The Shortest Bible Verse
The verse most commonly cited as the shortest in the Bible is John 11:35:
Jesus wept. (John 11:35)
It is two words in English. In the story, Jesus weeps at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, just before raising him from the dead — a moment that shows His genuine grief and compassion.
Why “shortest” can vary by translation
Verse length depends on the translation and, for the original text, on the language it was written in. Because English Bible translations divide sentences differently, a handful of other verses are sometimes proposed as contenders. John 11:35 is the one most widely recognized as shortest in English.
Other short verses
Two other brief, easy-to-remember verses:
Rejoice at all times. (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)