The quote from Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible" suggests that the King James Bible can have a profound and sometimes overwhelming effect on readers. It implies that if someone is not in the right emotional or mental state, the intensity of the text can provoke extreme reactions, such as a desire to escape or even self-harm.

This expression reflects the complexity of religious texts and how they can resonate differently with individuals. The King James Bible, with its rich language and deep themes, can evoke strong feelings, making it both a source of solace and, at times, distress for those who engage with it.