If you have spent any time in Bible study, chances are you have come across the number 8 several times. So what does the number 8 mean and signify in the Bible?
Both the Old Testament and New Testament contain several references to the number 8. There are many theories surrounding the numerology of prophecy, but we will stick to what we see in the text of Scripture.
Scholars have spent significant time understanding the meaning of numbers in the Word of God.
The number 8 usually represents a new beginning. It is often linked to a brighter future, new horizons, and a new life in general. In the historic Christian Church, the number 8 also represents Jesus’ resurrection.
I also discovered something that I didn’t know before: many church baptismal fonts are eight-sided to signify a fresh start and spiritual life. Now I will be counting font sides in every church I visit!
I clearly remember my baptism at 23 years old on Palm Sunday, one week before Easter Sunday. It was the beginning of a new era and work of the Lord in my life.
What Does the 8th Day Represent in the Bible?
The eighth day is the day associated with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and His ascension. It is also the number of a new beginning and the dawn of the new creation that appears for the first time in the Book of Genesis.
The eighth day has long been associated with the number of new beginnings, namely the eternal life that God alone provides.
The eighth day also held a special meaning for the children of Israel as the day that every male child was circumcised. Jewish traditions of circumcision continue today, alongside Christians across the globe:
“This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring” (Genesis 17:10-12).
Circumcision on the eighth day is also mentioned by the Apostle Paul: “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God” (Romans 2:28-29).
The shape of the baptismal font then reflects this “circumcision of the heart” and the new birth of water and the Holy Spirit that takes place in baptism.
Where Does the Number 8 Appear in the Bible?
The biblical meaning of number 8 begins in Genesis and goes into the New Testament. Here are the most significant and familiar occurrences of the number 8.
1. The Great Flood
The number eight recalls Noah’s ark and how eight people were saved from the Great Flood. “When God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water” (1 Peter 3:20).
Genesis chapter 6 tells us, “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth” (Genesis 6:11-13).
The story of Noah reveals our Lord God tearing down the corruption of the world and starting over with only eight faithful people. A new covenant, a new order, and a bright future.
2. Jesus’ Resurrection
Sunday is the first day of the week. It was the eighth day after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection on Easter Sunday, He appeared to Mary Magdalene and His disciples a total of eight times before His ascension.
Mark 16:9 – “Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.”
Matthew 28:9-10– “And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
Luke 24:13-15 – “That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven milesfrom Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them.”
John 20:19 – “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.'”
Mark 16:14 – “Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.”
John 21:1 – “After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias.”
Matthew 28:16-17 – “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.”
Acts 1:3 – “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
3. Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles celebrated by the Israelites (and is still celebrated to this day) takes place over the course of seven days.
On the day after, another feast is celebrated, known as the Last Great Day, so all in all, this makes for an eight-day celebration.
Jesus spoke on this Last Great Day: “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37).
4. The Beatitudes
The number 8 is also associated with the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a set of eight statements attributed to Jesus. Each of these statements contains a blessing for a particular group of people.
The eight Beatitudes appear in chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew. Four of the Beatitudes are also listed in the Gospel of Luke 6:22.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land” (Matthew 5:4).
“Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:5).
“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill” (Matthew 5:6).
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
“Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
“Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Bottom Line
Numbers can contain significant meaning in the Bible. However, nothing is more significant than the perfect life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ to redeem us from our sins. God bless your study time.
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Some mornings you wake with a specific person, struggle, or ominous task on your agenda that first comes to mind. You need Thursday morning prayers and blessings to start well.
On other days, you wake up feeling an overwhelming sense of thankfulness for God’s grace, love, and mercies that He has poured into your life. Honestly, this is how I wake up most days.
Beginning each morning with prayer centers your heart and mind on God before the day’s chaos begins. You might call it a good morning prayer message with God. Here are Thursday morning prayers and blessings to start your day with the Lord.
Thursday Prayer Message for Self
Dear Lord, today is a new day. No matter what happened yesterday, You have given me a beautiful morning full of new possibilities. I have breath in my lungs because You have good work for me to accomplish in Your name today. Help me keep my eyes on You every step of the way today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
O Lord, You have given me the Holy Spirit to guide me on this blessed Thursday. I need your guidance because I woke up not feeling great. I have a lot on my plate and pressing into my mind, so I start this beautiful day with a worshipful heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dear God, there is so much in my life right now that is broken. It is hard to embrace good morning messages when my heart is heavy. I pray that You keep my eyes on Jesus Christ today. Calm my heart and give peace to my mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Almighty God, some days I make foolish decisions about time management and finances. I pray that You send wise men and women to surround me in the right places today. All good gifts come from You, so guide me on the right path to be a good steward of Your resources. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Christ Jesus, You have blessed me with good health which makes this a wonderful Thursday. Provide opportunities today to use my physical agility to help a good friend who may be facing health challenges. Thank you for giving me the ability to bless others in Your name and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Father God, it breaks my heart when a beloved family member faces hard times. Give me opportunities today to show them Your steadfast love. Show me ways that I can help them so that they have a good day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord God, I treasure my children. Yet I know You treasure them more as you knit them together in my womb. Keep my children safe today in Your care and keeping. You know what they need and I trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for making my husband a great father to our children. Give him a blessed day at work. May this Thursday morning bring him peace of mind that he is an excellent provider for our family. Thank you for the incredible blessing of family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord Jesus, first thing this morning I thank You for the husband that You picked out for me. He is my best friend and most faithful companion. Thank you for giving him a heart after Yours. I pray that you bless him with a wonderful morning full of good news, efficient work, and peace of mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dear Lord, as my parents age it is hard to watch them struggle with health issues. You have given them many good things in their life today, so I ask that you lift them up and remind them of those blessings. Give them daily activities that prove they are still a vital part of the kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It’s daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” — Søren Kierkegaard
“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one” — Bruce Lee
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” — Maya Angelou (Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer)
“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” — Mother Teresa
Father, so often I ask for a happy Thursday rather than asking what You have planned for me in it. Let me notice the works of Your hands today instead of the latest social media post. Show me the best way to share Jesus’ teachings and love with all whose path I cross today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord God, before another minute of today passes by, show me Your steadfast love. This new morning is full of limitless possibilities when I focus the right mindset on You. I pray that you allow my work today to bring you glory as I share Your love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
God of my Salvation, today is a special day because You hold me in Your mighty hands. I know that You will bring about great things today because I trust my path to You alone. Thank you, Lord, for sending Your Son to die in my place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
O God, You are my refuge and strength. As I step out into the world today, let me do so with a beautiful smile and the name of the Lord on my lips. Let me shine the glorious light of God into the darkness with joy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Heavenly Father, sometimes my good morning prayers are about others. Today, I boldly pray for myself that the peace of God that passes all understanding guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus today. What a great way to start out any day! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Beautiful Savior, thank you for blessing me with the wonderful sounds of nature this morning. I love Your creation because it reflects Your beauty and creativity. As I go out today, grant me safe travels and a renewed sense of Your purpose over my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord God, the most wonderful Thursday morning prayers and blessings start in the Word of God. Thank You for that time of blessing within those holy pages this morning. You have blessed me with so many reminders of Your unwavering faithfulness and love. Thank you, Lord.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the blessing of my health this morning. I can rise and do the work that You have set out for me because You have preserved my health. Let me honor that blessing by taking care of my body, mind, and soul. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Dear Father, thank you for the level ground at the foot of the cross. Jesus died for my sin–a truly staggering truth that enables me to live eternally with You. Let me never take that tremendous blessing for granted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Most Holy God, I wake this morning knowing that a challenging day awaits. I pray that You bless me with Your strength and Your patience to see me through. You are so faithful, Lord. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Here are some of the most well-known and well-loved Bible verses to start your Thursday morning prayers and blessings in the best way possible.
