Bible Verses Explained
Discover the real meaning of popular Bible verses and phrases. Learn the background of the verses as you read them in their context. Deepen your understanding with the help of explanatory footnotes and cross-references.
Genesis 1:1 Explained—“In the Beginning God Created the Heavens and the Earth”
What two important truths are stated in this opening passage of the Bible?
Genesis 1:26 Explained—“Let Us Make Man in Our Image”
Whom was God talking to?
Exodus 20:12 Explained—“Honor Your Father and Your Mother”
By adding a promise to the command, God gave an additional incentive for obeying it.
Numbers 6:24-26 Explained—“The LORD Bless You and Keep You”
What is the origin of the Aaronic blessing?
Joshua 1:9 Explained—“Be Strong and Courageous”
How can you find courage and strength in the face of challenging circumstances and overwhelming obstacles?
Psalm 23:4 Explained—“Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death”
Even during the darkest days of their life, how do worshippers of God experience his protective care?
Psalm 37:4 Explained—“Delight Yourself in the LORD”
How does this psalm help us to gain wisdom and be the sort of people whom God approves?
Psalm 46:10 Explained—“Be Still, and Know That I Am God”
Does this verse simply mean to be silent in church?
Proverbs 3:5, 6 Explained—“Lean Not on Your Own Understanding”
How can you show that you trust in God more than in yourself?
Proverbs 16:3 Explained—“Commit to the LORD Whatever You Do”
What are two reasons that humans should look to God for guidance when making decisions?
Proverbs 17:17 Explained—“A Friend Loves at All Times”
This proverb beautifully defines what a true friend really is.
Proverbs 22:6 Explained—“Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go”
What is “the way” a child should go? Is it different for each person?
Ecclesiastes 3:11 Explained—“He Has Made Everything Beautiful in Its Time”
God’s beautiful works include more than just his creation. How does this affect you?
Isaiah 26:3 Explained—“You Will Keep in Perfect Peace Those Whose Minds Are Steadfast”
Is it really possible to experience perfect peace? What does it mean to have a steadfast mind?
Isaiah 40:31 Explained—“Those Hoping in Jehovah Will Regain Power”
Why do the Scriptures compare a soaring eagle to a person who receives strength from God?
Isaiah 41:10 Explained—“Fear Not, For I Am With You”
Jehovah uses three expressions that assure his loyal worshippers of his support.
Isaiah 42:8 Explained—“I Am the LORD”
What personal name did God choose to give himself?
Jeremiah 11:11 Explained—“I Will Bring Evil Upon Them”
Did God bring “evil” upon his people, or did he merely allow it?
Jeremiah 29:11 Explained—“I Know the Plans I Have for You”
Does God have a specific plan for each person?
Jeremiah 33:3 Explained—“Call to Me, and I Will Answer You”
God promised to reveal “great and incomprehensible things” to those who accepted this invitation. What things? Is the same true today?
Micah 6:8 Explained—“Walk Humbly With Your God”
This verse summarizes what God expects of us in three meaningful expressions.
Matthew 6:33 Explained—“Seek First the Kingdom of God”
Did Jesus mean that Christians do not need to work for a living?
Matthew 6:34 Explained—“Do Not Worry About Tomorrow”
Jesus did not mean that we should avoid planning for the future.
Matthew 11:28-30 Explained—“Come to Me, . . . and I Will Give You Rest”
Was Jesus offering immediate relief from all oppression and injustice?
Mark 1:15 Explained—“The Kingdom of God Is at Hand”
Did Jesus mean that the Kingdom had already begun ruling?
Mark 11:24 Explained—“Whatever You Ask in Prayer, Believe That You Have Received It”
How can Jesus’ advice on faith and prayer help us to overcome challenges today?
Luke 1:37 Explained—“For With God Nothing Shall Be Impossible”
Nothing can prevent Almighty God from fulfilling what he promises. What does that mean for you?
