Out of context
Verses people often quote to mean something the text doesn’t say. Open any one to read it where it stands, then read the whole chapter in your Bible.
Most misquoted
- 1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.How it’s often usedOften quoted as 'Money is the root of all evil,' as if money itself were evil, or as if greed were the single cause behind every sin.In contextThe verse speaks of the love of money, not money, and the context lets the rich keep their wealth if they use it well (6:17-18).
- 3 John 1:2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a promise that God wants every believer to be financially wealthy and always physically healthy.In contextIt is a personal wish in a letter's greeting to one friend, Gaius.
- 1 Timothy 2:12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.How it’s often usedQuoted as a blanket rule that women should never speak, lead, or teach in any setting, or as proof that the Bible looks down on women.In contextThe verse belongs to instructions on prayer and conduct in the church's worship (2:1-15; 3:14-15).
- 1 Timothy 5:8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a rule that husbands and fathers must be the family breadwinners, or used to shame men who are out of work.In contextThe verse says 'any' person, not husbands only, and its setting is the care of widowed relatives, especially by their children (5:4).
- Philemon 1:16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?How it’s often usedPaul only hints that Philemon might treat Onesimus more kindly, and leaves the master and slave relationship as it was.In contextPaul does not hint.
- 1 Timothy 5:23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.How it’s often usedQuoted as a general Bible endorsement of drinking alcohol, as if Paul tells everyone to drink wine.In contextIn context it is personal advice to one man, Timothy, who was drinking only water and was often ill.
- 1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.How it’s often usedQuoted to claim that physical exercise is worthless or unspiritual, or set up as a choice between fitness and faith.In contextPaul says bodily training profits "little," not nothing.
- 1 Timothy 6:20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:How it’s often usedThe KJV phrase 'science falsely so called' is often quoted as if Paul were warning against modern science or scientific theories.In contextThe Greek word translated 'science' is gnōsis, meaning 'knowledge', especially claimed spiritual knowledge.
- 2 John 1:10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:How it’s often usedQuoted as a rule to refuse any kindness, contact, or even a hello to anyone who disagrees on any religious point.In contextThe "doctrine" here is the doctrine of Christ, and the person in view is a deceiver who denies Jesus Christ came in the flesh and comes bringing that teaching.
- 1 Timothy 2:4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.How it’s often usedQuoted to claim that every person will in the end be saved, no matter what.In contextThe verb means 'to will, wish, desire.' It states what God desires, not a promise about every outcome.
Money and wealth
- 1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.How it’s often usedQuoted to claim that pastors deserve lavish wealth, or that church leaders are owed honour no matter what and should not be questioned.In contextThe honour is for elders who 'rule well' and labor at teaching, and verse 18 frames it as a worker's fair wage.
- 1 Timothy 6:7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.How it’s often usedOften quoted as "you can't take it with you" to mean you should spend your money freely on yourself while you can.In contextIn context the verse argues for contentment and against greed.
- 1 Timothy 6:9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.How it’s often usedQuoted to claim that being wealthy is itself sinful, or that all rich people are headed for destruction.In contextThe verse is about those who "will be rich", a word for deliberate wanting.
- 1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.How it’s often usedOften quoted as 'Money is the root of all evil,' as if money itself were evil, or as if greed were the single cause behind every sin.In contextThe verse speaks of the love of money, not money, and the context lets the rich keep their wealth if they use it well (6:17-18).
- 1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;How it’s often usedThe phrase "God giveth us richly all things to enjoy" is sometimes quoted alone as a promise that God wants believers to gain wealth, or as approval for pursuing luxury.In contextThe verse is a warning to people who are already rich: do not be proud or trust in money.
- 3 John 1:2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a promise that God wants every believer to be financially wealthy and always physically healthy.In contextIt is a personal wish in a letter's greeting to one friend, Gaius.
Men, women and the church
- 1 Timothy 2:9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;How it’s often usedQuoted as a universal dress code that forbids all braids, jewelry, or makeup, or as a rule mainly about covering the body.In contextThe contrast in the passage is between costly display and good works (2:9-10).
- 1 Timothy 2:11Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.How it’s often usedQuoted alone as a blanket rule that women must never speak, anywhere.In contextThe setting is the church's gatherings for prayer and worship.
- 1 Timothy 2:12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.How it’s often usedQuoted as a blanket rule that women should never speak, lead, or teach in any setting, or as proof that the Bible looks down on women.In contextThe verse belongs to instructions on prayer and conduct in the church's worship (2:1-15; 3:14-15).
- 1 Timothy 2:13For Adam was first formed, then Eve.How it’s often usedQuoted on its own as a general statement that women are lesser than men or must defer to men in every area of life.In contextThe verse opens with "for" and supports a specific instruction about teaching and authority in the church's worship.
