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What Does the Bible Say About Sunrise and Sunset?

Posted on April 1, 2024April 1, 2024 by Donna Snow

The Bible has much to say about sunrise and sunset, the sun, and even darkness. Sun and light usually represent goodness. Sunset and darkness often signal warning or even evil.

The first time that I watched the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee, I imagined Peter, John, and the other fishermen seeing a similar sight. It was an unforgettable moment.

Whether we witness sunrise on a cloudless morning or sunset over the waters of the sea, the Lord of Hosts uses the heavens as His canvas.

What Sunrise Symbolizes Biblically

Sunrise in the Bible reveals profound significance. Among other things, it symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and His divine presence.

C.S. Lewis once said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

From the glory of God to physical light, to new beginnings, the Bible offers a wide variety of symbolism regarding sunrises.

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1. Sunrise as a New Beginning

The biblical meaning of sunrise usually signifies a new day or new beginning, both spiritually and physically. How many of us feel the hope of God as we start a new day with a blank sin slate?

All of life awakens with a fresh start in the morning light. It brings a sense of universal awe inspired by God’s creations.

“Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy” (Psalm 65:8).

The beginning of the day also signifies the cycles of life and nature. The light of dawn and the rising sun often signify a time marker or starting point for a new day or new week.

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years‘” (Genesis 1:14).

“The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises” (Ecclesiastes 1:5).

2. Sunrise Evokes Worship

When was the last time you intentionally set an alarm to watch a sunrise? When I visited the rim of the Grand Canyon in 2008, I did precisely that.

Grabbing my Bible and journal, I headed to perch on a rock overlooking the Canyon at 5:00 a.m. Words simply fail to describe the sense of awe and splendor I experienced that morning.

The sheer beauty and universal awe of a sunrise inspire us to worship the God who created life. God’s glory is physically present as He finger-paints the light of the morning across the sky. The prophet Isaiah understood this well.

“Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea” (Isaiah 24:15, NIV).

“Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea” (Isaiah 24:15).

“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples” (Psalm 108:1-3).

What is the Biblical meaning of rainbows?

3. Sunrise Invites Prayer and Guidance

Even a cursory reading of Scripture reveals that the transition from darkness to light often symbolizes spiritual enlightenment. How many times have you felt a sense of sadness or spiritual darkness, stopped to pray, and received instant relief from the Lord?

As the new light shines each morning, it is wise to pray for God’s presence and great power to guide your day. Here are two of the best Bible verses to pray:

“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” (Psalm 143:8).

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3).

Even if a sunrise is cloaked in thick clouds that hide the sun from view, we never doubt that the sun has risen and shines above the clouds. We can count on the bright morning star to appear just like the tender mercy of our God.

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4. Reminder of God’s Mercy and Faithfulness

Sunrises are not simply a daily free gift of God; they are hand-painted canvases of divine messages of God’s faithfulness. God did not have to give us sunrises. He wanted to delight us and provide a daily reminder of His faithfulness,

The predictable regularity of sunrise provides a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Even the lamenting prophet understood that God’s love and mercy faithfully arrive with each new day.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, therefore I will hope in him” (Lamentations 3:22-24, ESV).

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the following morning” (Psalm 30:5).

“For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 108:4-5).

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14).

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5. God’s Victory in the Light of Day

Joshua understood the importance of persevering through the deep darkness of night to celebrate victory in the bright morning. He had the bold faith to even ask God to make the sun stand still!

“At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.”And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies” (Joshua 10:12-13).

How often have you battled an addiction or “terror” through the night? Worry and anxiety are sleep destroyers. Trusting the Lord to bring victory after we have trusted Him and persevered is an extraordinary faith builder.

David understood the need to persevere a full day and through the shadow of death at night, as well.

“David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled” (1 Samuel 30:17).

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6. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The most important sunrise in all of human history was when God raised Jesus from the dead so that we have the hope of eternal life with Him.

The disciples thought all was lost as the body of the Lord Jesus was laid in the tomb on Good Friday. But the Son of Man and light of the world did not stay in the grave for long.

“Early on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance” (John 20:1).

“Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away” (Mark 16:2-4).

Christ Jesus rose from the dead and shone the everlasting light of hope and the good news of eternal liberty from the wages of sin. I have never attended an outdoor Easter sunrise church service outside, but it is on my bucket list!

Are There Sunrises in Heaven?

