Getting a Objective & Balance Interpretation of the Bible with Generative AI

In my early days as a Christian, I relied on the biblical interpretations of preachers—either those recommended by my church or those I personally admired. Looking back, I realize these were not the Bible itself, but particular viewpoints shaped by individual perspectives. This also explains why so many controversies arise within church communities: different interpretations lead to different understandings.

For a long time, I dreamed of creating a computer program that could read the Bible and provide an objective interpretation of its meaning. Today, with the rise of generative AI, that dream feels much closer to reality. These tools can help us approach Scripture with a more balanced perspective, serving as a supplement to our study and reflection.

Let’s look at an example. Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) says:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Here’s an interpretation from Doubao (A Chinese ByteDance Generative AI https://www.doubao.com/):
(The full answer from Doubao is given at the end. I just cut out the summary to give the key points)

What It Means Today
For modern readers, this verse reminds us that:

1. Spiritual growth is not about “trying harder” to be good, but about letting God transform our hearts.

2. A “heart of stone” (indifference to God, self-centeredness) can be replaced by a “heart of flesh” (love for God, compassion for others)—but only by God’s power.

3. God desires relationship, not just rule-keeping. He wants our hearts, not merely our outward actions.

In summary, Ezekiel 36:26 is a powerful declaration of God’s grace: He takes people who are hardened and unresponsive, and transforms them into those who are alive, tender, and able to love Him—restoring relationship for His glory.

I hope you find this as encouraging as I do.

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Doubao's Answer:

To understand Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)—“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh”—we must first ground it in its historical, literary, and theological context, then unpack the symbolic language at its core. This verse is a pivotal promise of divine transformation, central to the prophet Ezekiel’s message of hope for Israel.

1. Context: Who, When, and Why?

Ezekiel was a Hebrew prophet called by God to speak to the exiled Israelites in Babylon (6th century BCE). Israel had been conquered by Babylon because of its persistent unfaithfulness to God: they worshiped idols, ignored justice for the poor, and broke the covenant God had made with them (e.g., Exodus 20). Exile was both a judgment for their sin and an opportunity for them to turn back to God.

Chapter 36 of Ezekiel focuses on God’s promise to restore Israel—but not merely a physical return to their homeland (the land of Judah). God emphasizes that restoration will be spiritual first: He will fix the root of their rebellion (a hardened heart) so they can truly love and obey Him. This verse is the climax of that promise.

2. Unpacking the Key Phrases

The verse uses vivid, symbolic language to describe spiritual transformation. In the Bible, the “heart” is not just the physical organ—it is the center of a person’s identity: thoughts, emotions, will, and loyalty. Let’s break down each part:

Phrase	Meaning in Context
“I will remove from you your heart of stone”	A “heart of stone” represents Israel’s spiritual hardness: they were unresponsive to God’s voice, indifferent to His commands, and resistant to repentance. Like a stone, their hearts were cold, unyielding, and unable to feel love for God or compassion for others. This hardness was the root of their idolatry and injustice.
“I will give you a heart of flesh”	A “heart of flesh” is the opposite: soft, alive, and responsive. It describes a heart that can feel God’s presence, obey His will, and love Him and others. Unlike stone, flesh is flexible and sensitive—able to turn back to God when He calls.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you”	These two promises go hand in hand: - A “new heart” is a transformed inner life—new desires, motives, and loyalty (no longer focused on idols or self). - A “new spirit” refers to God’s own Spirit indwelling His people (see Ezekiel 36:27, which adds, “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees”). The “new spirit” is not a human effort to “be better”—it is God’s power working within them to enable obedience.

3. Theological Core: Divine Initiative, Not Human Effort

A critical point here is who is doing the work: God says, “I will give,” “I will put,” “I will remove.” This transformation is not something Israel (or anyone) can achieve on their own. It is a gift of God’s grace.

Israel had tried (and failed) to obey God through external rituals or human willpower. God’s promise here is radical: He will change their inner nature so that obedience flows from a heart that loves Him, not from duty or fear. This is a precursor to the “new covenant” God would later promise through Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31–34), where He says, “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.”

4. Broader Biblical Significance: From Old Testament to New Testament

Ezekiel 36:26 is not just for ancient Israel—it points forward to a universal promise fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ:

• Jesus spoke of “being born again” (John 3:3–8), which is the spiritual transformation Ezekiel prophesied: a new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
• The apostle Paul described this as “regeneration” (Titus 3:5)—God making believers “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17) by His Spirit, who enables them to live for God.

In short, Ezekiel 36:26 reveals God’s eternal plan: He does not abandon those who have turned away from Him. Instead, He takes the initiative to soften hard hearts, give new life, and restore relationship with Him—first for Israel, and now for all who trust in Jesus.

5. What It Means Today

For modern readers, this verse reminds us that:

• Spiritual growth is not about “trying harder” to be good, but about letting God transform our hearts.
• A “heart of stone” (indifference to God, self-centeredness) can be replaced by a “heart of flesh” (love for God, compassion for others)—but only by God’s power.
• God’s desire is always for relationship, not just rule-keeping. He wants our hearts, not just our actions.

In summary, Ezekiel 36:26 is a powerful declaration of God’s grace: He takes broken, unresponsive people and makes them alive, soft, and able to love Him—all for His glory and the restoration of the relationship.