Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10), and declared Himself "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). Moses set before Israel life and death and urged choosing life (Deuteronomy 30:19). Eternal life is knowing the true God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3).
"Life" in Scripture means more than heartbeat: it is abundance in Christ, the choice between life and death, and eternal life as knowing God. These twelve King James passages explore meaning and purpose—not primarily dying well (see our death page) or daily joy alone.
Life in Christ
1. John 10:10
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; Jesus came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly. Christian life is meant to be full, not merely surviving.
2. John 14:6
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by Him. Life is located in a Person.
3. John 17:3
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
Eternal life is defined as knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent. Relationship, not mere duration.
4. Galatians 2:20
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. New life is Christ living through faith.
Choose life
5. Deuteronomy 30:19
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"
I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that thou and thy seed may live.
6. Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The wages of sin is death; the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Life is gift, not wage.
7. 1 John 5:11-12
"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life.
8. Acts 17:28
"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."
In Him we live, and move, and have our being. Everyday existence depends on God.
Number your days
9. Psalms 90:12
"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. A numbered life becomes a wise life.
10. Ecclesiastes 3:1
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Life unfolds in God-appointed times.
11. 1 Timothy 6:12
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. Eternal life is to be grasped and lived, not only awaited.
12. Matthew 16:25
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
Whoever will save his life shall lose it; whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. Real life comes through surrender.
A short prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the life. Teach me to choose life, to number my days with wisdom, and to live abundantly by abiding in You. Let me know the Father and the Son, which is life eternal. Amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
[Download our free SOAP study page | Get the 30-page SOAP Bible Study Journal]
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Bible verse about life?
John 10:10, John 14:6, Deuteronomy 30:19, and John 17:3 are among the most quoted.
Where does the Bible say "I am the way, the truth, and the life"?
John 14:6.
What does "life more abundantly" mean?
In John 10:10 Jesus contrasts the thief's destruction with the full life He gives His sheep—life marked by His care and purpose, not mere existence.
What verse says to choose life?
Deuteronomy 30:19: Moses sets life and death before Israel and urges them to choose life.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about faith · Bible verses on hope · Bible verses about death · Bible verses about joy · Bible verses about God's love
Explore more: All Bible verses by topic · KJV Bible verses · Verse of the day · Prayers · Bible study · Bible reading plans