Luke 2:14 Explained—“Peace on Earth to Everyone Who Pleases God”
What can these words mean for people today?
John 1:1 Explained—“In the Beginning Was the Word”
This scripture reveals details about the life of Jesus Christ before he came to earth as a human.
John 3:16 Explained—“For God So Loved the World”
How did Jehovah God show that he loves each of us and wants us to live forever?
John 14:6 Explained—“I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life”
Why must a person who wants to worship Jehovah recognize the vital role of Jesus?
John 14:27 Explained—“Peace I Leave With You”
What kind of peace did Jesus leave, or give, his true followers? How can we receive it?
John 15:13 Explained—“Greater Love Has No One Than This”
How can Jesus’ followers imitate the love he showed?
John 16:33 Explained—“I Have Overcome the World”
How do Jesus’ words reassure his followers that they can succeed in pleasing God?
Acts 1:8 Explained—“You Shall Receive Power”
What power did Jesus promise his followers, and what would that power help them do?
Romans 5:8 Explained—“While We Were Still Sinners, Christ Died for Us”
Since humans tend to think and act in ways that go against God’s righteous standards, how can we enjoy a good relationship with God now and in the everlasting future?
Romans 6:23 Explained—“The Wages of Sin Is Death, but the Gift of God Is Eternal Life”
No sinful human can earn salvation, but we can accept God’s gift of eternal life. How?
Romans 10:13 Explained—“Call Upon the Name of the Lord”
God extends to all people the opportunity to be saved and gain everlasting life, regardless of their nationality, race, or social status.
Romans 12:2 Explained—“Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind”
Does God force people to change?
Romans 12:12 Explained—“Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient in Tribulation, Be Constant in Prayer”
How can Christians stay faithful despite persecution and other difficulties?
Romans 15:13 Explained—“May the God of Hope Fill You With All Joy and Peace”
How are the qualities of joy and peace linked to hope and holy spirit?
1 Corinthians 10:13 Explained—“God Is Faithful”
In what ways does God’s faithfulness especially help us when we face temptation?
2 Corinthians 12:9 Explained—“My Grace Is Sufficient for You”
How did the apostle Paul benefit greatly from God’s undeserved kindness? How can we?
Galatians 6:9 Explained—“Let Us Not Grow Weary of Doing Good”
What will be the outcome for Christians who persist in doing good?
Ephesians 3:20 Explained—“[God] Is Able to Do Exceeding Abundantly Above All That We Ask or Think”
In what ways does God answer the prayers and fulfill the expectations of his worshippers?
Philippians 4:6, 7 Explained—“Do Not Be Anxious About Anything”
What forms of prayer can help worshippers of God relieve worry and receive inner peace?
Philippians 4:8 Explained—“Whatever Things Are True, . . . Continue Considering These Things”
What should Christians make a habit of thinking about?
Philippians 4:13 Explained—“I Can Do All Things Through Christ”
What did the apostle Paul mean when he wrote that he would receive strength “for all things”?
Colossians 3:23 Explained—“Whatever You Do, Work At It With All Your Heart”
How does a Christian’s attitude toward work affect his relationship with God?
2 Timothy 1:7 Explained—“God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear”
How can God help a person overcome fear and courageously do what is right?
Hebrews 4:12 Explained—“The Word of God Is Living and Active”
Do you allow God’s word to be active in your life? What does that reveal about you?
Hebrews 11:1 Explained—“Faith Is the Substance of Things Hoped For”
How strong is true faith, and how important is it?
1 Peter 5:6, 7 Explained—“Humble Yourselves . . ., Casting All Your Care Upon Him”
What does it mean to “cast” our anxieties on God, and how could that bring relief?
Revelation 21:1 Explained—“A New Heaven and a New Earth”
What clues does the Bible provide as to the meaning of this verse?
Revelation 21:4 Explained—“He Will Wipe Away Every Tear”
This verse contains a wonderful promise for the future.