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
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.”
Psalm 23:1-3– “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.”
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
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.”
Romans 8:1-2 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Starting each day positive with your mind on the Lord makes all the difference.
Dear Lord, thank you for another day! I pray that You enable me to put forth my best today in every way. Today at work, let me serve abundantly. At home, let me love unconditionally. At church, let me worship wholeheartedly. You, Lord, are my strength and joy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Good morning, Lord! I start this day knowing that You are by my side. Lead me and guide me today in the ways that You know I need to go. Keep Your words fresh in my mind and quick on my lips to encourage others along the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord and Savior, I arise today in the strength of Your might. I walk today in the wisdom of Your guidance. And I speak today with the grace that You have given me. I pray that You keep these things foremost in my mind as I walk through this new day You have given me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Heavenly Father, it blows my mind that You have given me the gift of faith and eternal life through Your Son Jesus Christ. There is no greater gift of love than one who lays his life down for another. Jesus did that for me. Let me live in gratitude today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Some days are just hard. Oftentimes they blindside us. Keep these Thursday morning prayers and blessings handy for those challenging days.
Dear Lord, today is far from a pleasant day. I am finding it hard to keep my thoughts on You. It’s difficult to say kind words today because I hurt. Soothe my soul, Lord, as only You can. You know what I need most right now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Jesus my Savior, I am struggling today. I have a hard time being kind when others go out of their way to be unkind. Father, I commend them to You. I am not judge and jury, so I trust that You see them and will work in their lives accordingly. Heal my heart, Lord, and remind me of Your great love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord and Friend, I need You desperately. Today is shaping up to be a difficult day. Guard my mind from despair and let it rest on Your peace. Bring me comfort through Your Word and guard my tongue today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Heavenly Father, I woke up with a sense of dread and darkness. I need Your Thursday morning prayers and blessings. I do not want to walk through today in such a state. Remind me of Your love and faithfulness. Be the light on my path today so that I do not stumble. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
When we pray the Word of God back to Him, strongholds are demolished because Scripture is our weapon against the enemy’s attacks. Keep these Thursday morning prayers and blessings close.
1. Bible Verses For Comfort
2 Chronicles 20:12b – “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
Colossians 1:13-14 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Psalm 4:1 – “Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.”
Psalm 31:1-5 – “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.”
Psalm 139:13-16 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Finding peace in the world is challenging, to say the least. But we will always find peace in Christ and His promises. Keep these Thursday morning prayers and blessings for peace close by.
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.”
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
There are no two ways about it, the devil and his legions will use every dirty trick to steal our faith. Here are verses to remind You of God’s loving protection over you for your Thursday morning prayers and blessings.
Psalm 91:1-2 – “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
Psalm 91:3-4 – “He will deliver me from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.He will cover me with His pinions, and under His wings I will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”
Psalm 91:5 – “When I call to You, You will answer me; You will be with me in trouble; You will rescue me and honor me.”
Psalm 91:9-10 – “Because I have made the Lord my dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall me, no plague come near my tent.”
Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Psalm 91:14–“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my Name.”
Romans 8:37 – “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Dear Lord, thank you for the breath in my lungs this morning. Let me use it to proclaim You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Heavenly Father, I do not know what today holds, but my eyes are on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Loving Savior, despite what my day holds, give me Your peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Beautiful Jesus, let me see others as You see them – wholly and dearly loved by You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Father and Friend, guard my words today so that I encourage and bless others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Dear Father, You hold today in Your hands, so I put every moment in Your perfect care and keeping. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Beginning each Thursday morning prayers and blessings time in the power of prayer, your favorite Bible verses, and covering your daily tasks His holy name, you will discover that a more peaceful day unfolds and perhaps a good mood as the sun rises.
Basking in the love of God is an amazing way to begin a great day. God bless your Thursday!
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If you have ever studied the Old Testament, you have probably noticed that some of the longest and hardest names in the Bible reside there.
Yes, the New Testament contains some unique biblical names, but the Old Testament takes the cake! Here are the top ten longest and hardest names, along with Bible verses reference.
1. Maher-shalal-hash-baz
Did you try to pronounce it? Wow! The name Mahershalalhashbaz is found twice in the book of Isaiah:
Then the Lord said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters, ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.’And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.”And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz” (Isaiah 8:1-3, ESV).
Out of all Isaiah’s sons, I think I would have preferred Isaac. But here, God instructs Isaiah to give his second son this unique name containing eighteen letters and six syllables. That is a long name!
Before Maher-shalal-hash-baz was even conceived, God told Isaiah the boy’s name which means “Swift to the spoil, quick to the plunder.” Born during the Syro-Ephraimite War involving Syria, Israel, and the Assyrian Empire, it prophesied Israel’s fall to the king of Assyria, Tiglath-Pileser III, in 732 BC.
2. Cushan-rishathaim
Is it wrong that I keep pronouncing it like the flower chrysanthemum? This proper name is the second-longest name in the Bible and appears in Judges:
“Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight years.But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand. And his hand prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim” (Judges 3:8-10, ESV).
This king of northwest Mesopotamia was the first oppressor of the Israelites after they settled in the Promised Land (Canaan). God allowed the children of Israel to fall under the punishment of this king for eight years for idol worship until their hearts turned back toward God.
3. Zaphenath-paneah
In the number three spot of long names and long words appears a well-known character. I learned this name when I studied the story of Joseph in Genesis, where it appears in only one Bible verse:
“And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:45, ESV).
When Pharaoh elevated Joseph to the prime minister of Egypt ahead of the seven-year famine, Pharaoh replaced the Hebrew name “Joseph” with this whopper.
Given by Pharaoh, the name seems to be Egyptian, but the exact meaning is unclear. Most scholars agree that it generally means, “the man to whom mysteries are revealed.” Since God gave Joseph the gift of interpreting dreams, that meaning certainly makes sense.
This man was a king of Babylon and is mentioned in the book of Isaiah:
“At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that he had been sick and had recovered” (Isaiah 39:1, ESV).
Merodach-Baladan II was king of Babylonia from 721-710 BC. One of the interesting facts about him is that he also served as king for only nine months in 703 BC. He is best known for maintaining Babylonian independence against the Assyrian military supremacy for more than a decade.
5. Tiglath-pileser
Another tongue twister, this name is found in the book of 1 Chronicles:
“Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria carried away into exile; he was a chief of the Reubenites. … And when they prevailed over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him” (1 Chronicles 5:6, 20, ESV).
Tiglath-pileser was the king of Assyria during 745-727 BC. He inaugurated the last and greatest phase of Assyrian Expansion as he merged the kingdoms of Assyria and Babylonia. He amassed vast wealth as he conquered neighboring lands.
6. Nebuchadnezzar
Finally, a name that we are familiar with probably because it appears over 90 times in the Old Testament. This name occurs 39 times in Jeremiah and 30 times in Daniel, along with seven other books.
“At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it…and carried off all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord, which Solomon king of Israel had made, as the Lord had foretold. He carried away all Jerusalem and all the officials and all the mighty men of valor, 10,000 captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths. None remained, except the poorest people of the land” (2 Kings 24:10-11, 13-14, ESV).
He was the most famous Babylonian king, as well as one of the most powerful rulers to ever appear on the world stage. He carried off Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, among thousands of others. Yet like all kings, Nebuchadenzzar’s might was nothing compared to Israel’s Mighty God.
7. Mephibosheth
This also may be a familiar name if you know King David’s story. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, grandson of King Saul, who was crippled in his feet. He appears fourteen times in Scripture:
“And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (2 Samuel 9:1, ESV).
