Which Bible verses did people read most in 2025? How did the list change since 2024? (Was Psalm 91 still the reigning champion?) What articles did people read the most? And what does it all say about people’s Bible interests this year?
We gathered the data to help us answer these questions and more.
There were no huge surprises this year; most verses only shuffled a few points in one direction or another. Psalm 91 continued its ascent (pushing John 3:16 all the way down to #24), as did Psalm 121. Isaiah added a few verses this year, and Revelation (which did not appear at all last year) resurfaced with a few verses toward the bottom, knocking Ephesians’ “armor of God” verse off the list altogether.
You can see the full list below (and compare it to last year’s), but first let’s take a bird’s-eye look at the data.
Top Bible Verses, by the Numbers
Of the top 100 Bible verses read on Bible Gateway in 2025 …
- The most popular book (by far) was again the Psalms, claiming well over a third (40) of the top 100 verses (mostly thanks to Psalms 23, 91, and 121, as mentioned above) — one more verse than last year, and six more than 2023.
- The second most popular book was a three-way tie at 1 Corinthians, Matthew, and Isaiah, with six verses each (Isaiah gained two over last year, while Matthew gained one).
- The most popular chapters (also by far) remained Psalm 23, which retained its claim to the first six verses on the list, and Psalm 91, with all 16 verses still in the top 25. (This suggests readers are usually reading these entire psalms, rather than isolated verses. See the Methodology section below for more on how we process that data.)
- The most popular New Testament chapter was again tied between 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 4, also typically read as a block, both with five verses in the top 100. Paul was again well represented, with 31 verses from Pauline epistles (though not the same 31 as last year).
- The top 100 is divided almost evenly between Old and New Testaments, with the Old Testament taking 51 of the top 100 verses, including the first #1 through #23. Remember, though, that 40 of those OT verses are from the Psalms, and another six are from Isaiah, leaving only five verses from the rest of the Old Testament books.
- With Psalms and Paul combined totaling over one-third of the top 100, that leaves only 29 verses from the entire rest of the Bible combined. Eleven of those verses are from the Gospels (Matthew and John, to be precise; neither Mark nor Luke made the list), so that’s only 18 verses from the remaining 50 books of the Bible!
Top 100 Bible Verses at BibleGateway.com
Here are the top 100 most viewed Bible verses on BibleGateway.com. All are quoted from the NIV; click through to the verse to read it in your preferred translation.
- Psalm 23:4 — Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
- Psalm 23:1 — The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
- Psalm 23:6 — Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
- Psalm 23:5 — You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
- Psalm 23:3 — he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
- Psalm 23:2 — He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
- 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.” [See Becky Kiser’s commentary on this verse.]
- Psalm 91:11 — For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; [What does this psalm’s popularity tell us about our world today? And how can it help us with our current troubles?]
- Psalm 91:1 — Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
- Psalm 91:4 — He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
- Psalm 91:2 — I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
- Psalm 91:12 — they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
- Psalm 91:7 — A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
- Psalm 91:10 — no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
- Psalm 91:15 — He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
- Psalm 91:14 — “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”
- Psalm 91:16 — “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
- Psalm 91:9 — If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling,
- Psalm 91:5 — You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
- Psalm 91:8 — You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
- Psalm 91:3 — Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
- Psalm 91:13 — You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
- Psalm 91:6 — nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
- 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.
- 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. [Read how Romans 8 can help with our relationships.]
- Isaiah 41:10 — So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Romans 12:2 — Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. [Learn how to avoid conforming to the patterns of this world.]
- Matthew 6:33 — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [Take a deep dive into Jesus’ most famous speech, the Sermon on the Mount.]
- Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Philippians 4:7 — And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- John 14:6 — Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Philippians 4:6 — Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [Read Curtis Chang’s analysis of this verse and chapter.]
- Ephesians 6:12 — For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [Learn more about demons in the Bible.]
- Philippians 4:13 — I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
- Philippians 4:8 — Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
- John 16:33 — “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- Isaiah 40:31 — but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
- Proverbs 3:6 — in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
- Proverbs 3:5 — Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [See Megan Marshman’s devotional on this verse.]
- Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
- 1 Peter 5:7 — Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
- Psalm 121:8 — the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
- Matthew 28:19 — “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
- Matthew 28:20 — “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Psalm 121:7 — The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life;
- Psalm 121:2 — My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
- Psalm 121:3 — He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;
- 1 Corinthians 13:4 — Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [See Scot McKnight’s commentary on this chapter and verse.]
