Ever wondered what the shortest verse in the Bible is? Comprising of 66 books, the Bible is a fascinating collection of writings—some verses are so detailed they stretch on for dozens of words, while others are startlingly brief. These short verses, however, are not fillers or throwaway lines. They often hold profound meaning in just a few words, proving that God’s truth doesn’t need length to have impact.
Most Christians have heard of “Jesus wept” as the shortest verse in the Bible, but did you know that it’s not the shortest verse in every language or translation? And did you know that the Old Testament has an even shorter verse by word count in English?
In this article, we’ll uncover the shortest verse in the New Testament, the shortest verse in the Old Testament, explore other contenders, and even look at related Bible trivia like the shortest books, shortest Gospel, and shortest verse within the Gospels. Along the way, you’ll see why short verses are often among the most memorable.
How “Shortest Verse” is Measured
When we measure the shortest verse, we usually do so by word count in a particular translation—most often the King James Version (KJV) for English Bible trivia.
However, what’s shortest in English may not be shortest in the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament). For example:
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In English (KJV), “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) has only two words and nine letters.
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In the original Greek, Luke 20:30 is technically shorter by letter count, but English translations expand it to more words.
Translation differences—such as punctuation, conjunctions, or rearranged word order—can also affect verse length. That’s why trivia about shortest verses must always specify the translation being used.
Shortest Verse in the New Testament
John 11:35 — “Jesus wept”
Without question, John 11:35 in the KJV is the shortest verse in the English New Testament:
“Jesus wept.”
At only two words, this verse appears simple—but its emotional depth is staggering.
The verse occurs in the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection (John 11:1–44). Jesus arrives in Bethany to find that His close friend Lazarus has died. Surrounded by grieving family and friends, Jesus is “deeply moved in spirit and troubled” (John 11:33). Then, in verse 35, He weeps.
Significance
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Humanity of Jesus — Shows that Jesus experienced real human emotions.
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Compassion — His tears reveal empathy for the pain of others, even though He knew He would soon raise Lazarus.
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God’s Nature — Demonstrates that God is not distant or unmoved by human suffering.
Despite its brevity, “Jesus wept” is a theological powerhouse, offering comfort to millions of believers.
Other Short New Testament Verses
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1 Thessalonians 5:16 — “Rejoice evermore.”
Just two words in KJV, this command calls believers to live in continual joy, rooted in God’s presence. -
Luke 20:30 — “And the second took her to wife.”
Short in KJV, but part of a longer narrative about the Sadducees’ question on resurrection.
Shortest Verse in the Old Testament
1 Chronicles 1:25 — “Eber, Peleg, Reu.”
In the Old Testament (KJV), the shortest verse by word count is 1 Chronicles 1:25:
“Eber, Peleg, Reu.”
Just three names, this verse is part of a genealogical list tracing the ancestry from Shem (son of Noah) to Abraham.
The Chronicles open with genealogies covering generations of Israel’s history. Verse 25 falls within a lineage that connects the post-flood patriarchs to the founding of the Israelite nation.
Significance
While it seems like a dry list of names, it’s part of the Bible’s overarching story of God’s plan, showing that every generation mattered in bringing about His promises.
Other Short Old Testament Verses
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Job 3:2 — “And Job spake, and said.” (KJV)
Short introduction to Job’s lament. -
Exodus 20:13 — “Thou shalt not kill.”
Only four words, yet a foundational moral commandment.
Shortest Books in the Bible by Verse
When it comes to entire books, these are the shortest by verse count (KJV):
| Rank | Book | Testament | Verses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 John | New | 13 |
| 2 | 3 John | New | 15 |
| 3 | Obadiah | Old | 21 |
| 4 | Philemon | New | 25 |
| 5 | Jude | New | 25 |
These brief books can be read in a few minutes but still carry powerful truths.
Shortest Books in the Bible by Chapters
Some books have only one chapter but more verses than others:
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Obadiah — 21 verses (Old Testament)
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Philemon — 25 verses (New Testament)
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2 John — 13 verses (New Testament)
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3 John — 15 verses (New Testament)
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Jude — 25 verses (New Testament)
These one-chapter books are concise yet purposeful, often written to address urgent matters or deliver focused messages.
Shortest Gospel Book
The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—vary in length. The shortest Gospel is Mark:
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16 chapters
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678 verses
Mark’s style is quick and action-driven, frequently using the word “immediately.” It omits long genealogies and extended teaching sections, focusing on the works and miracles of Jesus.
Shortest Verse in the Gospel
In English translations, the shortest verse in any Gospel is still John 11:35 — “Jesus wept.”
In the original Greek, however, Luke 20:30 is technically shorter by letter count.
This demonstrates how translation can influence what is considered “shortest,” but both verses show that the Gospels sometimes use brevity to create strong narrative impact.
Why Short Verses Are Powerful
Short verses often:
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Stick in Memory — Easy to recall and quote.
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Deliver Emotional Punch — Example: “Jesus wept” captures a moment of divine empathy.
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Communicate Clear Commands — “Rejoice evermore” or “Pray without ceasing” are memorable instructions.
They also serve as entry points for meditation, allowing readers to dwell on profound truths without distraction.
Shortest Verse vs. Longest Verse
The shortest verse, “Jesus wept,” is just two words.
The longest verse, Esther 8:9, has over 90 words in KJV.
This contrast highlights the Bible’s range: from a brief moment of emotion to a detailed legal decree.
Conclusion
The shortest verses in the Bible—whether “Jesus wept” in the New Testament or “Eber, Peleg, Reu” in the Old—remind us that length is no measure of spiritual weight. God’s Word can move hearts, instruct lives, and reveal truth in just a few words.
Whether you’re exploring long chapters or tiny verses, every part of Scripture is purposeful. And sometimes, the smallest sentences carry the biggest meaning.
FAQ
Is “Jesus wept” the shortest verse in all translations?
Not always. In some languages, other verses have fewer words or characters.
Why are some Bible verses so short?
They may be part of a list, a commandment, or a powerful standalone statement.
What’s the shortest verse in the original Hebrew Bible?
By word count, 1 Chronicles 1:25 is the shortest in many Hebrew manuscripts.