Though not brothers, David loved Jonathan like a brother. After David became king of Israel, he wanted to honor Jonathan’s memory by honoring any surviving family members. David promised Mephibosheth:
“I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always” (2 Samuel 9:7, ESV).
8. Chedorlaomer
Appearing five times in the book of Genesis, Chedorlaomer was a king of Elam:
“In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled” (Genesis 14:1-4, ESV).
In the 14th year, Chedorlaomer and three allies, Amraphel of Shinar, Arioch from Ellasar, and Tidal of Goiim, put down the rebellion. Among Chedorlaomer’s captives was Abraham’s nephew Lot, who had been living nearby.
9. Hazarmaveth
The thirteenth son of Joktan (son of Eber, son of Shem, son of Noah), Hazarmaveth appears twice. Both times his appearance is in the context of Noah’s lineage:
“Joktan fathered Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all these were the sons of Joktan” (1 Chronicles 1:20-23, ESV).
A very interesting fact about Hazarmaveth is that his name means “court of death.” However, Scripture does not reveal why he was given this name.
10. Ammishaddai
Appearing five times in the book of Numbers, our number ten spot of long Biblical names comes from the Tribe of Dan:
“On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan by their companies, the chief of the people of Dan being Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai” (Numbers 2:25, ESV).
Ammishaddai was the father of Ahiezer, who was chief of the Danites at the time of the Exodus. This is one of the few names compounded with the name of God, Shaddai, “Almighty.”
Bottom line, there are some long names in the Bible. These are just the top 10! I hope you have fun exploring the Bible for even more.
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I did not know Jesus until I was twenty-three years old. I fully understand the learning and relationship curves of a new life in Christ! Inspiring Bible verses served as cornerstones.
If this is your first time learning about God and studying the Bible, I am cheering you on! Your faith is a free gift of God. You are a new creation because of the love of God.
God will faithfully lead you on the right path. The key? Go slow and be consistent. Here are some inspiring Bible verses and the best Bible verses to memorize for your new beginning.
Studying the Bible can be intimidating. I understand! There are sixty-six books in the Bible. The Old Testament contains 39, and the New Testament contains 27 books. And the vast majority of those books contain several chapters.
God’s Word is a large book providing the roadmap for your Christian faith. Take your time. Understanding the content is the goal, not how fast you get through it.
Pick one book in the Word of God and get started. I suggest starting with the Gospel of John because it is a comprehensive story of Jesus’ life. God’s love is on full display in this beautiful book.
It may still seem overwhelming, but the good news is that the power of the Holy Spirit inside of you will guide the way. Your heavenly Father provides wisdom and understanding as you need it.
One of the ways to learn more about God is by reading the Bible. As Christians, we read the Bible to know God, God’s will, and God’s promises (among other things).
Start by picking one of these Bible verses and read it a few times. Then pause to think about what that verse means. What is God communicating to you in that verse?
John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 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.”
Romans 10:9 – “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.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Ephesians 2:8-10 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
God desires to communicate with you through His Word and prayer. A relationship with God means that you know Him and how He feels about you.
The following verses are important to reflect on as a new believer. They will help you understand more about God and the kingdom of God to which you now belong.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
The more Bible verses you read, the more God reminds you of the hope that all Christians have in Christ. You will face difficult times, but our God of hope walks right beside you.
Some verses are more difficult than others. Many Bibles have notes at the bottom of each page to help your own understanding of Scripture. I have found the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and the Lutheran Study Bible most helpful.
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.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 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.”
Philippians 2:3-4– “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
If you are just starting your prayer journey with God, again I am cheering you on! God, Creator of the universe, hears every single word.
One of the most effective ways to pray is simply to use Scripture. Simply say the words back to God from you like you’re talking with Him face-to-face. Your journey of faith will be blessed.
Psalm 94:18-19 – “When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’ Your steadfast love, O LORD, helped me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Through faith, you have become a new person (creation). The Word of Christ dwells in you through the power of the Holy Spirit and enables you to live differently.
You will be a better person as your life begins producing the good fruit of good deeds. By the grace of God, you see others as children of God and treat them with greater love.
Your spiritual journey will carve rich, new paths in your life to share the Gospel message with others. That may sound intimidating! It simply means you are open to sharing with others the fresh start and new life God has given you.
In the beginning, you will stumble and fall back into old ways every now and then. I certainly did. But God who is in you is greater than your struggle. He is faithful! God promises:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
Bible Topics for New Believers
Life with God is a relationship. Christ Jesus knit you together in your mother’s womb and knows you better than you know yourself.
This collection of Bible verses is organized by topic. They are important Bible verses to understand God’s plan, God’s strength, and God’s handiwork for everyday life.
1. Bible Passages on Peace
The hurt and chaos of our world reveal times of trouble. However, followers of Jesus can look to these inspiring Bible verses as a good reminder that Jesus is our Prince of Peace.
Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.”
Life’s challenges can certainly cause fear. However, the more you devour the solid food of God’s Word, the more you can understand that the power of God can conquer each and every fear.
Here are some inspiring Bible verses to keep your eyes on Jesus rather than your fears.
Psalm 34:4-5, 8 – “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
Joshua 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.”
Isaiah 41:13 – “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Some of the best advice I ever heard went something like this: “Make a list of everything you are worried about. Cross off the ones that you can’t control. Focus on the ones you can.”
More than 85% of what we worry about will never come to pass. So instead of wasting time worrying, increase your spiritual growth by focusing on God. He can handle and take care of ALL of your worries.
Matthew 6:31-34 – “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or “What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Romans 12:12 – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
4. The Steadfast Love of Christ
God loved you so much that He sent His one and only Son to die for your sin. There is no greater love! On those days when you have a hard time feeling loved, keep these inspiring Bible verses close.
Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 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.”
1 John 4:10-11 – “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Romans 5:7-8 – “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Isaiah 54:10 – “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
People are sinful and we fail. Period. Even those we hold most dear can falter and disappoint us. But when you put your trust in God, He will never fail you. He will never disappoint you. He will always keep His promises.
1 John 5:18 – “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”
Hebrews 11:1- “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Romans 8:24-25 – “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
1 Chronicles 16:11 – “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
These inspiring Bible verses are just the tip of the iceberg! As you read through Scripture, God will bless you and draw you to verses that you can cling to in every stage of your journey.
Bottom Line
Now that you’ve started your Christian faith, life isn’t going to be perfect. Life still happens! Your debt won’t magically disappear, your relationships and job stresses won’t necessarily change overnight.
But hold on to God’s promise that He will work for your good. He loves you and wants the very best for you. We may not understand it in our limited view of life and short-sighted perspective of this world, but we can trust that God will work on our behalf as we live out our purpose.
I have tons of free resources on my website that you can download and tuck into your Bible. God bless your journey!
{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}
In this broken world, you and I understand weeping. So it is powerful to know that Jesus wept. His compassion and sorrow to weep demonstrate just how much He loves each one of us.
So how many times did Jesus weep in the Bible? Only twice. And each occasion where He wept is eye-opening and instructive. Let’s look at Jesus’ tears more closely.
During my research, I ran across various sources that counted Jesus weeping three times or more. Some attributed the “loud cries” of Christ Jesus as actual tears. The original language does not support that interpretation.
Other references, like the book of Hebrews, count Jesus as weeping when it only refers to the actual times Jesus wept (Hebrews 5:7).
There is a common misconception that Jesus wept in the Garden of Gethsemane. However, on the pages of Scripture Jesus wept only twice. One time for the present suffering of friends, and the other time for the future suffering of His people.
1. Jesus Weeps at the Death of Lazarus
One of the most well-known instances of Jesus weeping is over the death of his friend Lazarus.
“Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill‘” (John 11:1-3).
