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What is the Shortest Verse in the Bible?

When asked, “What is the shortest verse in the Bible?” most people will likely answer, “Jesus wept.” And they’d be right! This verse, found in John 11:35, consists of just two simple words in most English translations, making it famously brief. But while the verse is short, its meaning runs deep.

Context of the Verse

The verse appears in the story of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus who had died. When Jesus arrived at Lazarus’ tomb, he was surrounded by grieving friends and family. Moved by their sorrow and the gravity of the situation, Jesus himself wept. These two words, though few, reveal a great deal about his character.

Jesus, the Son of God, wasn’t distant or unemotional. He felt deep compassion for the pain and suffering of others, even though he knew he would soon raise Lazarus from the dead. This moment emphasizes the human side of Jesus, showing that he shared in our struggles and sorrows. It’s a touching reminder that God understands our pain on a personal level.

Why is this Verse Important?

At first glance, the shortest verse in the Bible might seem like just a small detail. But it’s a powerful example of how much can be conveyed in just a few words. “Jesus wept” speaks volumes about Christ’s empathy and love for humanity. It shows that he wasn’t just a distant teacher or miracle worker—he was a caring friend, moved by the grief of others.

This verse can also be seen as an invitation to reflect on our own emotions. If even Jesus wept, we should feel comfortable expressing grief and sadness when we face difficulties. Our faith doesn’t require us to hide our emotions. In fact, it shows us that it’s okay to feel deeply and cry out to God when we are hurting.

Exploring Different Translations

While “Jesus wept” is the shortest verse in most English versions of the Bible, this isn’t always the case in other languages. Some translations might use slightly longer wording, depending on how the language structures sentences. In Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the verse reads “Ἐδάκρυσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς,” which literally translates to “Jesus shed tears.” This is still quite brief, though a bit longer than the English translation.

There’s also another contender for the title of the shortest verse in the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, the verse simply says, “Rejoice always” in many translations. Although longer in terms of letters, it’s another two-word verse, making it a close second!

Reflection on “Jesus Wept”

What makes this tiny verse so powerful is that it captures the essence of Jesus’ love and compassion. He wasn’t ashamed to express sorrow, and his tears showed a genuine connection to those around him. For many Christians, this verse brings comfort, knowing that Jesus understands the grief we feel in our own lives.

So while John 11:35 may be the shortest verse, it leaves a lasting impact. In just two words, we see the humanity of Jesus, the depth of his compassion, and a reminder that even in our sorrow, God is with us.