When our hope in Christ is fulfilled by faith at our earthly death, He will instantly welcome all believers into heaven.

God is light and all light emanates from Him. Consequently, there will not be sunrises or sunsets in heaven.

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5, NIV).

After all, we will finally be standing in the presence of the Lord! I don’t know about you, but my eyes will be plastered on Jesus, not looking for any other source of great light.

What Sunset Symbolizes Biblically

Just as the sunrise begins each day afresh, the sunset signifies the end of a season, a life, or a day. It is also a perfect time to reflect on what the Lord has done during each day.

1. Sunsets Inspire Reflection and Worship

If you are reading this at night, what good thing (or several things) did the Lord do for you today? I once heard a friend say, “Thank you, Lord, for counting my blessings because I can’t count that high.” Sunset is a beautiful time for reflection and worship.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat” (Psalm 19:1-2, 6).

“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” (Psalm 113:2-3, ESV).

“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).

2. Sunsets Offer Reconciliation

How often have you worked all day and welcomed the setting of the sun after completing your good works that day? As the day declines, we rest from our labor.

We spend time with family or friends as we wind down. It is also a time to settle accounts, so to speak, for that day. A final opportunity to make things right before falling asleep.

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

“If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset” (Exodus 22:6).

“Pay them their wages each day before sunset, because they are poor and are counting on it. Otherwise they may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin” (Deuteronomy 24:15).

3. Evening Offers Rest

Scripture tells us that God never sleeps: “Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleep” (Psalm 121:4, NLT).

However, the Lord gives us sleep because He knows that we need it. Rest is vital! And we can sleep peacefully knowing that God is ever watchful over us.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

“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” (Psalm 23:1-3a).

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” (Psalm 91:1-2).

4. Evening Offers Peace and Restoration

During Jesus’ three years of public ministry, His work never ceased. In fact, it often continued through the night until the next day.

“At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them” (Luke 4:40).

What a beautiful example for Christians to follow! Just because the sun has set does not mean our calling to share the Good News clocks out. Time is short.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field’” (Matthew 9:37-38).

5. Significant Biblical Events After Sunset

Whether your day was wonderful or heartbreaking, the Lord walked through every moment with you. He never left you alone. He watches, moves, and works after the sun sets each day.

Throughout the Bible, some of the most significant events took place after the sun had set.

Jesus and the disciples celebrated the Passover Meal in the Upper Room. (Mark 14:16-18)
Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. (John 18)
Jesus calmed the night storm that threatened to capsize the disciples’ boat. (Mark 4:35-41)
During Jesus’ ministry, he would heal people during the day and spend the night in prayer with His Father. (Luke 21:36-38)
The resurrected Jesus first appeared to the disciples at night. (John 20:19-10)

“From the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:6).

Sunrises and sunsets are gifts from God. Through them, we gain a glimpse of His artistic beauty that we will one day experience for all eternity.

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About the Author

Donna is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

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Brimstone and Fire – What is the Biblical Meaning?

Posted on March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 by Donna Snow

Chances are you have heard the term “fire and brimstone.” However, this well-known phenomenon only appears fourteen times in the Bible.

The significance of God’s judgment in connection with brimstone and fire is worthy of a more in-depth understanding.

Definition of Brimstone

Brimstone (sulfur) is a well-known simple mineral substance, crystalline, easily melted, and very inflammable. The origin of the word brimstone comes from how sulfur was referred to in ancient times. Scientists have simply assigned it a proper scientific name.

When burning, brimstone (sulfur) emits blue flames and a peculiar suffocating odor resembling rotten eggs. It is found in great abundance near volcanoes.

The soil around the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah abounded in sulfur and bitumen. The inflammability of both substances (the quality of being easily ignited and burning rapidly) is high. In other words, you don’t want to walk around with a torch near either substance!

Where is Brimstone Found?

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, brimstone (sulfur) existed in Palestine in early times. It was known by most of the ancient nations as a combustible substance. In the vicinity of the Dead Sea, deposits of sulphur are still being formed along its shores.

During some of the disastrous earthquakes that took place in this part of the world, hot lava likely ignited bitumen along with sulfer. Such a fireworks display added to the horrors of an earthquake’s destruction caused by burning pitch and brimstone.

In 1896, German geologist Max Blanckenhorn proposed a verifiable hypothesis. He believed that the combustible formation was due to the action of bituminous matter upon crystals of gypsum. Both substances are found in our present time associated with each other in the cities of the plain.