Now Jesus loved Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha (John 11:5). He visited them often and enjoyed their friendship.
Jesus Arrives in Bethany
Lazarus had been dead for four days by the time Jesus arrived at their house in Bethany. The book of John tells us what happened next.
Mary remained in the house, but Martha ran to meet Jesus. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you” (John 11:21-22). Ouch.
Despite her grief and harsh accusation, Martha still believes that Jesus can perform a miracle. Martha’s grief was not a lack of faith. Like us, Martha understood that Jesus could take hurt-filled questions without writing us off. She clung to the faith that He had given her and believed in a miracle. What a testimony!
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in His spirit and greatly troubled. And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” (John 11:33-36)
The Purpose of Jesus’ Delay
Jesus intentionally delayed going to Bethany and the tomb of His friend Lazarus despite Mary and Martha’s message. Why? “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4).
Jesus knew that his close friend Lazarus’ earthly death was not eternal. And He wanted everyone there to understand that truth, as well.
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world‘” (John 11:25-27).
Again, what faith! Now the stage was set and the audience was present for Jesus to perform a miracle regarding Lazarus’ death.
Lazarus Raised From the Dead
Only Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. And the entire village had the privilege of seeing firsthand that truth come to life as they went to Lazarus’ tomb:
“Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.’When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go‘” (John 11:38, 41-44).
What a scene to behold! Jesus spoke three power-packed simple words, “Lazarus, come out.” And many of the Jews present at the tomb of Lazarus believed in Jesus.
Despite our worst moments of pain and suffering, Jesus is our hope and refuge. The Name of the Lord is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) and we can run to Him.
When we believe by faith that Jesus suffered, died, rose from the grave, and sits on heaven’s throne, our earthy death is a precursor to spending eternity with Him.
2. Jesus Wept Over Jerusalem
The second occasion in the holy Bible where we see tears of sorrow from Jesus is on the day of His triumphal entry.
“And when He drew near and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes'” (Luke 19:41-42).
It would be easy to see that Palm Sunday parade as Jesus’ victory dance into Jerusalem. In reality, it was the beginning of His last days on earth.
As what we call “Holy Week” began, the people spread their cloaks in front of Jesus’ donkey and cheered as He rode into Jerusalem. But Jesus’s tears reveal that He knew what was coming for the people of Jerusalem:
“For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation” (Luke 19:43-44).
The Lutheran Study Bible sums up that moment beautifully: “Jesus weeps over Jerusalem’s present blindness and future fate. His heart still breaks for those who have not yet received His Word” (p.1757).
Did Jesus Weep in the Garden of Gethsemane?
The New Testament reveals that on the night that Jesus was betrayed, Jesus first spent time with His disciples in the Upper Room.
As they finished with Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper, they walked outside the city of Jerusalem toward the Mount of Olives.
The Garden of Gethsemane was a walled garden full of olive trees used for extracting oil. Just east of Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples often met in the Garden. A portion of that Garden remains today which is a truly special stop on my regular trips to the Holy Land.
A. Jesus in the Garden
Jesus spent time in deep, sorrowful prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here we see this Man of Sorrows in emotional turmoil as He understands the task ahead of Him.
“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I go over there and pray.’ And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me‘” (Matthew 26:36-38, ESV).
Jesus was sorrowful, yet Scripture does not say that He wept. The Gospel of Luke reveals what happened:
“And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:43-44, ESV).
Jesus’ sorrow produced sweat like great blood drops, not tears. The heart of Jesus was broken on our behalf that night because of His deep love for us.
Saying a simple “thank you” for Jesus’ sacrifice does not even begin to express our gratitude for such a life-changing gift.
B. What Jesus Accomplished in the Garden
The Son of God understood that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). So He took our sin to the cross to offer us the certain hope of eternity with Him (John 3:16).
Upon Jesus that night was laid the entire weight of the world’s sin–past, present, and future. I do not believe we can fully imagine the gargantuan weight of our sin load. Instead of weeping, Jesus prayed.
“And going a little farther He fell on His face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will'” (Matthew 26:39, ESV).
In the Garden, our Lord Jesus Christ surrendered His will to God so that we might have everlasting life. Talk about Good News of great joy!
Our sinful human nature relegated us to hell, but Jesus could not bear the thought. So He offered His perfect life in genuine love to every human being who believes by faith that He died and rose victoriously for their salvation.
Does Jesus Weep With Us?
Jesus is known as the Suffering Servant. Isaiah 53:3 tells us: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” Jesus knew suffering throughout His earthly life. He was maligned by religious leaders and suffered unimaginable physical pain.
“Jesus wept” is the shortest verse of the Bible (John 11:35, ESV). It is also one of the most profound statements of Christ’s humanity.
Sometimes the comfort we need amid heartbreaking trouble is to reflect upon a weeping Savior who still weeps for us. But if Christ continues to weep, He continues to suffer. And if He continues to suffer, He cannot say about his atoning work “It is finished” (John 19:30).
However, Scripture confirms that our Lord God grieves: “How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved him in the desert!” (Psalm 78:40, also Ephesians 4:30)
Jesus wept on earth. Literal weeping is never attributed to Christ in heaven. But it is certainly accurate and comforting to understand that God’s heart is moved, grieved, and broken by our sin (Genesis 6:6).
Why Should We Weep Over Our Sin?
Let’s start with the simple truth. We are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). And the truth about sinners is that we sin.
Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), and it has since sin entered into the world and removed Adam and Eve from paradise (Genesis 3).
The very last thing we want is to be separated from the One who provides eternal life. So we weep over our sin. We confess to our Holy God and receive divine forgiveness.
God sent Jesus to justify and redeem us as a free gift of grace (Romans 3:24-25). Jesus gave His life so that we might have the righteousness of God. When we fall into willful sin (or any other sin), those actions and thoughts spit on Jesus’ sacrifice.
Our loving Father sacrificed His only Son for us. The very least we can do is to rely on His strength to live good, godly lives that point people to Jesus.
Wednesday is a special day of the week. You made it through the first two work days and you need some powerful prayers and blessings to get through the rest of the week.
There are two positive steps you can take to make this Wednesday a wonderful day: pray and count your blessings.
As we tackle this middle of the week, here are some prayers and blessings to make this beautiful Wednesday morning a good day.
Our world is noisy. It will take advantage of every opportunity to hurl distractions and chaos in our pathway.
Start your day by taking a deep breath. Remembering God’s love and strength empowers you to tackle anything that happens in your life today.
Lord Jesus, I woke with the weight of my to-do list sitting on my chest. I ask that You help me prioritize what is important to You today. Take my anxiety and replace it with Your steadfast love and purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord God, my mind is scattered this morning. I ask that You give me clarity and purpose as I start today. You promise that You help those whose minds are set on You. I’m struggling, so I entrust my heart and mind to Your care and keeping today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Dear Lord, you have given me good health to enjoy this blessed Wednesday morning. Give me the eyes to see this new day as opportunity-rich. Show me who needs Your help today and let me be Your hands and feet. Thank you for the gift of your Son and the hope of eternity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Dear God, thank you for the blessing of another day. You alone are worthy of my worship! Guide my feet along the right path today. Grant me the grace to be kind and the mind to make the most out of this beautiful day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday Prayer for Family and Friends
Your family and friends are gifts from God that make life rich. Any day is a good day to give thanks for them.
