100 Shortest Bible Verses KJV: Short but Powerful Scripture

What is the shortest verse in the Bible? It is John 11:35 — “Jesus wept.” Just two words, yet those two words carry the whole heart of God toward human sorrow. This collection of the 100 shortest Bible verses in the KJV proves a simple truth: Scripture does not need to be long to be life-changing. Some of the most quoted, most memorized, and most comforting verses in all of God’s Word fit in a single breath.

Whether you want verses to memorize, short scriptures to share as encouragement, or one-line promises to pray through the day, these shortest Bible verses KJV readers love are organized by theme so you can find exactly what your heart needs — comfort, strength, love, faith, guidance, gratitude, and more.

Scripture quotations in this article are from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain. Every reference below matches the King James Version, so you can look each verse up in your KJV with confidence.

What Are the 10 Shortest Bible Verses in the KJV?

These are the shortest verses in the entire Bible by word count in the King James Version. They are proof that God can say everything in almost nothing.

1. John 11:35 (KJV) — “Jesus wept.”
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (KJV) — “Always rejoice.” (KJV reads “Rejoice evermore.”)
3. Job 3:2 (KJV) — “Job answered:”
4. Luke 17:32 (KJV) — “Remember Lot’s wife.”
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) — “Pray without ceasing.”
6. 1 Chronicles 1:25 (KJV) — “Eber, Peleg, Reu,”
7. Exodus 20:13 (KJV) — “You shall not murder.” (KJV reads “Thou shalt not kill.”)
8. Exodus 20:15 (KJV) — “You shall not steal.”
9. John 10:30 (KJV) — “I and the Father are one.”
10. Psalm 46:10 (KJV) — “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Two-word verses, three-word verses, one-line commandments — each one carries weight far beyond its size. “Jesus wept” tells us God feels our pain. “Pray without ceasing” gives us a whole lifestyle in three words. “Be still, and know that I am God” has calmed anxious hearts for centuries.

Which Short KJV Verses Bring Comfort in Hard Times?

When grief, anxiety, or weariness press in, you do not need a long sermon. You need a short, true word to hold onto. These shortest Bible verses KJV readers turn to in hard times are like anchors — small, but strong enough to steady a whole heart.

1. Psalm 23:1 (KJV) — “Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
2. Psalm 46:1 (KJV) — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
3. Matthew 11:28 (KJV) — “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.”
4. 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) — “casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.”
5. Psalm 34:18 (KJV) — “Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”
6. Psalm 55:22 (KJV) — “Cast your burden on Yahweh and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved.”
7. John 14:27 (KJV) — “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”
8. Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) — “You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you.”
9. Psalm 91:1 (KJV) — “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
10. Psalm 30:5 (KJV) — “For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
11. Nahum 1:7 (KJV) — “Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.”
12. Isaiah 43:2 (KJV) — “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.”
13. Zephaniah 3:17 (KJV) — “Yahweh, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.”
14. Psalm 147:3 (KJV) — “He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.”

Notice how many of these comfort verses are promises of presence: I am with you. I will sustain you. I am near. In your hardest moments, memorize one of these and repeat it slowly. Short verses are easy to carry into hospital waiting rooms, sleepless nights, and heavy days. If you are walking through a season of fasting and prayer, these brief scriptures also pair beautifully with our verses to read while fasting.

Shortest Bible Verses KJV for Strength and Courage

Short verses make the best battle cries. When fear whispers, answer it with a verse you can say in one breath. These shortest Bible verses KJV believers have clung to for strength will remind you who fights beside you.

1. Philippians 4:13 (KJV) — “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
2. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) — “But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.”
3. Joshua 1:9 (KJV) — “Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
4. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) — “For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
5. Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV) — “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, nor be scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
6. Psalm 27:1 (KJV) — “Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”
7. Exodus 14:14 (KJV) — “Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still.” (KJV reads “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”)
8. Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV) — “Don’t be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.”
9. Proverbs 18:10 (KJV) — “Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.”
10. Psalm 28:7 (KJV) — “Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.”
11. Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) — “Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”
12. Psalm 18:2 (KJV) — “Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.”
13. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) — “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
14. Ephesians 6:10 (KJV) — “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.”

What Are the Best Short KJV Verses About Love?

The Bible’s message, at its shortest, is love. God is love, God loved the world, and we are called to love one another. These brief verses say it all.

1. John 3:16 (KJV) — “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
2. 1 John 4:19 (KJV) — “We love him, because he first loved us.”
3. 1 John 4:8 (KJV) — “He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love.”
4. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (KJV) — “Let all that you do be done in love.”
5. John 15:13 (KJV) — “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
6. Romans 5:8 (KJV) — “But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
7. Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) — “And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”
8. 1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) — “Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,”
9. 1 Corinthians 13:7 (KJV) — “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”
10. 1 Peter 4:8 (KJV) — “And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
11. Colossians 3:14 (KJV) — “Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.”
12. Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV) — “Yahweh appeared of old to me, saying, ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness.'”

Short Bible Verses for Faith and Hope

Faith does not require long explanations. It requires a promise to stand on. These shortest Bible verses KJV readers memorize for faith will steady you when the future feels uncertain.

1. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) — “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.”
2. Mark 11:24 (KJV) — “Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.”
3. Matthew 21:22 (KJV) — “All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
4. Luke 1:37 (KJV) — “For nothing spoken by God is impossible.” (KJV reads “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”)
5. Matthew 19:26 (KJV) — “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
6. Romans 8:28 (KJV) — “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.”
7. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) — “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.”
8. Romans 15:13 (KJV) — “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
9. Psalm 42:11 (KJV) — “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence.”
10. Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV) — “It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.”
11. Psalm 126:5 (KJV) — “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.”
12. Galatians 6:9 (KJV) — “Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.”
13. Philippians 1:6 (KJV) — “being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”
14. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (KJV) — “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”

Short KJV Verses for Guidance and Wisdom

When you need direction, God’s Word is a lamp — and a lamp does not need to be large to light the path. These short verses for guidance point the way in a few clear words.

1. Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) — “Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.”
2. Proverbs 3:6 (KJV) — “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
3. Psalm 119:105 (KJV) — “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”
4. James 1:5 (KJV) — “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
5. Psalm 32:8 (KJV) — “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.”
6. Proverbs 16:9 (KJV) — “A man’s heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.”
7. Psalm 37:23 (KJV) — “A man’s goings are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way.”
8. Isaiah 30:21 (KJV) — “Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way. Walk in it,’ when you turn to the right, and when you turn to the left.”
9. Psalm 25:4 (KJV) — “Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.”
10. Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV) — “Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don’t know.”
11. Matthew 7:7 (KJV) — “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.”
12. Proverbs 19:21 (KJV) — “There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.”

Shortest Bible Verses KJV for Gratitude and Praise

Thankfulness fits in a sentence. These short verses of gratitude and praise are perfect for morning devotions, grace before meals, or a quick note of thanks to God.

1. Psalm 118:24 (KJV) — “This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!”
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) — “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.”
3. Psalm 150:6 (KJV) — “Let everything that has breath praise Yah!”
4. Psalm 136:1 (KJV) — “Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
5. Psalm 100:4 (KJV) — “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.”
6. 1 Chronicles 16:34 (KJV) — “Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
7. Psalm 107:1 (KJV) — “Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
8. Colossians 3:17 (KJV) — “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
9. Psalm 19:14 (KJV) — “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.”
10. Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) — “A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Short Verses About God’s Presence and Prayer

God is never far. These short verses remind you that He is with you, hears you, and answers when you call.

1. Matthew 28:20 (KJV) — “teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
2. Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) — “for he has said, ‘I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.'”
3. Genesis 28:15 (KJV) — “Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go, and will bring you again to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done that which I have spoken of to you.”
4. Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV) — “Yahweh himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”
5. Psalm 139:14 (KJV) — “I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.”
6. Psalm 16:11 (KJV) — “You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.”
7. John 1:1 (KJV) — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
8. Acts 16:31 (KJV) — “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

If you want to turn these short verses into daily prayers, our prayer points for God’s presence will show you how to pray Scripture back to God, line by line.

Short KJV Verses for Everyday Life

The final verses in our collection speak to ordinary days — work, choices, time, and purpose. Short enough to remember, strong enough to live by.

1. Micah 6:8 (KJV) — “He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
2. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) — “But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.”
3. Colossians 3:23 (KJV) — “And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,”
4. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) — “Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
5. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV) — “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
6. Psalm 90:12 (KJV) — “So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

You can read any of these passages in the King James Version side by side with other translations at BibleGateway’s KJV passage lookup.

How Can You Memorize These Short Bible Verses?

The shortest Bible verses are also the easiest to memorize — that is part of why they have lasted for centuries, and why this list of the shortest Bible verses KJV believers treasure is worth working through slowly. Here is a simple method that works:

Pick one verse a week. Start with the shortest ones on this list, like “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) or “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Small wins build the habit.

Write it where you will see it. A sticky note on the mirror, a phone wallpaper, a card in your wallet. Seeing the verse many times a day does half the memorizing for you.

Say it out loud. Hearing your own voice speak Scripture helps it settle into long-term memory. Say the reference too — “Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

Pray it back to God. Turn the verse into a short prayer. “Lord, teach me to be still and know that You are God” (Psalm 46:10). Prayed verses stick.

Share it with someone. Text a short verse to a friend who needs it, or tuck one into a birthday card with our short birthday prayers. Teaching a verse is the fastest way to learn it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Shortest Bible Verses

What is the shortest verse in the Bible?
The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35 — “Jesus wept.” In the King James Version it contains just two words. It appears at the tomb of Lazarus, showing that Jesus Himself felt human grief.

What are the 10 shortest Bible verses?
The ten shortest verses in the KJV are John 11:35, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Job 3:2, Luke 17:32, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Chronicles 1:25, Exodus 20:13, Exodus 20:15, John 10:30, and Psalm 46:10. Each is listed with its verse text at the top of this article.

What is the shortest verse in the Old Testament?
In the KJV, some of the shortest Old Testament verses are 1 Chronicles 1:25 (“Eber, Peleg, Reu,”), Exodus 20:13 (“Thou shalt not kill”), and Exodus 20:15 (“Thou shalt not steal”).

What is the longest verse in the Bible?
The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9, which contains about 90 words in the KJV. It describes the decree written in the days of King Ahasuerus.

Why are the shortest Bible verses so powerful?
Short verses are easy to memorize, quick to recall in hard moments, and simple enough for children to learn. Their brevity forces every word to carry weight — “Jesus wept” says in two words what whole sermons try to explain about God’s compassion.

Are the verse texts on this page from the KJV?
The references match the King James Version, and KJV wording is noted where it differs. The verse text itself is quoted from the World English Bible (public domain), a faithful modern translation, so the wording may differ slightly from your KJV while the meaning and reference stay the same.

What is a good short Bible verse to memorize first?
Start with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (“Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing.”), Psalm 46:10 (“Be still, and know that I am God”), or Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me”). Each is short, practical, and useful every single day.

Final Thoughts

One hundred short verses, one unchanging God. These shortest Bible verses KJV readers have memorized for generations remind us that God’s truth does not need many words — it needs a willing heart. Pick one verse from this list today, memorize it, pray it, and share it. You will be surprised how far two or three small words can travel.