[Join me on my next Holy Land tour here.]

Modern Scientific Facts About Brimstone

Scientists have found that the vast majority of brimstone (sulfer) dwells deep in the Earth’s core.

Researchers estimate that the Earth’s core contains 10 times the amount of sulfur than found on its surface.

Confirming the presence of lighter elements, like sulfur, in the core, provides vital information. Temperatures, pressures, and oxygen content in the Earth’s mantle surrounds the core and separates sulfer from the crust on which we walk.

Figurative Use of Brimstone

Why are we so captivated by the term “fire and brimstone”? The figurative use of brimstone symbolizes God’s punishment, destruction, and terrible suffering of the unfaithful.

The figurative use of the word brimstone is associated with the wrath of God’s judgment. It references being cast into a lake of fire, burning wind, and great hailstones of a metaphorical “rain of fire.” That is the stuff of movies!

However, God’s divine judgments are anything but Hollywood’s visual effects. God’s wrath is a consuming fire that wiped out inhabitants of the cities of old with inextinguishable flames.

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

Sodom and Gomorrah are two cities mentioned in the Bible that were destroyed for their wickedness and sinfulness. The Book of Genesis states: “Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground” (Genesis 19:24-25, KJV).

God sent angels to the cities that were destined for destruction. Lot invited the angels into his home but a group of people surrounded the house. They demanded that Lot release them so that the villagers could have their way with them. Lot refused and protected the men, even offering his virgin daughters in their place.

Having confirmed the iniquity and destruction of these cities, the angels told Lot and his family to flee at daybreak. They were instructed not look back during the overthrow of Sodom. Lot’s wife could not resist throwing a backward glance at her home and was turned into a pillar of salt.

Deuteronomy 29:23 reveals: “The whole land burned out with brimstone and salt, nothing sown and nothing growing, where no plant can sprout, an overthrow like that of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger and wrath.”

Brimstone in the Old Testament

Most occurrences of brimstone (accompanied by fire and burning) appear in the Old Testament.

“For a burning place has long been prepared; indeed, for the king it is made ready, its pyre made deep and wide, with fire and wood in abundance; the breath of the Lord, like a stream of sulfur, doth kindle it” (Isaiah 30:33).

Isaiah 34:9: “And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.” Even though that is the King James translation of the Bible, eternal punishment comes through loud and clear.

Psalm 11:6: “Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.”

Looking at Isaiah 34:9 in the King James Bible, fire and brimstone are combined to depict eternal damnation. “And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.”

Such passages like Ezekiel 38:22 contain sobering visuals of the power of God’s punishment and destruction: “With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur.”

Brimstone in the New Testament

Three times in the Book of Revelation, fire and brimstone are used to express the idea of excruciating torment.

“And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb” (Revelation 14:9-10, ESV).

“And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur” (Revelation 19:20, ESV).

“And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10, ESV).

The inhabitants of the land will experience the horrible tempest of burning sulfur (or rain coals). If the deposits caught fire it would melt and run in a stream of brimstone down the ravines. It would have spread suffocating fumes (such as come from the ordinary brimstone match).

Brimstone in our Modern Day

Sulfur is an element boasting a bright yellow color that is abundant in nature even today. A nonmetal, sulfur is the 10th most abundant element in the universe, according to the Jefferson National Linear Accelerator Laboratory.

Sulfur compounds called “mercaptans” give skunks their defensive odor. Rotten eggs and stink bombs get their distinctive aroma because of hydrogen sulfide.

Today, the most common use of sulfur is in the manufacture of sulfuric acid. That acid goes into fertilizers, batteries, and cleaners. It’s also used to refine oil and in processing ores.

Related post: The Mandela Effect and the Bible

Our Hope in Christ

Destruction from the breath of Jehovah is NOT the destiny of those who place their hope in Christ. The love of God provided a way out of eternal destruction by sending Jesus to die for our sins.

There is good news! Salvation is a beautiful gift of God. Salvation is given to all those who believe by faith that Jesus is the Son of God. God desires every name to be written in the Book of Life because the grace of God reigns supreme.

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About the Author

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What Does the Number 8 Mean and Signify in the Bible?

Posted on March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 by Donna Snow

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.

Biblical Meaning of the Number 8
What Does the 8th Day Represent in the Bible?
Where Does the Number 8 Appear in the Bible?

Biblical Meaning of the Number 8

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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Top 10 Longest and Hardest Names in the Bible

Posted on March 19, 2024March 21, 2024 by Donna Snow

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.