And as you give thanks, here are some powerful Wednesday prayers and blessings for family members and cherished friends.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing me with a loving, supportive family. I pray that You bless each one of them outrageously today and let them know it came from You. Draw them close to You, because that is the safest place they can ever be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord Jesus, You are my guiding light. Today I pray that this bright Wednesday morning is a day of perfect health for my family. Inspire them to recognize Your blessings and share them with others. There is such great joy in blessing others in Your holy name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Beautiful Savior, it is a beautiful thing to wake up each morning and talk with You. Thank you for the amazing friends that You have surrounded me with. I pray Your peace and love infuse their lives throughout today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Father God, I am so thankful that You know all things. You know where my family and friends need You most. I pray that the peace of God covers their lives today as they experience Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Positive Wednesday Morning Blessings
Many happy Wednesday blessings begin with a grateful heart. God’s presence and God’s grace never depart from us. They stand at the heart of all wonderful Wednesday blessings.
God’s goodness brings about great things that can turn any day into a very blessed day. The best way to start a great Wednesday is by thanking God for today’s blessings before they even happen (because they always do).
Christ Jesus, thank you for the breath in my lungs to live another day. I am so thankful for the good things that You have blessed me with. I’m also thankful for the hard things that cause me to grow in grace. Guide me toward positive thoughts and wise choices today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
O Lord, I confess that yesterday’s challenges got me a bit down. It is hard to see the goodness of God when I am hurting. I pray that the light of the Lord shines brightly in my heart and life today as I reflect Your goodness to those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Father, today’s challenges are nothing in Your mighty hands. May today’s blessing from You overcome every darkness that threatens to steal my joy. I praise you, Lord, that the Holy Spirit guides my steps today. Let me not miss Your leading. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord Jesus, I understand that every blessing comes from You. Every good deed is inspired by You. Open my eyes to how I can be a blessing to those around me on this happy Wednesday morning. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Wednesday Bible Verses for Strength
An excellent Wednesday morning prayer means asking God for His strength and guidance. Half of the week is already history, so you may feel depleted.
Strength comes from God and our faith in him. Here are Bible verses that you can use as a prayer for His strength.
2 Corinthians 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.”
Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 46:5 – “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Wednesday Blessings for Divine Wisdom
God’s plans are perfect, so we need His divine wisdom to navigate every day. God’s wisdom comes from the Word of God, so let these Bible verses start your powerful Wednesday prayers and blessings.
Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Proverbs 13:10 – “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Proverbs 1:7– “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
1 Corinthians 3:18 – “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.”
Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Wednesday Prayers for a Great Day
Wednesday is appropriately nicknamed “Hump Day.” The first two workdays are gone and two remain. You’re right in the middle and sometimes it feels like a speed bump.
However, a great way to change our attitude begins with prayer. Here are helpful and powerful Wednesday prayers and blessings to start your day.
Father, you have given me a new day to experience new things. Let me see my day through Your eyes. With fresh eyes of faith, Lord, lift any heaviness and replace it with a deep sense of gratitude for Your love and blessings in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Dear Lord, the beginning of the week seems like a month ago. I confess that I am slow to start today. I am feeling tired and a bit drained. Refresh my soul with Your strength and open my eyes to the divine purpose You have ordained today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Dearest Jesus, I wholeheartedly trust You with my day. Where I go, how I speak, and how I interact with others are in Your hands. Any day with You is a great day, so let Your love shine through me so that others can see You afresh. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Heavenly Father, I confess that my day did not start great. So I come to You because You can work all things for good according to your will. The rest of the day lay ahead, so I ask for Your hand of blessing and favor to fall fresh on me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
God’s Blessings for Wednesday Morning
Any perfect day starts with understanding how much our perfect God has blessed us.
Our opinions may differ on what constitutes a perfect day. But the grace of God is always perfect all the time. Here are some powerful Wednesday prayers and blessings.
Good morning, Lord! I do not know what today holds but You do. You bless me in so many ways each day. Thank you so much. Let me not miss seeing Your blessings today and give You thanks for each one. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Christ Jesus, I could never ask for a greater blessing than Your life that You willingly gave for me. You endured far more than I can imagine or will ever know. Today, give me a new awareness of my greatest blessing–YOU. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Sovereign Lord, I woke up with such a sense of expectation this morning. I do not know what You have planned for me today. However, I know that whatever it is will be for my good and Your glory. Let me see Your glory today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord Jesus, Your presence in my life makes every day extraordinary. I ask for Your beautiful blessings today on what would otherwise be a very normal day. I long to walk in Your ways, Lord. You are so faithful to lead well. Thank you! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Wednesday Prayers for Peace of Mind
Across the globe’s landscape, there is so much strife and turmoil. Peace cannot be found in this world.
That is why God sent His Son on Christmas. In Jesus, we understand that true peace is a Person, not a place. Jesus alone is our Prince of Peace. So, here are powerful Wednesday prayers and blessings.
Savior and Lord, I am so troubled by what I see happening in our world today. You promised that we would experience trouble. Yet You also promised that You have overcome the world. Remind me of that today and let peace reign in my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Father, I see the political unrest in my country and it saddens my heart. I pray that You lift my eyes to You to see that You know all things. I can have peace of mind because You are in control. Thank you, Lord, for such a beautiful gift. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Christ Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. Where would I be without You? I allow so many things to cause unrest in my heart and mind. Yet despite anything that the devil can do on earth, You win for all eternity. Let that truth be my peace today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Lord God, remind me today that my peace comes from You. Regardless of that difficult co-worker. Despite a struggling economy. You are my peace! I pray that You let me rest in that truth today so that others can see Your peace is a beautiful place. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Wednesday Blessings of the Love of God
There are literally hundreds of ways in the Bible that God tells and shows us how much He loves us.
God is our Rescuer, Comforter, Healer, Friend, Savior, and so much more. And His love for us is unwavering. Let’s look at just a few for powerful Wednesday prayers and blessings.
Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 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.”
Deuteronomy 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.”
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.”
Psalm 143:8– “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
John 15:9-10 – “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
God’s Love for an Amazing Wednesday
The best days start with understanding God’s deep and abiding love for you.
That was one of the hardest things for me to understand as a new Christian over thirty years ago. I had done some pretty bad things, but God still loved me? You bet.
Romans 5:8 – “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
1 John 4:16 – “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”
Zephaniah 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.”
Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
John 16:27 – “For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God.”
Lead today with these powerful Wednesday prayers and blessings!
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We are all familiar with rainbows and probably have seen many in our lifetime. But what is the biblical meaning of rainbows?
Sometimes, if we are fortunate, we can spot a double rainbow if we look closely. So what is the biblical meaning and significance of a rainbow and a secondary rainbow?
The scientific explanation of a rainbow is simple. Rainbows are caused by reflection, refraction, and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It takes the form of a multicolored circular arc.
Rainbows caused by sunlight always appear in the section of the sky directly opposite the sun. Two elements are required for a single rainbow to appear: light and water.
The most common time for the appearance of a rainbow is right after a rainstorm. When the sun comes out after the storm is the best chance of spotting a primary rainbow.
What Does the Bible Say About Rainbows?
The first time a rainbow appears in Scripture is in the story of Noah.
God had caused a great flood to wipe out every living creature on the face of the Earth except for those safe aboard the ark.
The biblical meaning of rainbows is precisely set forth in Genesis 9.
1. When the First Rainbow Appeared in the Bible
After spending approximately one year on the ark, God caused the waters to subside. Noah and his sons and their wives were finally able to disembark on dry land. That’s when God made a covenant with Noah.
“And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.‘” (Genesis 9:12-13).
God’s bow in the clouds is the visible reminder of God’s covenant with mankind. It is a symbol of hope to all living things that God’s promise is trustworthy.
2. Rainbows are God’s Holy Reminder
God does not have a faulty memory. However, mankind does. So rainbows are a sign of hope that the flooding we endure after a storm will never bring about an end to the physical world.
“When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh” (Genesis 9:14-15).
God’s covenant does not mean that storms will never come. He simply sets a rainbow in the clouds as a powerful symbol and good omen of His unfailing love. And God has kept His covenant promise to us to this day.
