I think it’s more that the bible scholars work hard to give context to what’s in the book, but people don’t accept it as it’s not what’s being taught at the pulpit.

Egos get in the way of true understanding, in almost every walk of life.

I don’t think that’s accurate at all. There are Bible scholars who make it their life’s work to understand the oldest manuscripts of the Bible we have in the context they were written in. Many newer Bible versions have these blurbs in them that explain certain phrases exactly to avoid misunderstandings. It’s on you if you choose to stick to stuff like the King James’s version, I’d say.

I think a good example is the whole “turn the other cheek” thing, and “if someone sues you for your coat, give him your shirt”. Because it was to do with exposing the clear injustice and being equal. Same with the “go with him two”. It’s less so about being a pushover, but putting yourself on equal footing and being respectful.

This video explains it better than I can:

“Conflict in Relationships Unavoidable” Jesus Offers Wisdom for Seeking Peace

Also another funny example: I was working with someone from another country who’s a very new Christian and also to the English language, and they read “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” and they thought it was to do with the political east and west, instead of how it’s describing infinity via cardinal directions.