' another person sin.

[@christianchris1517]

I've thought about that (misrepresentation) too, but then I recalled how (seemingly) promptly Sarah's offer was accepted by Abraham (my non-dogmatic impression based on the wording and text flow of the translation in which I've last read that passage, but of course the text isn't explicit in this regard). (Edits in parentheses for clarity)

[@arogue469]

Christian Chris interesting point! Tell me, how promptly did he accept? Because my Bible doesn’t specify anything about the time frame involved, it just says he “listened to the voice of his wife.” I never realized I should take that as immediately.

[@christianchris1517]

@@arogue469 He did it in the very same sentence in the inspired narrative. But one is free to disagree.

[@dpatterson1489]

the most amazing thing to me is the way God decided to use stories to get his principles and his Character across to us in a way lecture never can. And it allows us to have a birds eve view of how God works through human lives through centuries, instead of our normal limited linear view.

[@elainelee8374]

Just amazing. Giving thanks for you following the path God created to help others know HIM better.

[@successfulvictorypublisher6090]

Excellent and gripping cartooning content...way to go! God BLESS everyone!

[@173shama]

Lol, "don't try this at home". I didn't expect to get a laugh while learning, but that was funny! Great video!

[@theseeker6097]

You guys at bible project are doing a great job keep it up!

[@icqtrinity]

You're doing great work guys. Glad to be a subscriber. This channel is an excellent way for people who weren't believers, or just got saved, to become familiar with the bible. God bless you.

[@linmeco]

John and Tim... I'm sure Our Father is so happy for each video you create.. thank God for this amazing project that is helping us to understand the Bible thru the visual scenarios. I love you guys...I would love to preserve this videos as my great treasure for my future family. It seems somebody is translated into Spanish some of this videos.. because I would love my parents could watch them.. but the don't English

[@greasystanley7188]

This series really helped me understand the scriptures. bless you both, and everyone who was involved in these videos.

[@Vadlife]

This is possibly my favourite channel!

[@KrissyJay777]

You guys...your team...everyone that has touched this project are amazing.

[@redstamp4185]

I just recently discovered your channel on KZbin and subscribed. I watched the new video today which was the conclusion of the book of Deuteronomy. It was so moving that I began binge watching all your videos. They brought me to my knees in repentance and in the air praising our mighty God. Thank you so much for this beautiful work. I would definitely like to help support this project. Best wishes.

[@sumathyc9142]

all ur videos are super clear to understand the scripture, and seamless work.

[@judah7528]

Thank you guys for doing what you do. I love your videos and this one especially spoke to me in a personal way. Keep doing what your doing!

[@Alexander-ht3nb]

Frick man. Honestly it’s been tough with my faith falling a lot doing things that I wouldn’t do and don’t wanna do. I needed this.

[@kenianaohmi7830]

I love your videos. They are always insightful and hopeful. Could you do one on leadership?

[@GleamingGlass]

Subscriber from Church on the Move here. I'm loving your content. Keep it up the great work!

[@Moontess]

This was unexpectedly encouraging and uplifting - totally not what I expected but thank you!

[@erikamaria4889]

Seriously I've said this before but again: this channel is a blessing!

[@Salvation123..]

People's physical appearances are symbolic..Never knew this. Thanks guys ! This will be helpful for me in my studies in Samuel.

[@Emily-isha]

I love these animations, God bless you guys. Really helping me 🙏🏾

[@KCClassic7]

Thank you for this useful information! Definitely appreciated!!! I forget these great people of God had flaws just like all of us.

[@kathy3178]

I am so thankful for your videos. They have helped me to understand the Bible.

[@JOHNNYXBRAVO]

I love watching your videos and pray that God continue to richly bless your guy's work

[@irenemurphy6860]

thanks, GOD, for Bible narrative. thanks for Gideon. please keep us trusting-- not doubting,; and not trusting in human pride. Keep us muttering yr word, words, day in, and day out.