3. Spiritual Significance of Rainbows
Different cultures around the world talk about various meanings of rainbows. Some believe a pot of gold waits at the end of the rainbow. Some believe that it is merely a natural phenomenon of mixing refracted light and water droplets.
However, Christians believe that a rainbow contains more than symbolic meanings. The biblical meaning of rainbows represents God’s covenant that the earth will never again be utterly destroyed by a flood.
Rainbows represent better days ahead beyond the storms of life. It is not merely a symbol of God, but a message of God to His people for new beginnings despite our failures.
The Book of Genesis, chapter 9, contains numerous Bible verses about rainbows and their meaning in the spiritual realm.
“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth” (Genesis 9:16-17).
When Does a Double Rainbow Occur?
According to the University of Wisconsin, the classic rainbow is a single, bright, colored arc. Red is the outermost color of this arc, and violet is always the innermost color.
On occasion, you may have seen two rainbows at once. The lower rainbow is the primary rainbow and the higher, fainter, colored arc is the secondary rainbow. The color sequence of the secondary rainbow is opposite to the primary; red is on the inside of the arc and violet on the outside.
The separation of colors is referred to as dispersion. Not only prisms but also water drops and ice crystals can cause dispersion. To form a rainbow you need large drops of water, the sun at your back and at the correct angle.
Raindrops act as prisms, bending and reflecting the sunlight that falls on them, just like a crystal hung in a sunny window.
Sometimes the light reflects twice off the back of the raindrop which leads to a secondary rainbow. The second reflection causes the order of the colors in the bow to reverse.
Does the Bible Mention Double Rainbows?
Though many theories exist about the spiritual meaning of the appearance of a double rainbow, a double rainbow is not mentioned in Scripture.
Other than Genesis 9, the only other place where the Bible mentions rainbows is in the Book of Revelation.
“And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald” (Revelation 4:3).
In Revelation 4:3, the rainbow is emblematic of the fact that, in the exercise of God’s absolute sovereignty and perfect counsels, He will remember His covenant concerning the earth. (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, p. 505)
One other place in Revelation mentions a rainbow: “Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire” (Revelation 10:1).
Here the rainbow rests upon the head of an angel who declares that “there shall be delay no longer” (Revelation 10:6) and suggests a connection with the scene in Revelation 4:3 that the mercy to be shown to the earth must be preceded by the execution of divine judgments upon the nations who defy God and His Christ. (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, p. 505)
Cultural Beliefs About Double Rainbows
Through the millennia, various cultures have connected rainbows to the spirit world. Ranging from symbols of hope to a sign of good fortune, a double rainbow served as a time to pause and notice the divine.
1. Native American Cultures
Various Native American tribes ascribe different meanings to the natural phenomena of rainbows and double rainbows.
The Navajo believe that the rainbow is a pathway between the physical and spiritual worlds, and is a sign of the Creator’s presence. This belief is perhaps the closest to the actual biblical meaning of rainbows.
In Lakota tradition, rainbows are considered to be the path of the spirit world, and they’re associated with the Thunder Beings, who they believe are powerful and benevolent beings.
The Cherokee believe that the rainbow forms the hem of the sun’s coat. Isn’t that a beautiful imagery? The next time I see a rainbow, I will have to see if it looks like the sun’s hem.
“Warriors of the rainbow” is a prophecy told by many cultures including Cree, Navajo, Hopi, Salish, Zuni and the Cherokee. “There will come a day when people of all races, colors, and creeds will put aside their differences. They will come together in love, joining hands in unification, to heal the Earth and all her children. They will move over the Earth like a great Whirling Rainbow, bringing peace, understanding and healing everywhere they go.”
2. Mythology About Rainbows
The Irish tradition of a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow is certainly not the oldest rainbow myth, but it may be the most pervasive in Western culture. You’re almost certainly familiar with the particulars: a wealth of riches is stored at the end of every rainbow, which is carefully guarded by a leprechaun.
In ancient Greek mythology, rainbows were the personification of the goddess Iris. She was a messenger in ancient Greece between Heaven and Earth, hence the representation of how the rainbow hangs between the two. In Homer’s epic the Iliad, Iris was a winged creature who specifically served as the messenger of Zeus. Her presence was always looked upon as a sign of hope.
In the Chinese culture, the dragon is synonymous with the rainbow as both dwell in the sky between heaven and earth. The word “hong” in Chinese means “rainbow,” and its character is drawn as a two-headed dragon with an arch in the middle that’s very reminiscent of a rainbow.
In Norse myth, Eddic Bifröst is a rainbow bridge built by gods, leading to their home in Asgard. Heimdallr, with his Gjallarhorn (“yelling horn”) stands guard at the place where the flaming rainbow bridge meets the clouds.
Bottom Line
Despite mankind’s mythology and cultural lenses, a rainbow is not a sign of good luck or a directional signal about our love life.
The Bible is clear. The biblical meaning of rainbows is that God alone creates them as an everlasting reminder of His covenant promise. They are a sign of God’s faithfulness to His people to never again destroy all living things with a devastating flood.
There is not any spiritual meaning of a double or second rainbow, other than perhaps God simply wants to delight us.
So every time you see a rainbow, it is a beautiful reminder that God is still on His throne and His covenant promises stand firm for all eternity. And that is real life good news every single day.
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If you are new to Bible journaling, figuring out which are the best pens and markers to use can be a real challenge. You want the proper supplies to avoid tearing the thin pages and ink bleeding through.
As a bona fide Bible nerd, I have searched over the years to find the best type of pens to use in my Bible. Bible study is my passion. There is rarely a day when I am not in the Word of God, whether for a short time or longer.
I love scribbling notes in my study Bible, writing on the side of the page, and highlighting relevant passages. It’s always instructive to read previous notes and decipher various art scribbles.
After years of trying different colors, gel highlighters, ballpoint pens (fine point, hard tip, gel ink, etc.), I embarked on a quest to find the best Bible pens to use on those thin Bible pages. Here we go!
Quick History of Bible Journaling
Even though Bible journaling may seem like the latest new craze, Bible historians started it centuries ago.
Before the invention of the printing press during the Middle Ages, Bibles were painstakingly replicated by hand starting with a blank page.
Artists would often add hand-drawn illustrations. Not only were they beautiful, but the illustrations served to tell Bible stories to those who could not read Latin.
Bible journaling resurfaced in 1980 but took off like a rocket in 2014. A papercraft artist named Shanna Noel wrote a blog post showcasing her bright, colorful, artistic illustrations in her journaling Bible.
Her example of using the wide margins for note-taking caught. In fact, she wrote a very helpful book called A Workbook Guide to Bible Journaling.
Bible journaling began with fervor. Every craft store began carrying every kind of pen and pen point size to choose from. It was the best thing since sliced bread.
What Pen is Best for Writing in the Bible?
My favorite pens to mark and underline Bible passages on those delicate Bible pages contain pigment inks. Pigment ink pens possess archival quality traits. Those are by far the best pens for Bible journaling.
For a long time now I have used the Pigma micron pens. It has the finest point and is fade-resistant, waterproof, quick drying, and results in minimal bleed-through on our thin Bible paper.
Trust me, the type of pen you use matters to avoid obscuring the words. Here are the most readily available and common pigment-based pens:
They do not come in vibrant colors, yet these types of pens offer a variety of colors. They are more for actually writing notes in the margins and underlining than actual drawing or artwork.
What Pen is Best for Bible Underlining?
My favorite supplies for underlining a Bible verse contain an extra fine tip so that words are not covered up. The best pens for Bible journaling using notes and underline are usually the same kind.
