Summary
Bible verse short but meaningful
Bible verse short but meaningful
Small Words, Big Impact: 65 Short but Meaningful Bible Verses
In the vast landscape of Scripture, there are verses that thunder like a storm and verses that whisper like a gentle breeze. Short Bible verses are powerful because they are portable; you can carry them in your heart and recall them in a split second of need.
Below is a curated collection of 65 short, potent scriptures that deliver massive theological weight in very few words.
I. The Ultra-Short (2-4 Words)
The briefest verses in the English Bible, ideal for instant recall.
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John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.”
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1 Thessalonians 5:16 – “Rejoice always.”
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1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray continually.”
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1 John 4:8 – “God is love.”
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Luke 17:32 – “Remember Lot’s wife.”
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1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Do everything in love.”
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Psalm 56:3 – “I trust in you.”
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John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”
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John 6:20 – “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
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Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not murder.”
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Exodus 20:15 – “You shall not steal.”
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Psalm 46:10 – “Be still.”
II. Faith & Trust
Concise declarations of reliance on God.
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2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
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Luke 1:37 – “For no word from God will ever fail.”
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Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
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Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
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Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”
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Mark 5:36 – “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
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Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for.”
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Psalm 118:6 – “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.”
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Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
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Psalm 13:5 – “But I trust in your unfailing love.”
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Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.”
III. Strength & Courage
Short bursts of divine energy.
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Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
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Isaiah 40:31 – “They will soar on wings like eagles.”
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Psalm 28:7 – “The Lord is my strength and my shield.”
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Psalm 18:1 – “I love you, Lord, my strength.”
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Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
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Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous.”
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2 Timothy 1:7 – “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid.”
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Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
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Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is the stronghold of my life.”
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Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
IV. Love & Kindness
The essence of the Gospel in a nutshell.
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1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.”
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Proverbs 10:12 – “Love covers over all wrongs.”
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1 Corinthians 13:8 – “Love never fails.”
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1 Corinthians 13:13 – “But the greatest of these is love.”
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John 15:12 – “Love each other as I have loved you.”
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Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love.”
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Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another.”
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1 Peter 4:8 – “Love each other deeply.”
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John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…”
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Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.”
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Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times.”
V. Hope, Peace & Comfort
Anchors for the soul.
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Jeremiah 29:11 – “Plans to give you hope and a future.”
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Psalm 150:6 – “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
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Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord has made.”
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Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary.”
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1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
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John 14:27 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
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Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
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Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength.”
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Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.”
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Psalm 16:11 – “You will fill me with joy in your presence.”
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Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord.”
VI. Wisdom & Guidance
Directives for living.
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James 4:8 – “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
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Micah 6:8 – “Walk humbly with your God.”
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Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above.”
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James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
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Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do.”
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Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world.”
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Luke 6:31 – “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
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1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
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Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
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Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good.”
25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Short Bible Verses
Q1: What is the absolute shortest verse in the Bible? A: In English, it is John 11:35: “Jesus wept.” In the original Greek, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (“Rejoice always”) is shorter.
Q2: Why is “Jesus wept” a meaningful verse? A: It shows the profound humanity and empathy of Christ. Even though He was about to raise Lazarus, He entered into the sorrow of His friends.
Q3: Are short verses effective for prayer? A: Yes. They are often called “Arrow Prayers”—short, piercing prayers shot up to heaven in moments of need (e.g., “Lord, save me!”).
Q4: What is a good short verse for a tattoo? A: Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things”), Psalm 46:10 (“Be still”), and 1 Corinthians 13:8 (“Love never fails”) are popular choices due to their brevity and depth.
Q5: What is the best short verse for children to memorize? A: Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind… to one another” or Psalm 56:3: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Q6: Does the context matter for short verses? A: Always. While short verses are powerful, we must ensure we don’t twist their meaning. For example, “I can do all things” (Phil 4:13) is about contentment in suffering, not just winning sports games.
Q7: What is a good short verse for anxiety? A: 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Q8: Can a short verse summarize the Gospel? A: Yes. John 3:16 is often called “The Gospel in a Nutshell,” though it is slightly longer than the verses on this list.
Q9: What is a short verse for a birthday card? A: Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Q10: What does “Pray without ceasing” mean? A: It doesn’t mean mumbling words 24/7, but maintaining a constant spirit of communication with God throughout the day.
Q11: Why are short verses easier to meditate on? A: They allow for “ruminating”—chewing on every single word. You can focus on “The Lord,” then “is,” then “my,” then “Shepherd.”
Q12: What is a good short verse for forgiveness? A: Colossians 3:13: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Q13: Are there short verses in the Old Testament? A: Yes. Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning God created…”) and Exodus 20:13 (“You shall not murder”) are prime examples.
Q14: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? A: Psalm 117. It contains only two verses, both of which are short and meaningful.
Q15: How can I use short verses in daily life? A: Write them on sticky notes, set them as phone wallpapers, or use them as passwords to remind yourself of truth daily.
Q16: What is a good short verse for strength? A: Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Q17: What is a good short verse for hope? A: Psalm 71:14: “As for me, I will always have hope.”
Q18: Is “God helps those who help themselves” a Bible verse? A: No, that is a quote from Benjamin Franklin. The Bible teaches that God helps the helpless (Romans 5:6).
Q19: What does “Be still” mean in Psalm 46:10? A: It translates to “cease striving” or “drop your hands.” It is a command to stop fighting in your own strength and acknowledge God’s sovereignty.
Q20: What is the “Golden Rule” verse? A: Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Q21: What is a short verse about faith? A: 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Q22: Why are the Ten Commandments so short? A: To ensure they were easily memorized and understood by the entire community of Israel as absolute moral laws.
Q23: What is a good verse for gratitude? A: 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
Q24: What verse says God is near? A: James 4:8: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Q25: Can a short verse save someone? A: The Word of God is living and active. Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” That short promise changes eternity.
