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What Are the Most Popular Verses in the Bible? It Depends Whom You Ask

Update May 15, 2009: Bible Gateway has published the 100 most-read verses at Bible Gateway; I updated the post to include this new data.

Here are the results of three four different attempts to quantify the 100 most popular verses in the Bible. Of the 278 verses in the table, only thirty-six appear in at least three of the four lists. Thus, a “top 100” verse list will largely depend on the data source (in other words, it reflects a sample bias).

The ESV data has an unusual number of verses from Genesis and Exodus (many of them obscure, in my opinion). The TopVerses data has lots of verses from John not found in the other data sets. Similarly, the OpenBible.info data contains many verses from Psalms and Proverbs. The Bible Gateway data features more verses from Hebrews.

Results

ESV.org TopVerses.com OpenBible.info BibleGateway.com Verse Text (ESV)
Gen.1.1 Gen.1.1 Gen.1.1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Gen.1.2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Gen.1.11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so.
Gen.1.26 Gen.1.26 Gen.1.26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Gen.1.27 Gen.1.27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Gen.3.15 “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Gen.22.2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”
Gen.24.14 “Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’–let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.”
Gen.24.27 And said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.”
Gen.24.49 “Now then, if you are going to show steadfast love and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.”
Gen.24.67 Then Isaac brought her into the tent of Sarah his mother and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
Gen.32.10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps.
Gen.37.3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.
Gen.37.4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.
Gen.39.21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Gen.44.20 And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a young brother, the child of his old age. His brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’
Exod.15.13 “You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.”
Exod.20.6 But showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Exod.34.6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness….”
Exod.34.7 “Keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
Deut.6.4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
Deut.7.9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations….
Josh.1.8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Josh.1.9 Josh.1.9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
2Chr.7.14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Job.19.25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
Ps.4.8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Ps.14.1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good.
Ps.16.11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Ps.19.14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Ps.27.14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Ps.30.5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
Ps.34.8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Ps.34.18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Ps.37.4 Ps.37.4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Ps.46.1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Ps.46.10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Ps.51.10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Ps.55.22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
Ps.108.5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!
Ps.118.24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Ps.119.36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!
Ps.133.1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
Ps.133.2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
Ps.133.3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Prov.1.7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Prov.3.5 Prov.3.5 Prov.3.5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Prov.3.6 Prov.3.6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Prov.4.23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Prov.16.3 Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
Prov.16.9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
Prov.17.22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Prov.18.10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Prov.18.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Prov.23.7 For he is like one who is inwardly calculating. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
Prov.29.18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.
Isa.7.14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isa.9.6 Isa.9.6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isa.26.3 Isa.26.3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isa.40.31 Isa.40.31 But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isa.41.10 Isa.41.10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isa.53.4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
Isa.53.5 Isa.53.5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa.53.6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned–every one–to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa.55.8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
Jer.29.11 Jer.29.11 Jer.29.11 Jer.29.11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jer.33.3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Joel.2.28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.”
Mic.6.8 Mic.6.8 Mic.6.8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Zeph.3.17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Matt.5.16 Matt.5.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matt.5.17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
Matt.5.27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.”‘
Matt.5.28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matt.5.29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
Matt.5.30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Matt.6.33 Matt.6.33 Matt.6.33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matt.6.34 Matt.6.34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matt.7.7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Matt.11.28 Matt.11.28 Matt.11.28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matt.11.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matt.11.30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matt.16.18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matt.19.26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matt.22.37 Matt.22.37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Matt.25.31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.”
Matt.28.6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Matt.28.18 Matt.28.18 Matt.28.18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Matt.28.19 Matt.28.19 Matt.28.19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….
Matt.28.20 Matt.28.20 “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Mark.9.23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”
Mark.16.6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.”
Mark.16.15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Mark.16.16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Luke.2.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke.2.32 “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke.4.18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed….”
Luke.15.11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons.”
Luke.15.17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!'”
Luke.15.18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.”
Luke.15.20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke.15.21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
Luke.15.29 But he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.’
Luke.19.10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John.1.1 John.1.1 John.1.1 John.1.1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John.1.3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John.1.7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
John.1.9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
John.1.12 John.1.12 John.1.12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God….
John.1.13 Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
John.1.14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John.1.29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John.2.1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.
John.2.15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.
John.3.1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
John.3.3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John.3.5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
John.3.16 John.3.16 John.3.16 John.3.16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John.3.17 John.3.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John.3.30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John.4.1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John….
John.4.7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
John.4.24 “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John.5.24 John.5.24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
John.8.32 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John.8.44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John.10.10 John.10.10 John.10.10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John.11.25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live….”
John.13.34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John.13.35 “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John.14.1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
John.14.6 John.14.6 John.14.6 John.14.6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John.14.15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
John.14.16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever….
John.14.26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John.14.27 John.14.27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John.15.13 John.15.13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John.16.13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
John.16.33 John.16.33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John.17.17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John.19.30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Acts.1.8 Acts.1.8 Acts.1.8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts.1.9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