Soft tip pens with thicker lines only work in Bibles with wide margins. Bible markers found in a typical Bible study kit have a hard time providing the best use.
I usually use black ink for underlining, but use a lot of pens in different colors to make notes or for coloring. That’s simply my personal preference.
Will Gel Pens Bleed Through Bible Pages?
I am a huge gel pen fan. Tul pens are pretty much all I use when writing. However, after lots of trial and error, I have not found a gel ink pen that will not bleed through.
Pigment ink pens are simply the best for hand lettering, thinner lines, or detailed drawings (visual faith). See list above.
I found a great display of Pigma Microns at my local arts and crafts store. They carried different ink colors and paint pens with various nib sizes (line width).
For Bible journaling on those blank pages in the back of your Bible where you are not worried about obscuring words, I use the Tombow Dual Brush pens. They are brush tip water color pens that blend beautifully.
What is the Best NIB size?
The width of the writing or line you want to make is gauged by NIB sizes (head tip width). Here is a handy chart:
Nib Size
Width
005
0.2 mm
01
0.25 mm
02
0.30 mm
03
0.35 mm
05
0.45 mm
08
0.50 mm
I have pens in all sizes, but discovered that the best nib pen size for note writing or underlining are 005, 01, and 02. The 03 can be used for underlining, but the tip is generally too wide for writing notes.
To save time, I prefer to write and underline using one size. Efficiency, baby! The vast majority of my black pigment pens are nib 005.
The bottom line is the best pens for Bible journaling are the ones that works best for you!
What Highlighters Will Not Bleed Through Bible Pages?
There is one amazing set of Bible highlighters that I recently discovered. As soon as I tried them I blurted aloud, “Where have you been all my life?” Hahaha.
A gift from a friend, I use the Mr. Pen Sleek highlighters in my Bible. They are perfect as they do not show through on the other side. They also don’t rub off onto the facing page.
When first applied, the highlight does feel a little waxy, but the waxy feeling doesn’t stay. It took me a bit to realize that the pen bottoms twist to push more “crayon” up (like a mechanical pencil).
At first, I didn’t think this was a feature of these pens because the bottoms were pretty resistant to twisting as the pens are slightly made. But I love this feature and I love these pens!
What are the Best Bible Pencils?
As a writer, I love school and office supplies. For full disclosure, I love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils! Most standard color pencils work in your Bible since it takes a lot for the color to seep through.
When I first started undertaking journaling for my Bible studies, I found that the best part was the new Bible journaling supplies. Simply put, I can color code various themes throughout Scripture, such as “love” throughout 1 John.
You can find a fun supply store locally and peruse the aisles. Also, a great way to find the best Bible journaling supplies is to head online. Many stores ship nowadays.
The best colored pencils that I have found so far are Veritas and Arrtx. Be careful when ordering Arrtx to ensure you order pencils and not acrylic markers.
The Benefits of Bible Journaling
At this point, you may be wondering why you should even consider journaling or marking up your Bible. That’s a fair question!
I used to believe that it was sacrilegious to write in a Bible. Some people still do. So regardless of identifying the best pens are for Bible journaling, why is it beneficial?
Over time, God has made it clear through His Word that knowing what the Bible says is paramount. That requires daily and intense study of its contents. And I do that best through copious notes, color-coding, and marking special passages.
If you are new to studying the Bible, here are some helpful tips when it comes to marking your Bible.
1. Identify Themes
It is very helpful to identify themes throughout different books of the Bible. A perfect example is contained in the epistle of 1 John, chapter 5.
When you take the time to mark all of the instances where the word “love” appears, it is clear what that portion of Scripture emphasizes.
Also, since I am not an artist, I chose an ESV Bible from my publisher that contains drawings that are ready to color. This particular verse emphasizes love, once again.
2. Notice Patterns
Throughout the Book of Esther, there is a literary device used called “chiastic structure.”
A chiasm simply means a reversal of fortune. For instance, Esther grew up as an orphaned Jewish girl who became the Queen of Persia. Haman was the evil, prosperous second-in-command to King Ahasuerus who was killed for treason.
By marking each instance of a reversal of fortune, it is clear that the hand of God was upon each circumstance. Even though God’s name is never mentioned in the Book of Esther, He is everywhere!
I wrote an entire Bible study on the Book of Esther called “Chosen” that you may find helpful.
3. Slow Down
I don’t know about you, but life flies by at a lightning pace. When I sit down to read Scripture, I want to retain what I read.
When I take the time to identify and mark overarching themes it brings to mind similar themes throughout Scripture.
When I mark, underline, or highlight patterns in my Bible, it helps me see the consistent, loving hand of God in every story.
Bible journaling and noting significant insights in the margins is one of the best ways of remembering and applying what we read in those holy pages.
4. See How God is Moving
When I read that God enjoyed walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in the cool of the day, it makes sense that Jesus loved walking with His disciples for three years.
God created us for community. When I notice and mark those places in my Bible where God fosters community it shows how He provides others to love with whom we walk life’s roads.
God is a God of rescue. When I see in Exodus how He rescued His people from slavery, then I see in the Gospels how Jesus rescued us from our sin on Calvary, I see a God who loves us more than we can possibly imagine.
Taking time to mark significant events in your Bible brings to mind how God is consistently moving from the beginning of time to the end.
5. Memorize Scripture
God clearly instructs in the Bible that we are to hide His Word in our hearts. That comes down to memorization which takes time.
When I want to commit a particular verse or passage to memory, I first highlight it in my Bible. Then I write in the margin why I am memorizing it.
Then I write that verse or passage on several index cards that I carry around with me.
For instance, I went through a season where I needed to persevere through a certain circumstance. I bought a spiral of index cards and wrote “Perseverance” on the outside with a sharpie. Then I went through the entire Bible marking passages that encouraged me to persevere.
Where is God calling you to memorize from His Word today? Marking your Bible is a great way to get started.
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The Bible is the best-selling, most shared, and spiritually critical source ever created. If you have ever wondered how many chapters and verses there are in each book of the Bible, you have come to the right place.
The Bible is the cornerstone of truth and guidance for millions of Christians around the globe. Here are the counts of chapters and verses in the bible plus some other interesting facts to initiate your journey through the whole Bible.
When it comes to learning Scripture, we start at the very beginning. Let’s get a handle on how many books and chapters are in the entire Bible.
How Many Books and Chapters in the Old Testament?
It is important to know that the Bible’s verse numbers and chapter divisions we see in Bibles today did not exist in the original languages. These counts also vary depending on the Bible version you use.
That being said, there are 39 books and 929 chapters in Old Testament. I must confess that I used to skip right over the Old Testament collection of writings in the first Bible I ever owned.
As a new Christian in my early twenties, I was confused about the minor prophets, prophetic books, historical books, and deuterocanonical books of the Old Testament. Consequently, it took me a while to “warm up” to studying the Old Testament. It is EPIC!
From the shortest verse to the longest verse, each chapter in the Bible is a blessing. A Bible reading plan offers an excellent way to ensure you read through each Bible book. Here are several free Bible reading plans to choose from.
How Many Books and Chapters in the New Testament?
The Books of the New Testament total 27. The total number of chapters of the Bible in the New Testament equals 260 chapters.
The Gospels focus on the first-hand account of Jesus and His first disciples. If you are new to the Bible I highly recommend reading John’s Gospel first.
These counts may vary between the New Living Translation, New Century Bible, New International Version Bible, and the New American Standard Bible.
Since the word count differs greatly (especially between the Protestant Bible and the Catholic Bible), it would be best to use your own Bible to figure out the total number of words.
Total Number of Books and Chapters in the Bible
When we add up the New Testament books (Greek words) of 27, plus the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) of 39, there are a total of 66 books in the entire Bible.