Greece and Turkey longest names in the bible

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.

Find my Bible study on Joseph, “Meant for Good,” here.

4. Merodach-baladan

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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About the Author

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Inspiring Bible Verses to Encourage New Christians

Posted on March 19, 2024March 19, 2024 by Donna Snow

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.

Where Do I Start?
Inspiring Bible Verses for New Christians
Top Bible Verses to Memorize for New Christians
Scriptures to Pray for New Believers
Words of Encouragement for New Believers
Bible Topics for New Believers

Where Do I Start?

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.

Related Post: 13 Best Bible Study Methods

Inspiring Bible Verses for New Christians

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.”

Top Bible Verses to Memorize for New Christians

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.”

Bible Verses for New Believers

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.”

Scriptures to Pray for New Believers

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.”

Words of Encouragement for New Believers

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.”

2. Conquering Fear

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.”

3. Battling Worry

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.”
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”
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.”

5. Trusting God

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!

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About the Author

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How Many Times Jesus Wept in the Bible (Jesus Weeps)

Posted on March 14, 2024March 13, 2024 by Donna Snow

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.

How Many Times Did Jesus Weep?
Jesus Weeps at the Death of Lazarus
Jesus Wept Over Jerusalem
Did Jesus Weep in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Does Jesus Weep With Us?
Why Should We Weep Over Our Sin?

How Many Times Did Jesus Weep?

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.

Related Posts:

About the Author

Donna Snow is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was difficult. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through that link we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.}

The Biblical Meaning of Rainbows and Double Rainbows

Posted on March 4, 2024March 4, 2024 by Donna Snow

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?

What is a Rainbow?
What Does the Bible Say About Rainbows?
When Does a Double Rainbow Occur?
Does the Bible Mention Double Rainbows?
Cultural Beliefs About Double Rainbows

What is a 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.

Related Posts:

About the Author

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no cost to you.}

Best Pens and Supplies for Ultimate Bible Journaling

Posted on February 29, 2024February 29, 2024 by Donna Snow

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.

Quick History of Bible Journaling
What Pen is Best for Writing in the Bible?
What Pen is Best for Bible Underlining?
Will Gel Pens Bleed Through Bible Pages?
What Highlighters Will Not Bleed Through Bible Pages?
The Benefits of Bible Journaling

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.

The Prismacolor Premier Illustration Markers (also containing pigment ink) have withstood the test of time in my Bibles.

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.

Related Posts:

About the Author
Although Donna is a sought-after Bible teacher and author, her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Go here to read her God-breathed journey, “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her contact page here.

{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. Thank you for your support!}

How Many Chapters and Verses Are There in the Bible?

Posted on February 27, 2024February 27, 2024 by Donna Snow

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.

How Many Books and Chapters in the Old Testament?
How Many Books and Chapters in the New Testament?
Total Number of Books and Chapters in the Bible
The Difference Between the Old and New Testaments
What is the Longest Chapter in the Bible?
How are the Old Testament Books Divided?
Where to Start Reading the 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.

There are twelve historical books, which include: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

I have written an entire Bible study on the Book of Esther called “Chosen” that you will find helpful.

3. Poetry and Wisdom Books

There are five books in the Old Testament classified as poetry or wisdom books. They include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.

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.

The five books of the Major Prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

The twelve books of the Minor Prophets are Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

Where to Start Reading the Bible

It is nice to know chapters and verses in the bible. But if you are new to the Bible, here is a solid list of where to start.

The Gospel of John: This contains the story of Jesus’ life, which is amazing for new believers.
The Book of Romans: This book contains essential Christian doctrine and beliefs.
The Book of Proverbs: These 31 proverbs show how to live a good, God-honoring life.
Ephesians: How to live a holy life.
Psalms: Shows how to praise the Lord and pray authentically.
Philippians: How to have joy during trials.
Ecclesiastes: Godly wisdom for believers.
Genesis: Learn about creation and the beginning.

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!

Related Posts:

About the Author
Although Donna is a sought-after Bible teacher, her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Go here to read her God-breathed journey, “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit here.

{Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, the ministry may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!}

Best Bible Verses to Memorize – Plus Free Download

Posted on February 10, 2024February 10, 2024 by Donna Snow

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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About the Author

Donna Snow is a sought-after speaker, multi-published author, and Bible teacher. Her path from being unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was not easy. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, then visit her here.

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