10 Most Popular Bible Verses And What They Reveal About Our Society
I have a love/hate relationship with Google and other search engines. I hate that they track everything about me, to the point where I truly believe they can read my mind. But I love the convenience of getting any question I ask answered immediately.
I recently researched the 10 most popular Bible verses and thought the results were interesting enough to share. I found a study that shared the verses searched for the most in 2009 with the verses searched for the most in 2019.
Most Popular Bible Verse Search Query In 2009
In 2009 and 2019, the top four most popular verses searched for were the same, except for one exception, which I guess isn’t surprising. However, the nature of the next six verses seems to change over the ten years. In 2009, people were searching for Bible verses that give knowledge and wisdom.
- Genesis 1:1–In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
- Proverbs 3:5–Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
- Proverbs 3:6–In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
- 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.
- Philippians 4:6–Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
- Matthew 28:19–Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Most Popular Bible Verse Search Query In 2019
The world’s most popular Bible verse app, YouVersion, announced that the 2019 Verse of the Year was Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything.” It was #4 in 2009. But compared to 2009, it seems that people switched from looking for knowledge to seeking comfort.
Again, the top four in 2009 and 2019 were the same, except in 2019 Psalm 23:4 was in the third position. But here are the rest of the most popular Bible verses searched for in 2019.
- Psalm 23:4–Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
- 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.
- Psalm 23:6–Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
- Psalm 23:5–You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
- Psalm 23:1–The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- Psalm 23:3–He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
The Most Popular Bible Verse
I wish I could ask you what you think are the top four Bible verses searched for to see what you’re answer would be. I bet you could guess #1! And possibly some or all of the other three. So what are the top four verses?
- John 3:16–For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
- 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.
- 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.
- Philippians 4:13–I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
5 Powerful Bible Verses
How could one decide on what the most powerful Bible verse in the Bible was? I mean, if you look at Genesis when God spoke everything into existence–that’s a LOT of POWER!
What about the Bible story of Peter telling a lame man, “I have no money, but what I have I give you. Take up your bed and walk.” That’s powerful!
Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven.” BAM!
Oh! What about, “Lazarus! Come forth!
There are so, so many! Here’s a list of five powerful Bible verses that I have formatted so you can share them on Pinterest. Also, there are FREE Printables at the bottom of this page, if you would like to print them out and save them or share them.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
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. Romans 15:13
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. 1 Peter 3:15
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12
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. 2 Corinthians 12:9
My Unscientific Conclusion
The data for the most popular Bible verses from 2009 and 2019 come from lifewayresearch.com from a study done by biblegateway.com. Although I know a research therapist, I am not one. However, looking at this data, I find it interesting that in 2009 the Bible verses were more varied, but in 2019, the verses seem more concentrated. More were about security, perseverance, and comfort.
True comfort comes from the Comforter Himself. When Jesus finished His work of redemption He promised His disciples that even though He would return back to the Father, He wasn’t going to leave them alone.
The sending of the Comforter–the Holy Spirit–was the fulfillment of that promise. When we are going through difficult times of life, we can claim the promise found in Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
What Is Our Society Missing
I think it’s clear what our society is missing – the love, guidance, and embodiment of our great and glorious heavenly Father. There is only one God and He is the only one who can comfort the hurts, calm the fears, and bring peace to the world.
There is no God but One. 1 Corinthians 8:4
Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
-1 Corinthians 8:6
What are your observations? Do you think there is evidence that people may be seeking security, perseverance, and guidance? Are you surprised John 3:16 is in the #1 spot both years? What verse was your top verse for last year? Leave your answers in the comments section below.
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