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What Is the Shortest Verse in the Bible?
Aug 9, 2026 6:58 PM

  

What Is the Shortest Verse in the Bible?1

  Tintoretto: The Raising of Lazarus The Raising of Lazarus, oil on canvas by Tintoretto, 1570–80s; in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota. (more) What Is the Shortest Verse in the Bible? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/What-Is-the-Shortest-Verse-in-the-Bible Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

  External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Melissa Petruzzello Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Managing Editor and covers a range of content including plants, algae, and fungi; insects and spiders; and renewable energy and environmental engineering. She also handles... Melissa Petruzzello Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 3, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot The shortest verse in the Christian Bible is from the Gospel According to John in the New Testament. In the New Revised Standard Version, John 11:35 reads simply, “Jesus began to weep.” Other versions are even shorter, with the King James Version and the New International Version stating, “Jesus wept.” The verse takes place within the context of the death of Lazarus, the beloved brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus hears of Lazarus’s illness but is not there when his friend dies. He arrives in Bethany to find Mary and Martha in a deep state of mourning and that Lazarus ...(100 of 176 words)

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