Every time I read the Bible I discover that some verses do have a strong appeal. At least to me. Herewith a growing list, containing one verse out of each of the Bible books. For some Bible books it appeared to be to hard to choose only one verse, so I allowed myself to smuggle a bit 😉

Genesis “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (1:1, American King James Version)

Exodus “And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” (3:14, New American Standard 1977) and “During the night the king sent for Moses and Aaron and told them, “Get your people out of my country and leave us alone! Go and worship the LORD, as you have asked. But ask your God to be kind to me.”” (12:31, Contemporary English Version) and “and they saw the God of Israel. Beneath his feet was what looked like a pavement of sapphire, as blue as the sky.” (24:10, Good News Translation) and ” Then the cloud covered the Tent and the dazzling light of the LORD’s presence filled it.” (40:34, Good News Translation).

Leviticus “(…) as an aroma pleasing to the LORD.” (4:31, New International Version) and “For I am Yahweh your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy. ” (11:44, Holmes Christian Standard Bible).

Numbers “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (6:24-26, New International Version) and “If you come with us, we will share with you all the blessings that the LORD gives us.” (10:32, Good News Translation) and “Now the man Moses was very humble, above all the men who were on the surface of the earth.”(12:3, World English Bible).

Deutoronomy ““Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (6:4-7, English Standard Version) and “”But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year. (11:11-12, New American Standard Bible).

Joshua “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (1:9, Christian Standard Bible) and “On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.” (4:14, King James Bible)

Judges “Villages were deserted, they were deserted in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel” (5:7, Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Ruth “Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (1:16, Christian Standard Bible) and “May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (2:12, New International Version).

1 Samuel “Speak, for your servant is listening!” (3:10, NET Bible) and “But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the LORD. And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” (8:6,7 New King James Version) and “Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on” (16:13, New Living Translation).

2 Samuel “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant have you been unto me: your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.” (1:26, King James 2000 Bible) and “Everyone noticed what David did, and they liked it, just as they always liked what he did.” (3:36, Contemporary English Version) and “And so David realized that the LORD had established him as king of Israel and was making his kingdom prosperous for the sake of his people.” (5:12, Good News Translation) and “So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people.” (8:15, New Living Translation).

1 Kings “”So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (3:9, New American Standard Bible) and “And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.” (6:13, New International Version) and “Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” (18:37, New International Version) and “(…) but the LORD came in a gentle whisper.” (19:12, New International Version).

2 Kings “Elisha said, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them. Then Elisha prayed, “LORD, please open his eyes and let him see.” So the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (6:16-17, Christian Standard Bible) and “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD.I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David. ‘ ” (20:5-6, New International Version).

1 Chronicles “and David returned home to bless his family.” (16:43b, New International Version).

2 Chronicles “then hear from heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their pleas, and maintain their cause and forgive your people who have sinned against you.” (6:39, English Standard Version) and “and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” (7:1b, New King James Version) and “for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (20:15, Christian Standard Bible).

Ezra “But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews” (5:5, New Heart Englisch Bible) and “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens.”(9:6, Berean Study Bible) and “all the people sat in the square at the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain” (10:9, Holman Christian Standard Bible).

Nehemiah “When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (1:4, New American Standard Bible) and “And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.” (2:8, King James Bible) and “Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” (5:19, Webster’s Bible Translation).

Esther “And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” (4:14, New American Standard Bible) and “If I must die for doing it, I will die.” (4:16, Good News Translation).

Job “So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word unto him; for they saw that his grief was very great.” (2:13, Jubilee Bible 2000) and “”I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.” (31:1, New International Version) and ““Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge? (38:2, Berean Study Bible) and “I heard about you from others; now I have seen you with my own eyes” (42:5, Contemporary English Version).

Psalms “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”(23:1, English Standard Version) and “Lord, through all the generations you have been our home!” (90:1, New Living Translation); “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”(139:23,24, New International Version); “Let everything that breathes praise the LORD. Hallelujah! ” (150:6, Holmes Christian Standard Bible)

Proverbs “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (2:6, New Living Translation) and “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (3:5-6, New International Version) and “Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.” (4:23, New Heart English Bible) and “The LORD sees everything, whether good or bad.” (15:3, Contemporary English Version) and “So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.” (23:25, New Living Translation) and “I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God.” (30:1, New Living Translation).

Ecclesiastes: “After all this, there is only one thing to say: Have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that we were created for. God is going to judge everything we do, whether good or bad, even things done in secret.” (12:13,14, Good News Translation).

Song of songs “My love is mine and I am his” (2:16, Christian Standard Bible) and “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.” (8:6, English Standard Version).

Isaiah: “Learn to do right. See that justice is done–help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.” (1:17, Good News Translation).

Jeremiah “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (1:5a, Berean Study Bible) and “But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”(1:7, New International Version) and “Why then do my people say, ‘At last we are free from God! We don’t need him anymore!’” (2:31b, New Living Translation) and “”This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (31:33, New International Version).

