1. Jeremiah 29:11, Hope in Hardship

This is the most searched God quote in the Bible by a large margin. People search for this specific verse on Google over 135,000 times a month on average.

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —God, Jeremiah 29:11, New International Version (NIV)

Context

The historical context for this quote is God addressing the Jews, through the prophet Jeremiah. He addresses some 3000 Jews who were forced out of Jerusalem to live in exile as captives in Babylon for 70 years. God said he caused this event to occur and offers encouragement in this verse.

How To Apply It

God reassures that He has good plans for the future despite any current hardships that may be faced. As such, many turn to this verse for hope and encouragement. Although God was specifically addressing the exiled Jews in Babylon, people still find comfort knowing that better times may come no matter how bad things might seem today.

Jeremiah lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem by Rembrandt (circa 1630)

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” —God, Isaiah 41:10, King James Version (KJV)

Context

This quote is God addressing the Jews through the prophet Isaiah. This is during the time before God sends the Jews into captivity and He foreshadows His protection through the hard times to come. The “right hand” is often invoked in the Bible as the stronger and more dexterous side. It also used symbolically for strength and overcoming fears.

How To Apply It

Although God was addressing the Jewish people that would be going into exile in Babylon, this verse offers support and comfort for believers still today. God says not to fear, reassuring that He will show the way.

God detail in the Creation of Adam by Michelangelo (1508-1522). Quote from the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible.

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” —God, Joshua 1:9, King James Version (KJV)

Context

This quote is from God addressing Joshua after Moses died. God is telling Joshua to lead the Jews into and conquer the Promised Land.

How To Apply It

While this quote was directed at Joshua to lead the Jewish people, people continue to find comfort in these words today. Knowing that a greater power is behind us helps reduce fear and uncertainty.

Personal strength derived through a belief in God is proven to work for many people. Indeed, Joshua would go on to courageously lead the Jewish people to take over the Promised Land with great and enduring success.

Joshua Commanding the Sun to Stand Still by John Marin (1848), demonstrates Joshua's courage in and determination in battle as described in Joshua 10.

“And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.” —God, Ezekiel 25:17, King James Version (KJV)

Context

In Ezekiel 25, the Hebrew prophet Ezekiel relates the word of God that came to him. This verse is the last of the chapter which contains prophesies against various enemies of the Jews.

How It Applies

The reason this verse is so popular, stems from the fact that Samuel L. Jackson's character in the movie Pulp Fiction (1994) quotes part of this verse. However, the quote in the movie is mostly fictionalized to give the movie dramatic effect. Outside of it's historical and biblical story-telling value this verse doesn't offer much in the way of applicability on an individual level.

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” —God, Leviticus 18:22, King James Version (KJV)

Context

This quote comes from Leviticus 18, unlawful sexual relations. In it God is speaking to Moses to tell him about prohibited sexual practices, mostly those involving relations with close relatives. God says that the forbidden sexual practices outlined in this chapter defiled other nations and that He would drive them out of the Promised Land before the Jews.

How To Apply It

This quote/ verse seems to be popular today along with increasing national attention on homosexuality and the legalization of gay marriage. Activists and those involved in politics might use this to understand the issue and where churches, synagogues and the like might derive their positions.

“If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” —God, Leviticus 20:13, King James Version (KJV)

Context

This quote appears 2 chapters after the previous quote, in Leviticus 20, punishments for sin. In it God tells Moses what the consequences for prohibited sexual practices are.

How To Apply It

Like the previous quote, this one seems to be popularly googled for clarification on the biblical stance of homosexuality. As this remains a hot-button issue, this verse will also remain popular. Those involved in politics, activism and related causes will inevitably encounter this and the previous quote as foundational to many people's beliefs.

“For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.” —God, Ezekiel 23:20, King James Version (KJV)

Context

In Ezekiel 23, adulterous sisters serve as a metaphor for the Israelites relationship with other nations. The two women referred to in this verse, Aholah and Aholibah refer to Samaria and Jerusalem, respectively. At the same time, there are sexual overtones, with their names having implied meanings in Hebrew. Aholah meaning “her tent” and Aholibah meaning “my tent is in her”.

How It Applies

Although this quote has little to offer in terms of applicability on an individual level, it evidently attracts plenty of attention. That is probably because of it's sexual nature as well as it's rather obscure metaphorical meaning. It combines history and culture to tell a story with dramatic effect that continues to arouse people's interest, and its popularity, still today.

“Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” —God, Leviticus 19:28, New International Version (NIV)

Context

In Leviticus 19, various laws are are put forward by God. In this verse, God tells Moses that the Israelites must not cut nor mark their flesh.

How To Apply It

This is the most common bible verse people search for when researching the biblical stance on tattoos. For further discussion of the differences between Christians and Jews on the getting tattoos, read “What does the Bible say about tattoos?” in Leviticus 19:28.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” —God, 2 Chronicles 7:14, King James Version (KJV)

Context

In 2 Chronicles 7, God appears to Solomon at nighttime and instructs him how to lead the Israelites. This verse is a part of God's guidance to direct Solomon's leadership.

How To Apply It

The meaning of this quote is often understood by public officials as an invitation to to “return to God” in order to enjoy God’s blessing once again. However, this verse was historically addressed to the Israelites as indicated by God saying “my people”. Nevertheless, this quote serves as a reminder that the behavior of many influence the fortune of entire nations.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” —God, Jeremiah 33:3, English Standard Version (ESV)

Context

This quote was recorded by the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 33, God promises restoration of Israel and Judah after the people were exiled to Babylon.

How To Apply It

This verse reminds us of the hidden potential in all of our lives. If we ask God to guide us through life, He will show us a way that we could not have previously imagined. Since one can never anticipate the way life will unfold, having a sense of connection to a higher power in God helps us move in the right direction. This becomes especially important in the midst of a tragedy such as that which the exiles from Jerusalem suffered.

Jeremiah on the ruins of Jerusalem by Horace Vermet (1844). Quote from the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” —God, Psalm 46:10, King James Version (KJV)

Context

The Psalms are a series of prayers that were traditionally spoken aloud and accompanied by music. Psalm 46 is a song addressed “To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah. A Song upon Alamoth”.

How To Apply It

This psalm reminds us that a higher power, namely God, is ultimately in control. We only need to have faith in Him, trusting that He will look after us and take care of us. Then we can have peace of mind knowing our place in the greater scheme of things.

Conclusion

The top quotes from God all come from the Old Testament books of the Bible. God's quotes do appear in the New Testament but they are relatively few and not as popular. These quotes were recorded by Jewish prophets and leaders and are all addressed to the Israelites/ Jewish people.

Nevertheless, many people including Christians and non-Christians alike, continue to search for these quotes in the Bible. Most of these quotes appear to be searched for by believers in God, who find comfort and reassurance in His Word. Others, appear to research these quotes to justify a position or find guidance on a national social issue such as homosexuality and gay marriage. Still others are researching what the Bible actually says in a particular verse quoted in a movie or with regards to a personal decision like getting a tattoo.

Whatever the quote, it's helpful to understand the actual context that a quote comes from. Understanding the background helps us determine it's applicability to our own lives. It must be said that a broader and more detailed reading of the surrounding Scripture helps to enrich our perspective and understanding of these often complex and tragic stories. Still, people will inevitably continue googling these verses on their own without the benefit of background information. Hopefully, this article has shed some light on their respective contexts and how you can put these quotes good use for yourself today.