Every verse in the Bible is important, but some are better known than others. So, what are the most popular passages in the Bible?
In this list, we have the top viewed verses on Biblaon.com along with a little explanation of their meanings. Check out these well-known verses and awaken your desire to read more of the Bible!
1. John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- John 3:16
John 3:16 is probably the best-known verse in the Bible! In it we have a brilliant summary of God's salvation plan. God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins in our place. Now, the only thing we need to do to receive God's forgiveness is to believe in Jesus and repent of our sins. Through Jesus, we are free from condemnation and have access to God and eternal life. God's love is wonderful!
2. Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
- Matthew 28:19-20
This is the great commission given by Jesus to his followers: to make disciples! As well as being a commandment, this mission is a great privilege for all believers.
Every disciple of Jesus can actively participate in the work that God has done in human hearts, all we need do is obey Jesus' order. It's a blessing to know that while we do this, Jesus will be with us every step of the way as we help others become disciples.
Discipleship is essential for believer’s to grow and develop their faith. It is a process that begins at baptism, continues through teaching and obedience to the Word of God, and culminates in making new disciples. This is a neverending process; the disciple continues to be discipled to make new disciples. Thus, we continue to know the Lord and share it so that others will know Him too, by faith! We can rest easy: Christ will be with us always at every moment!
3. Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
- Mateus 6:33
It's very easy to focus on the wrong priorities in our lives. The world's demands are enormous and before we know what is happening we are anxious, worried about our needs and afraid of the future. Jesus wants our attention to be fixed on God first and on the fulfillment of his will. Our focus must be redirected to the Lord, his Kingdom and his righteousness.
Don't let worrying about problems warp your priorities in life. Jesus gives us an alternative to that worldly lifestyle, where anxiety dictates the rules. Basically, put your trust completely in the Lord’s hands and seek Him as the most important thing! This should be the number one goal of those who love and trust in the Lord. He will see to it that the things we need are added. Trust in him!
4. Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:7
Peace is a concept that encompasses all human well-being. More than a feeling, peace is an inner state of comfort and security given by God. This feeling is widely sought after by people in all areas of need, but it is always incomplete when it is not a perfect peace, a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Jesus can grant us true peace, which is different from the peace that the world gives. In the world we find a fleeting peace, deficient and incapable of filling us... The peace that comes from God is sufficient, it surpasses our understanding and keeps our emotions and our mind Christlike. This peace does not mean the absence of problems, but it is the conviction that we are safe in the loving hands of the Lord.
5. Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
- Jeremiah 29:11
In Jeremiah's time the Israelites were in a troubling situation. Their country had been conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar and the people had been exiled to Babylon. Was there hope for them? Yes! Through Jeremiah, God had a plan to take the Israelites back to Israel and restore his people. God punishes sins and sometimes allows suffering, but his plans are always to bless and restore us.
6. John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
- John 14:6
These were among Jesus' last moments before being crucified, He was saying goodbye to his disciples at passover in what we call The Last Supper. Jesus comforted his friends by saying that he had to leave, but that they should not worry because they already knew the way to the place where he was going (John 14:4).
The truth is that without the physical presence of Jesus, there was a likely risk that the disciples would disperse, seeking their own paths, other philosophies, other lifestyles. But, in this passage Jesus makes it very clear that He is the way (the only one), He is the truth (absolute) and He is the life (an eternal gift from God).
As followers of Christ, we know that He is the one way that leads to God; that Jesus is the truth that frees us and commands the entire universe; and that He is life, the one who gives full existence even after death. If we trust what Jesus says, we won't need to look for alternative paths, half-truths, or a different lifestyle. Jesus is unique and is enough for us! Only He can lead us to God, full of life and certainty in everything He said.
7. John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
- John 16:33
On his last night before being crucified, Jesus explained many important things to his disciples. He prepared them for his death and the suffering they would face, but he also gave them hope. The disciples would not be alone. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always with us, and he has overcome all the difficulties in the world. Jesus is our reason not to lose heart when we go through pain and suffering.
8. Numbers 6:24-26
24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.
- Numbers 6:24-26
One of the functions of priests in the Old Testament was to bless the people of Israel, in the name of God. These were the words of blessing that they declared over the Israelites when they came to worship God.
During COVID-19 this passage took on a special meaning for many people as it formed the lyrics to the worship song ‘The Blessing’, sung by Coby Carnes and Kari Jobe. In challenging moments of our lives such as these, the words remind us that we are not alone, God turns his face towards us. It also tells us that the greatest blessing we can receive is God’s presence, peace, and grace in our lives.
9. Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 41:10
In Isaiah 41, God reminded the nation of Israel that he has all power and that he cares for his people. When we follow God wholeheartedly he cares for us and protects us. We do not need to be afraid, because God is powerful and leads us to victory.
10. Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
- Proverbs 3:5
This verse tells us about confidence and the danger of self-confidence. Trusting God with all our conviction (heart, mind and strength!) is important so we don't become self-sufficient or make our own personal idols. Only God is worthy of all our trust. We, like any other person (or thing) in this world, are limited and prone to failure. Trust in Jesus completely and walk firmly in Him always!
11. Matthew 6:9-13
This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.- Matthew 6:9-13
Many times we find it hard to know how to pray. Therefore, Jesus gave us a model to guide us when we have no idea how to begin. The Lord's Prayer touches on some essential areas, such as placing our lives under God's will and asking and offering forgiveness. It does not always need to be repeated word for word, but it is a good guide when praying.
12. Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
- Psalm 23:1
This is perhaps the best-known psalm in the entire Bible. Written by David, Psalm 23 compares God to a shepherd who takes care of his sheep, to the point that they lack NOTHING. This analogy is interesting if we remember that David, before becoming king of Israel, had been a shepherd. He more than anyone knew that sheep, on their own, are helpless. They need someone to guide them on the path, to free them from danger, to lead them to pasture, to calm waters and to rest. This is what God is like for his flock!
Jesus said he is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He takes care of you so you don't need to be afraid, even if you go through the valley, and through dangers of death... He is present, He supports you and helps you. Trust and rest in his faithfulness, in the love of the supreme Shepherd.
13. Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
- Matthew 19:6
This passage is so well know, perhaps because it is part of the modern wedding ceremony. But in the written context, Jesus was answering a question about divorce. Jesus explained about the union between husband and wife, the special bond which receives God's blessing.
Marriage is a serious commitment, and a spouse should not be treated as something temporary or disposable. Whenever possible, the two should strive to maintain the bond of marriage, leaving divorce only for serious situations, such as adultery.
14. Romans 8:31
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
- Romans 8:31
In this verse, the apostle Paul challenges the reader to reflect on what they have already read in chapter eight (that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ; that we live in the realm of the Spirit; we may suffer in the present with the promise of future glory, we live in the certainty of God's love).
So what should our response be? To trust in God's grace, through Jesus, because all suffering can be endured. Even afflictions work together for good for those who love God (vs.28). The Christian does not need to fear anyone (visible or invisible powers) because by faith, he will share the glory of Christ. It's worth continuing by faith.... In everything you go through in this life, rest assured. With God is by your side absolutely nothing can harm your salvation. Nothing will keep us from God's love.
15. Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
- Exodus 20:12
Of the 10 Commandments, this is the first that comes with a promise of a blessing for those who comply! Parents are not perfect but they usually have a lot of information and wisdom to pass on to their children, because they are the younger generation! The responsibility of having children is immense, as it has a great influence on the rest of their lives. Therefore, our parents deserve our honor. When we follow the guidance of parents who love God, we avoid many mistakes.
16. Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
- Matthew 6:34
It's perfectly natural to worry about the future. Nobody knows what is round the corner, and this uncertainty makes life difficult. But there is one person who knows all things past, present and future: God! He is in control of everything, so we do not need to be afraid of the future. Every day we may have our own worries, but God does not abandon those who love him.
17. Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
- Philippians 4:13
This verse is often used as a motivational pep talk as we push ourselves to achieve big goals, but there is a much deeper meaning. In the previous verses, the apostle Paul talks about how he learned to live a content life in God in all circumstances. In joy and sadness, in strength and weakness, in comfort and in pain, his strength to continue was in God. In every moment of life, whether good or bad, Jesus is our strength.
18. Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
- Joshua 1:9
When Moses died, leadership of the Israelites was passed to Joshua. Furthermore, Joshua had the mission to conquer the promised land after forty years in the desert. Having so much responsibility is not easy! But God spoke to Joshua and reminded him that he was not alone. If he was faithful to God, following His commandments, God would be with him every step of the way, giving him the victory. In the same way, God is always present in the lives of those who are faithful to him. When we put our trust in Him, He does not fail!
19. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
This passage describes the greatest gift of all: love. According to the Bible, love is not just a feeling, it is a whole way of life. Perfect love comes from God and transforms our relationships with people. With the help of Jesus, we need to cultivate love, seeking to act in the way described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, because nothing we do is valuable without love. Jesus demonstrates a perfect love that we should seek to reflect in our lives.
20. Matthew 18:21-22
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
- Matthew 18:21-22
Forgiving is not easy but it is very important. After saying that we must forgive others a countless number of times, Jesus explains that this forgiveness must be the fruit of the forgiveness we receive from God. If God has forgiven us all our trespasses, then we have no right to hold a grudge against anyone! When we forgive, we show the power of God's love and leave justice in his hands.