When we add up the chapter counts from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation, there are 1,189 total chapters in the entire Bible.
I did not drill down to add up the different number of verses in the Bible. The count differs greatly, especially between the first English Bible and the King James Bible), it would be best to use your own Bible to figure out the total number of verses.
The following table gives the total number of the Bible’s books and chapters by book name. (Download Free)
The Difference Between the Old and New Testaments
The Bible is divided into two distinct parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Books written before the time of Jesus make up the Old Testament.
Books written after Jesus’ ministry on earth comprise the New Testament.
The New Testament contains the four Gospels, which record the words and ministry of Jesus while He walked the earth.
What is the Longest Chapter in the Bible?
Although you likely won’t face a quiz about how many chapters and verses are in the bible, here are some other interesting facts. First, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in God’s Word.
Conversely, the shortest chapter in the holy Bible is Psalm 117. Many believe that it is either 2 John or 3 John. Even though those Greek New Testament books contain only one chapter, there are several verses. Psalm 117 only contains two verses.
Psalm 117 is also the shortest psalm out of the 150 psalms. Some Hebrew scholars join Psalm 117 with Psalm 118 to make one psalm without verse divisions.
Utilizing the original Hebrew or Greek languages makes a slight difference. However, they do not knock out these two psalms as the longest and shortest.
Which Books Have a Single Chapter?
Several books in the Bible contain only a single chapter.
In the Old Testament, only the book of Obadiah contains a single chapter.
However, in the New Testament, four books contain a single chapter: Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude.
Also, the book of Haggai in the Old Testament contains only two chapters.
How Are the Books in the Old Testament Divided?
The Old Testament contains four main divisions: (1) Books of Moses (the Law), (2) Historical books, (3) Poetry and Wisdom books, and (4) Major and Minor Prophets.
Aside from the chapters and verses in the bible, lets look at how the Old Testament is divided.
1. The Books of Moses (the Law)
This first section of the Old Testament is sometimes referred to as the Pentateuch. It contains five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
Scholars agree that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. They contain the Law handed down by God, extensive history, a few speeches, and a few songs.
These Books of Moses contain the account of creation, the fall, the flood, Babel, the patriarchs, the Exodus from Egypt, Mount Sinai, and the 40-year wilderness wandering.
I have written an entire Bible study on the account of Joseph in Genesis called “Meant for Good” that you will find helpful.
2. Historical Books
The books in the Old Testament classified as historical begin where the Books of the Law (Pentateuch) end.
They begin with the conquest of Canaan (the Promised Land). Then they move through the period of the Judges, the united kingdom, the divided kingdom, the Babylonian exile, and the return from exile.
Three-fifths of all usage of the biblical term “wisdom” occurs most often in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. In a nutshell, wisdom literature teaches us how to live the way God intended.
The two Books of Poetry, Psalms and Song of Solomon, were written in Hebrew poetry rather than narrative. They use parallel words, thoughts, sounds, and forms of grammar to convey a message.
4. The Major and Minor Prophets
The first question to answer is how the Bible classifies a prophet. A prophet is someone who is a spokesman, interpreter, or mediator of God’s will. There are many prophets throughout Scripture, including Moses, who do not appear in this category.
There are seventeen Old Testament books in this category. The delineation between major and minor prophets centers on the length of the book, not the importance of the prophet.
Studying the Bible and knowing Jesus through His Word is a life-changing, healing adventure. Journaling as you go is a powerful tool. The Holy Spirit in you will guide you. God’s blessings as you dive in!
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Some days I feel like the worst Scripture memorizer ever. I always take notes when someone tells me the best Bible verses to memorize that have helped them. Then I promptly forget. Can you relate?
As a new Christian over three decades ago, I often failed at Scripture memory because I started with too many verses and was impatient with the process. One great verse or short Bible verse is just as powerful as a long one. Bible memory diligence is hard work.
Over the years I have learned that hiding God’s Word in my heart isn’t a race. I win no prize for the amount of Bible passages I memorize.
The most important thing was to identify my areas of weakness and memorize specific verses to help in difficult times. Find your own way that works and stick to it.
Why is it Important to Memorize Scripture?
As Christ’s followers, the best way to live is by allowing the Word of God to dwell richly in our souls to have victory over sin and the devil. Coming to your own understanding of God’s complete love and care for you is an immeasurable blessing.
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
Jesus Himself tells us how important it is to memorize Scripture: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God‘” (Matthew 22:29).
The Apostle Paul also encourages: “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” (Colossians 3:16).
Here are several memory verses organized by topic that you can learn at your own pace. Scripture memorization is one the most important things you can do in the whole world. There is a free download at the end to print and tuck into your Bible.
Bible Verses About God
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”
Bible Verses About Obeying God
Joshua 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.”
Matthew 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.’”
Bible Verses For Strength
Joshua 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.”
Isaiah 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.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Bible Verses About Peace
Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Isaiah 26:3 – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
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 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.”
Bible Verses About How to Live
Leviticus 19:11 – “You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.”
Matthew 4:19 – “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 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.”
Bible Verses About Forgiveness
Matthew 6:15 – “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Colossians 3:13 – “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Psalm 103:2-3 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.”
I wrote an entire Bible study on Forgiveness that you can find here.
Bible Verses About God’s Word
Hebrews 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.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17– “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Bible Verses About Faith
Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Mark 11:22-23 – “And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”
Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 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.”
Bible Verses About Life in Christ
Philippians 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.”
Romans 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.”
Bible Verses About Hope
Romans 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.”
Psalm 33:18 – “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in His steadfast love.”
Psalm 119:114 – “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.”
Bible Verses for the Weary
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Psalm 23:1-3 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.”
Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Bible Verses About Sin
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 John 5:18 – “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”
Bible Verses About Unity
Psalm 133:1-2 – Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 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!”
Ephesians 4:1-3 – “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Bible Verses About Our Purpose
Romans 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.”
Galatians 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.”
Philippians 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.”
Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Bible Verses About Sharing the Gospel
Romans 10:14-15 – “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? How are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Peter 3:15-16 – “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, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
Matthew 28:19-20 – “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Bible Verses About Salvation
Romans 10:9-10 – “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. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
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 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 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 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.”
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.”
Bible Verses About God’s Love
Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 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.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
1 Corinthians 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.'”
1 John 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.”
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Bible Verses About Loving Others
John 13:35 – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Matthew 22:37-39 – “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. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Bible Verses About God’s Faithfulness
Psalm 145:18-19 – The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 – “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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 100:5 – “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”
Bible Verses About the Holy Spirit
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.”
1 Corinthians 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.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Bible Verses About Temptation
1 Corinthians 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.”
Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Bible Verses About Confession
James 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.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
Bible Verses About Tests of Faith
James 1:2-3 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Bible Verses About Contentment
Hebrews 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.'”
Philippians 4:11 – “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 – “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Bible Verses About Trusting the Lord
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Isaiah 55:8 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 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.”
Bible Verses for Overcoming Fear
Proverbs 3:25-26 – Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”
Isaiah 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.”
Psalm 56:3 – “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
Bible Verses for Praising God
Psalm 96:2 – “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.”
Psalm 100:1– “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!”
Psalm 100:4 –“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name!”
Bible Verses About Grace
Ephesians 2:8-10 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
2 Corinthians 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.”
Bible Verses About Jesus’ Sacrifice
Isaiah 53:4-5 – Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
2 Corinthians 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.”
Hebrews 4:15-16 – “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. 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.”
1 Peter 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.”
Bible Verses for Right Living
Micah 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?”
Matthew 7:24-25 – “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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.”
Bible Verses for Anxiety
1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
Matthew 6:31-33 – “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I pray that God takes you on an amazing journey of enriching your mind and heart as you fill it with His Word.
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