Acts.1.14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts.2.1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.
Acts.2.38 Acts.2.38 Acts.2.38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts.2.42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts.4.12 Acts.4.12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts.17.11 Acts.17.11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Acts.18.9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent….”
Acts.18.10 “For I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
Acts.18.11 And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts.20.28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Rom.1.16 Rom.1.16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Rom.1.18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
Rom.1.20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Rom.3.10 As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one….”
Rom.3.11 No one understands; no one seeks for God.
Rom.3.12 “All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”
Rom.3.13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.”
Rom.3.14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
Rom.3.15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood….”
Rom.3.17 “And the way of peace they have not known.”
Rom.3.18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Rom.3.20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Rom.3.21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it….
Rom.3.22 The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction….
Rom.3.23 Rom.3.23 Rom.3.23 Rom.3.23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….
Rom.3.24 And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus….
Rom.3.25 Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.
Rom.3.26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Rom.3.27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
Rom.3.28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Rom.5.1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom.5.5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Rom.5.8 Rom.5.8 Rom.5.8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom.5.12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned….
Rom.6.13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
Rom.6.23 Rom.6.23 Rom.6.23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom.8.1 Rom.8.1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Rom.8.28 Rom.8.28 Rom.8.28 Rom.8.28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Rom.8.29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Rom.8.30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Rom.8.31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Rom.8.38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers….
Rom.8.39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom.10.9 Rom.10.9 Rom.10.9 Rom.10.9 Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Rom.10.13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Rom.10.17 Rom.10.17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Rom.12.1 Rom.12.1 Rom.12.1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom.12.2 Rom.12.2 Rom.12.2 Rom.12.2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Rom.12.12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Rom.12.21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Rom.13.1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Rom.15.13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
1Cor.1.18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1Cor.2.9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”….
1Cor.6.9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality….
1Cor.6.19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own….
1Cor.10.13 1Cor.10.13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1Cor.13.4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant….
1Cor.13.5 Or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful….
1Cor.13.6 It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
1Cor.13.7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1Cor.13.8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
1Cor.13.13 1Cor.13.13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
2Cor.4.18 As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
2Cor.5.7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2Cor.5.17 2Cor.5.17 2Cor.5.17 2Cor.5.17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2Cor.5.21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2Cor.12.9 2Cor.12.9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Gal.2.20 Gal.2.20 Gal.2.20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Gal.5.22 Gal.5.22 Gal.5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness….
Gal.5.23 Gal.5.23 Gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal.6.9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Eph.1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places….
Eph.1.4 Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love….
Eph.1.5 He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will….
Eph.2.1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins….
Eph.2.5 Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved….
Eph.2.8 Eph.2.8 Eph.2.8 Eph.2.8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God….
Eph.2.9 Eph.2.9 Not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Eph.2.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Eph.3.20 Eph.3.20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us….
Eph.4.11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers….
Eph.6.10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Phil.1.6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Phil.2.5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus….
Phil.2.6 Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped….
Phil.2.7 But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Phil.2.8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Phil.4.6 Phil.4.6 Phil.4.6 Phil.4.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Phil.4.7 Phil.4.7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil.4.8 Phil.4.8 Phil.4.8 Phil.4.8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Phil.4.13 Phil.4.13 Phil.4.13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Phil.4.19 Phil.4.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Col.1.15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Col.3.12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience….
Col.3.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Col.3.23 Col.3.23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men….
1Thess.4.3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality….
1Thess.4.6 That no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
2Thess.1.3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
1Tim.4.12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
2Tim.1.7 2Tim.1.7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2Tim.2.15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2Tim.3.16 2Tim.3.16 2Tim.3.16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness….
Titus.2.11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people….
Titus.2.13 Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ….
Titus.3.5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit….
Heb.4.12 Heb.4.12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Heb.4.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Heb.4.16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb.10.25 Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Heb.11.1 Heb.11.1 Heb.11.1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Heb.11.6 Heb.11.6 Heb.11.6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Heb.12.1 Heb.12.1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us….
Heb.12.2 Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb.13.5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Heb.13.8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Jas.1.2 Jas.1.2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds….
Jas.1.3 For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Jas.1.12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Jas.4.7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Jas.4.8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Jas.5.16 Jas.5.16 Jas.5.16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
1Pet.1.3 1Pet.1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead….
1Pet.2.21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1Pet.2.22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
1Pet.2.23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
1Pet.2.24 1Pet.2.24 1Pet.2.24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1Pet.3.15 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect….
1Pet.5.7 1Pet.5.7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
2Pet.1.4 By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
1John.1.9 1John.1.9 1John.1.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1John.3.16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
1John.3.18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1John.4.18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Background

To my knowledge, three organizations have quantified the most popular verses in the Bible:

  1. The ESV Blog in 2005 published an analysis of search data from their website.
  2. TopVerses.com in 2007 counted “how often every Bible verse is referenced in web pages across the internet.” I’m not positive about their methodology; it sounds like it went beyond a simple page count in a Google search. Their list is copyright TopVerses.com.
  3. BibleGateway.com in May 2009 published an analysis of 25 million searches from their website. Even this data set has quirks: Acts 18:11 only appears, I think, because people look at it in conjunction with Acts 18:9-10. Their list is copyright Bible Gateway.

In addition, I analyzed the most popular verses used on this site; the results appear in the table.

2 Responses to “What Are the Most Popular Verses in the Bible? It Depends Whom You Ask”

  1. Nathan Smith says:

    It is interesting that Revelation has no verses on the list. A lot of the imagery from Revelation is well-known in the Christian tradition, especially in worship music. Yet it seems that specific verses are not so well known.

  2. […] The title of this post is a deliberate take-off from a recent post at OpenBible.info entitled “What Are the Most Popular Verses in the Bible? It Depends Whom You Ask”. That post combines data from an earlier ESV analysis of search results, TopVerses.com, a […]