Lamentations “O Jerusalem, beloved Jerusalem, what can I say? How can I comfort you? No one has ever suffered like this.” (2:13, Good News Translation) and “The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.” (3:22, New American Standard 1977) and “But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. The Lord doesn’t enjoy sending grief or pain. ” (3:32-33, Amercan King James Version/Contemporary English Version).

Ezekiel “For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.” (36:24, New King James Version) and “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (36:26, New International Version).

Daniel: “The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God” (9:23, New Living Translation).

Hosea: “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you” (10:12, King James Bible).

Joel: “That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse.” (2:12-14, New Living Translation).

Amos “He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind,  and who reveals his thoughts to mankind” (4:13, New International Version).

Obadiah “This is what the sovereign Lord says..” (1:1; New International Version)

Jonah “I am a servant of the Lord; and I worship the Lord God of heaven, who made the sea, and the dry land” (1:9; Brenton Septuagint Translation)

Micah “He will teach us about His ways and we will walk according to His directions” (2:4 International Standaard Version)

Nahum “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows them that trust in Him”. (1:7; King James 2000 Bible)

Habbakuk “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it testifies about the end and will not lie. Though it delays, wait for it, since it will certainly come and not be late. ” (2:3, Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Zephaniah: “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (3:17, English Standard Version)

Haggai: “The silver is mine and the gold is mine, declares the LORD Almighty”.  (2:8, New International Version – in some other translations 2:9).

Zecheriah: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts”. (4:6, King James 2000 Bible)

Malachi: “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its Wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall”. (4:2, New American Standard Bible)

Matthew “Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully!” (5:6, Good News Translation) and “And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (28:20, Good News Translation).

Mark “Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (1:11, New King  James Version) and “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (2:5, New Living Translation) and “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (10:9, Jubilee Bible 2000) and “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (12:30-31, English Standard Version) and “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (16:15-16, New International Version).

Luke “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and evil.” (6:35, Berean Literal Bible) and “A voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.” (9:35, New Heart English Bible) and “At that moment, the Holy Spirit made Jesus extremely joyful” (10:21, International Standard Version).

John “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (3:16, Berean Study Bible) and “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (17:3, New International Version) and “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one” (17:11, New International Version) and  “After Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit” (19:30, International Standard Version)

Acts “But they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking”. (6:10, Christian Standard Bible)

Romans “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”. (1:16, King James 2000 Bible) and “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (1:20, New Living Translation).

1 Corinthians “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love”. (13:13, Berean Study Bible).

2 Corinthians “For the Lord is the Spirit, and whereever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord–who is the Spirit–makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (3:17-18, New Living Translation) and “We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God“. (5:20, Gods Word Translation)

Galatians “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (2:20, King James 2000 Bible)

Ephesians “And this is the plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ – everything in heaven and on earth.” (1:10, New Living Translation) and “Now to Him, who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen! (2:20-21, English Standard Version) and “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (6:13, New International Version)

Phillippians “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and compassions, fulfill my joy so that you may be of the same mind, having the same love, united in soul, minding the same thing” (2:1-2, Berean Literal Bible) and “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”. (4:4-7, New Living Translation)

Colossians “And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God” (1:27b, Good News Translation) and “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him” (3:10, New Living Translation)

1 Thessalonians “Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. Don’t turn away God’s Spirit.” (5:16-19, Contemporary English Version) and “For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ (5:9, King James 2000 Bible)

2 Thessalonians “May He fulfill by His power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith. In this way the name of our Lord Jesus will receive glory from you, and you from Him”. (1:11b-12a, Good News Translation)

1 Timothy “After all, the church of the living God is the strong foundation of truth” (3:15, Contemporary English Version)

2 Timothy “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true en to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (3:16, New Living Translation)

Titus “Jesus Christ gave Himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to Him alone and are eager to do good” (2:14, Good News Translation) and “To the pure, everything is pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure”(1:15, Christian Standard Bible)

Philemon “Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people” (1:7, New Living Translation)

Hebrews “For the word of God is living, and powerfull, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a decerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (4:12, King James 2000 Bible)

James “Therefore subject yourselves to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:7,8a, Berean Literal Bible)

1 Peter “Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave Him great glory” (1:21, New Living Translation) and “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God” (4:10, Christian Standard Bible)

2 Peter “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (1:20,21, New American Standard Bible)

1 John “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (5:12, English Standard Version)

2 John “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son (1:9, New International Version)

3 John “Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way and that you are healthy, just as your soul is healthy” (1:2, International Standard Version)

Jude “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” (1:24,25, New Living Translation)

Revelation “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (1:18, King James Bible) and “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” (7:12, New King James Version) and “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me..” (16:15a, New Living Translation) and ” Ἰησοῦς ” (22:16) and “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Everyone who hears this should say, “Come!” If you are thirsty, come! If you want life-giving water, come and take it. It’s free!” (22:17, Contemporary English Version).