The most popular Bible verses include John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son"), Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"), Psalm 23 ("The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want"), Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 8:28.
Some verses are stitched onto pillows, written in graduation cards, and memorized by children and grandparents alike. These are the most popular and most-loved Bible verses. Below are twelve favorites in the King James Version, each with a note on why it is loved and a link to a full topic page. This is a curated list of all-time favorites, not a random draw or a daily pick; for those, try the random Bible verse generator or verse of the day.
The best-known verses in the Bible
1. John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Often called the gospel in a single sentence, this is likely the most quoted verse in the world: the size of God's love, the gift of His Son, and the promise of everlasting life for whosoever believes. Read it in context on our God's love and salvation pages.
2. Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Spoken to exiles in Babylon who would wait seventy years, this favorite is a promise of peace and an expected end from a God who has not forgotten His people. See more on God's plan and hope.
3. Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Paul wrote this from prison while learning contentment in plenty and in want. It is less about winning every game and more about Christ's strength for every circumstance, which is exactly why it is loved. Explore more strength verses.
4. Psalms 23:1-4
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
The Shepherd Psalm may be the most memorized chapter of the Bible: green pastures, still waters, a restored soul, and no fear in the darkest valley. See protection and grief.
Favorite verses for trust and peace
5. Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Trust with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways. Go deeper with trusting God.
6. Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Not a promise that everything is good, but that God works all things together for good for those who love Him. See God in control.
7. Isaiah 41:10
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Five promises in one verse: I am with thee, I am thy God, I will strengthen, help, and uphold thee. Read more verses about fear.
8. Philippians 4:6-7
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Be careful for nothing (anxious about nothing), pray about everything, and receive a peace that passes understanding. See anxiety and peace.
Most-loved verses for courage and rest
9. Joshua 1:9
"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Spoken to Joshua as he stepped into Moses' role, this command to be strong and of a good courage rests on one fact: the LORD goes with you everywhere. See courage.
10. Matthew 11:28
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Jesus' invitation to the weary is one of the most beloved sentences He spoke: come, and I will give you rest. Read more on rest.
11. Isaiah 40:31
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Eagles' wings, running without weariness, walking without fainting: this favorite is about renewed strength for those who wait upon the LORD. See waiting on God.
12. 2 Timothy 1:7
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Paul reminds a timid young pastor that God's Spirit is not fear but power, love, and a sound mind. See confidence.
A short prayer
Father, thank You for the words Your people have loved for generations. Keep these familiar verses from becoming merely familiar to me. Write them on my heart, and help me trust You with all my heart. In Jesus' name, 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 SOAP Bible Study Journal
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular Bible verse?
John 3:16 is widely considered the most popular and most quoted Bible verse: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:13 and Psalm 23 are close behind.
What is a good favorite Bible verse to memorize?
Start short: Philippians 4:13 or Matthew 11:28 can be learned in a day. Then try Proverbs 3:5-6 or Psalm 23:1-4.
How is this different from the verse of the day or random verse?
This page is a fixed, curated list of all-time favorites with context. The verse of the day shows one new verse daily, and the random Bible verse generator draws from a larger pool.
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 God's love · Bible verses about hope · Bible verses about strength · Bible verses about trusting God · Bible verses about peace · Bible verses about encouragement
Explore more: All Bible verses by topic · KJV Bible verses · Verse of the day · Prayers · Bible study · Bible reading plans
