The Bible is full of popular verses that are familiar to many Christians and non-Christians alike. Sometimes the problem with popularity is that people rarely tend to look intensely at the verses—rather choosing to quote them randomly without really knowing their meaning. The following 10 popular Bible verse are an awesome start to a great Bible study:
#1) Psalm 23:1- “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
This scripture is a comfort to everyone who knows that ultimately they are in the care of the Good Shepherd—that is Jesus Christ. The Lord provides what each of us needs at the right moment for His purposes. W. Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, is a great resource to use with the Bible as well as reading John 10:11-18.
#2) 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.”
Many believers attest this verse as their personal favorite because life’s difficult moments. It’s easy to get entrapped into trusting in people, money, careers, health, or education. However, many times these things let us down and cause us to recognize that our complete trust must be in God.
#3) John 3:16- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
People who don’t know much about the Bible—typically know this verse. However, when reading the entire section of John 3:16-21, there’s clarity on how God didn’t send Jesus to condemn the world, but to save it. Those who reject Jesus do so because they love darkness more than the light.
#4) John 8:32- “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Many times only the last part of this verse is quoted “the truth will set you free”, but the revelation of this verse is key to freedom. The “known truth” sets people free and it’s difficult to know truth unless you’re regularly reading and studying the Scriptures. Those who know and live the Bible can live in real freedom.
#5) 1 Corinthians 13:13- “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
How often this scripture is quoted at weddings! Yet how many marriages end in divorce because the concept of the agape—unconditional love of God isn’t modeled. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us of how our actions mean nothing unless we’re compelled by the love of God to do them.
…the greatest of these is love
#6) 1 Timothy 6:10- “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This is another misquoted scripture as many people say “money is the root of all evil”. However money in and of itself isn’t evil—it’s the love of money that consumes and drives many people far away from the true riches offered from God. Jesus said that we can’t love God and money at the same time (Matthew 6:24).
#7) Genesis 4:9- “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ ‘I don’t know,’ he replied. ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’”
Cain wanted to deny his role in looking out for his brother even though he knew of his terrible sin against Abel. As believers we have the responsibility to look out for our Christian brothers and sisters particularly those who suffer poverty, persecution, and pain for following Christ. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers of the faith.
#8) 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.”
It’s important to realize that this scripture under girds how God has the power and authority to use all things for our good. This “all” incorporates the wonderful and awful of our humanity. Only a Sovereign God can turn difficulties into triumphs for His people and their loved ones.
#9) John 14:6- “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
There are many ways to feel religious and keep busy doing good work; however none of these efforts will result in entering into the presence of the Almighty God. Only those who accept that Jesus is the only way to God will come to eternal life. The secular culture moves in the wide and destructive pathways to death, but the narrow way leads to life in Jesus Christ. (Matthew 7:13-14)
#10) Jeremiah 29:11- “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Many scientists and psychologists go to great lengths to convince people of the randomness of life. However, it rarely brings comfort and rather adds to the meaningless and hopelessness of purpose. Yet for those who put their hope in God—He has a plan that brings hope and a future promise of eternal life.
Dig Deeper into the Scriptures
There’s much more depth to these 10 scriptures that would necessitate an investment of time and energy. Those who pursue God’s word with intensity and passion find themselves greatly motivated to live a fuller, more meaningful life. Take one scripture to memorize and study throughout the week as well as using Bible study resources to impact your life beyond surface knowledge of these popular scriptures.
More about Bible study: 5 Creative Ways to Study the Bible
Resource – New International Version Bible, The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblca, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Welcome to What Christians Want To Know! The mission of this site is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians. Look for regular updates including Bible Verses, Bible Stories, Christian Quotes, Christian Answers, and much more. Find out 