- Psalm 121:1 — I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
- Psalm 121:4 — indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 — For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
- 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
- Psalm 121:5 — The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
- John 14:27 — Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
- Psalm 121:6 — the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
- Galatians 5:22 — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
- Isaiah 54:17 — “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
- 1 Corinthians 13:7 — It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
- John 10:10 — The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
- Psalm 1:3 — That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
- 1 Corinthians 13:5 — It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
- Galatians 5:23 — gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- Romans 12:1 — Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
- Ephesians 3:20 — Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
- 1 Corinthians 13:6 — Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
- Psalm 1:2 — but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 — All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
- 1 John 1:9 — If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
- Psalm 46:10 — He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 — We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
- Psalm 1:1 — Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
- Ephesians 2:10 — For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
- Hebrews 4:12 — For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
- Galatians 6:9 — Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
- Colossians 3:23 — Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
- Isaiah 53:5 — But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
- Ephesians 2:8 — For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
- Matthew 11:29 — Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- Revelation 21:2 — I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 — No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
- Romans 5:8 — But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [What does it mean that Christ “died for all”?]
- Revelation 21:1 — Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
- Psalm 100:4 — Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
- Matthew 5:16 — In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- 1 Peter 2:9 — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [Read J.D. Walt’s commentary on this verse.]
- Genesis 1:27 — So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. [What does it mean to be bearers of God’s image?]
- Psalm 139:14 — I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
- Isaiah 43:19 — See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
- Philippians 4:19 — And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 3:23 — for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
- 1 Corinthians 13:8 — Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
- Galatians 2:20 — I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
- Hebrews 12:2 — fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Psalm 1:6 — For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
- Psalm 1:4 — Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
- Isaiah 9:6 — For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Top 5 Verses from the Apocrypha
Although the Deuterocanonical or Apocryphal books get significantly fewer views than the core 66 books (which makes sense given that they are accepted only by Catholics, Orthodox, and some Anglicans and Lutherans, while nearly all Christians accept the rest), we thought it would be interesting to see which of them get the most looks, too.
Since these are not translated in the NIV, we use the NRSVUE.
Like the main list, the top five verses from the Apocrypha are claimed by two chapters that are usually read as a block. Interestingly, the top verse last year (1 Maccabees 3:19) dropped not only out of the top 5, but all the way down to #35 (not shown).
- 2 Maccabees 12:45 — But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, so that they might be delivered from their sin.
- Sirach 6:14 — Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one has found a treasure.
- 2 Maccabees 12:44 — For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead.
- Sirach 6:15 — Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth.
- Sirach 6:16 — Faithful friends are life-saving medicine, and those who fear the Lord will find them.
Top 10 Articles on Bible Gateway: News & Knowledge
Now for our most-read articles last year. This list contains only articles published in the past year, so it leaves out perennial favorites like our guides to the Kings and Prophets of Israel and Judah and biblically accurate angels (not to mention last year’s top verses!)
We also filtered out holiday-focused articles such as our popular guides to Lent and Easter.
- Complete Guide to Bible Versions: Comparison, History, and Philosophy of Top Bible Translations [Updated 2025] by Jacob Edson
- Who Were the 12 Apostles in the Bible? What Happened to Them? [Chart] by Jacob Edson
- 50 Major Events in the Bible Storyline [Infographic] by Jacob Edson
- What’s the Difference Between the Old Testament and the New Testament? by Jacob Edson
- 4 Simple Steps to Transform How You Read the Bible [FREE 5-Day Devotional] by David Platt
- Guide to All the Judges of Israel in Order [Chart] by Jacob Edson
- Psalm 91: A Door to Mental Health in Troubled Times by John Eldredge
- Understanding the Story of the Bible Changes Everything by Zach Windahl
- A Field Guide to Biblically Accurate Demons (and Their Leader) [Bible Verses] by Jacob Edson
- What Is the Holy Spirit? How the Third Person of the Trinity Illuminates Christ by Phil Collins
Methodology
To compile the list of our most viewed Bible verses, we crunched Google Analytics data of page views for every translation in every language. We also controlled for verse ranges: for example, if 10 verses are viewed, each verse receives 0.1 view.
This accounts for why a few passages have several verses on this list, sometimes (but not always) side by side. Often, those verses are viewed as a single unit; but sometimes individual verses are searched instead, which elevates them above the rest of their group.
Conclusion: The World’s Most Popular Bible Verses?
Bible Gateway data is of course not all Bible data. Still, Bible Gateway received hundreds of billions of views last year, in many different languages, all around the globe. So this is a pretty good sampling of the most popular Bible verses in the world.
That said, verses are always best read in context. While a Bible verse every day is a great way to make Bible reading less daunting if you don’t know where to start, we prayerfully encourage you to do a deeper dive into these popular verses by exploring the passages and books they are situated in, so you can get a fuller picture of God’s grand story — and your own role to play in it.
If you’re not sure where to start, a Study Bible can help focus your reading; here are some of the best Study Bibles available right now. Or, you can try Bible Gateway Plus with free and explore dozens of resources for getting to know the Bible — and the Lord — more closely.
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