“God is love.”
Final clause only. The surrounding passage connects knowing God with loving others.
Brief verses to carry
Short Bible Quotes
These short selections come from the King James Version (KJV). Some are extracts rather than complete verses. Verse references are included so you can read the surrounding passage before using one in a card, service, or post.
12 kjv verses & extractsCopy, share, or make an image
“We walk by faith, not by sight.”
Extract from the parenthetical verse. The opening “For” and surrounding punctuation are omitted.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Opening clause only. The rest of the verse speaks of God being exalted among the nations and in the earth.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
The complete first verse. Read the rest of Psalm 23 for the shepherd imagery of guidance, danger, and comfort.
“Perfect love casteth out fear.”
A clause from a longer verse, with sentence capitalization. The passage discusses love and fear.
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
The complete verse in the linked KJV edition, including the phrase about prayer.
“My grace is sufficient for thee.”
Extract of the words Paul reports hearing. The verse continues by connecting strength with weakness.
“Let all your things be done with charity.”
The complete verse. In this KJV wording, “charity” refers to love, not only to giving money.
“A friend loveth at all times.”
The first clause, not the whole verse. The second clause speaks of a brother born for adversity.
“Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Opening clause of one of the Beatitudes. The verse continues: “for they shall be called the children of God.”
“The truth shall make you free.”
Final clause of the verse, with sentence capitalization. Read the surrounding chapter before using this as a general slogan.
“Love is strong as death.”
Extract from a verse beginning with the image of a seal on the heart and arm. This is love poetry, not originally a condolence message.
Choosing and adapting
Keep the verse, translation, and context together
A short selection is not always a whole verse
Several cards quote only a clause. The source notes identify extracts and link to their chapters. Romans 12:12 includes continuing in prayer as well as hope and patience; John 8:32 follows Jesus speaking about continuing in his word. Those surrounding words matter when using a verse in a talk or service.
Write the personal note outside the quotation
Do not modernize one word and still present the sentence as exact KJV wording. Use the reference and translation with the quotation; put your own message after it.
Example wording
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1, KJV. I am thinking of you today and would be glad to sit with you this afternoon.
Consider whether Scripture is welcome
For a recipient whose beliefs you do not know, a simple note of care may be more fitting. If you are preparing a publication, check the chosen edition’s reuse notice; a source link is not a blanket permission for every edition or territory.
Names and situations in the examples are illustrative. Keep only details and promises that are true for you.
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