Words like disciple, covenant, and parable come up throughout the Bible, but they’re not words most kids hear in everyday conversation. Even when you know what they mean, finding a simple way to explain them isn’t always easy.

Some Bible words aren’t used much in everyday conversation. And when kids don’t understand a word, they can miss something important about the story. The good news is that you don’t have to turn Bible reading into a vocabulary lesson to help them understand.

Start With an Explanation They Can Understand

Imagine you’re reading about Jesus choosing His disciples. Instead of just telling kids that a disciple is a follower, explain what following Jesus actually meant.

His disciples spent time with Him, listened to what He taught, watched what He did, and learned from Him. They weren’t simply following Him down the road. They were learning how to live as His followers.

Think about how kids learn from a coach. They listen, watch, ask questions, and practice what they’re taught. Jesus’ disciples did something similar. They listened to His teachings, watched how He treated people, and followed His example.

Sometimes the Story Explains the Word

Covenant is a good example of a word that needs a little more explanation. You might start by saying that a covenant is a serious agreement involving promises. But rather than stopping there, look at how the Bible uses the word.

After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah. He promised never again to destroy all life with a flood, and He gave the rainbow as a sign of that promise (Genesis 9:8–17).

Now kids have something specific to connect with the word. They can see who made the promise, what was promised, and why the rainbow mattered.

That doesn’t explain everything the Bible teaches about covenants, but it’s a good beginning.

Help Them Recognize the Word Next Time

Once kids understand a new word, look for opportunities to help them recognize it again.

For example, if you’re reading one of Jesus’ parables, explain that He often used stories to teach people something important. Then read the story of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3–7.

After reading it, ask what Jesus wanted people to understand. The story isn’t just about finding a sheep. Jesus is teaching about God’s concern for people who are lost.

Later, when you come across another parable, see if your kids remember what makes it a parable. They may even start recognizing them without your help.

You Don’t Have to Explain Everything at Once

Some Bible words take time to understand, even for adults. You don’t need to cover every possible meaning or answer every question in one conversation.

Give kids enough information to understand what they’re reading. When the word comes up again, you can build on what they already know.

The goal isn’t for kids to memorize a list of Bible definitions. It’s for them to understand the Bible better as they read it.