- 1 Timothy 2:14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.How it’s often usedQuoted to claim that women are by nature more gullible than men, or that women bear the blame for sin entering the world.In contextIn context the verse supports Paul's instruction in 2:12 by pointing to Eve's deception.
- 1 Timothy 2:15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.How it’s often usedQuoted as if women earn salvation by having children, or as if childless women cannot be saved.In contextThe same chapter says salvation comes through the one mediator, Christ, who gave himself a ransom for all.
- 1 Timothy 5:8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a rule that husbands and fathers must be the family breadwinners, or used to shame men who are out of work.In contextThe verse says 'any' person, not husbands only, and its setting is the care of widowed relatives, especially by their children (5:4).
- 1 Timothy 5:14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.How it’s often usedQuoted as a general command that every woman must marry, have children, and keep house.In contextIn context Paul is addressing younger widows, not all women.
- 3 John 1:4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.How it’s often usedOften quoted by parents about their own sons and daughters, as a verse about family parenting.In contextHere "my children" are spiritual children, believers like Gaius whom the elder cares for in the faith.
- Titus 2:5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.How it’s often usedQuoted to claim that a husband may demand anything of his wife, or that she must obey him even against God.In contextThe verse is about a wife's subjection to "their own husbands" for the sake of God's word, so that it is "not blasphemed." Paul elsewhere sets the bounds: "as it is fit in the Lord" (Colossians 3:18).
Leaders, correction and respect
- 1 Timothy 3:15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a rule for how to dress or act inside a church building, the "house of God," during services.In contextThe verse itself defines the "house of God" as "the church of the living God," meaning God's household of people.
- 1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a general slogan telling young people to stand up for themselves and demand to be taken seriously by adults.In contextThe words were addressed to Timothy, a church leader charged to command and teach.
- 1 Timothy 4:13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a general encouragement to read widely or to do private devotional reading.In contextThe word for "reading" refers to the public reading of Scripture, as in the synagogue in Acts 13:15.
- 1 Timothy 4:14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a general call to develop any personal talent or natural ability.In contextPaul is speaking about Timothy's specific gift, which the verse says "was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." The surrounding verses tie it to reading, exhortation, and teaching in the church.
- 1 Timothy 5:19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.How it’s often usedQuoted to dismiss or silence complaints against pastors or church leaders, as if a leader cannot be questioned unless several people saw the wrong directly.In contextThe verse guards against unsupported charges, but the very next verses say that those who sin are to be rebuked 'before all.' Timothy is charged to act 'without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality' (5:20-21).
- 1 Timothy 5:20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.How it’s often usedQuoted as general permission to publicly call out or shame anyone for any sin.In contextThe verse belongs to a passage on elders.
- 1 Timothy 5:22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.How it’s often used'Keep thyself pure' is often quoted on its own as a general motto for personal or sexual purity, cut off from the rest of the verse.In contextIn context the phrase closes a warning about appointing leaders.
- Titus 3:10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;How it’s often usedQuoted to treat anyone who disagrees on any point of doctrine as a heretic to be punished.In contextThe Greek word means a factious person who causes division (lexicon), and the verse follows a warning about quarrels (3:9).
Rulers and government
- Daniel 2:21And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:How it’s often usedQuoted at elections or changes of power to claim that whoever holds office has God's special approval, or that a ruler's rise proves he is good.In contextIn context the verse praises God's rule over all kingdoms, including pagan Babylon.
- Daniel 4:17This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.How it’s often usedOften quoted in politics to claim that a particular ruler or candidate has God's approval because God put him in office.In contextIn context the verse was spoken to humble a proud king, not to endorse him.
- Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,How it’s often usedQuoted to mean that Christians must obey whatever a government commands, even when it orders them to sin.In contextPaul calls believers to be subject and obey, and to be "ready to every good work" (3:1).
Slavery
- 1 Timothy 6:1Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.How it’s often usedQuoted as if God approves of slavery as an institution, or as a blanket rule that people must submit to any master or boss without question.In contextThe verse speaks to slaves already living under that system and urges conduct that would not bring shame on God's name.
- Philemon 1:16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?How it’s often usedPaul only hints that Philemon might treat Onesimus more kindly, and leaves the master and slave relationship as it was.In contextPaul does not hint.
- Titus 2:9Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;How it’s often usedQuoted as proof that God approves of slavery, or as a rule that anyone must submit to any boss or master in everything without question.In contextPaul speaks to believers already under slavery in the Roman world and tells them how to live so that they "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour" (2:10).
Food, health and the body
- 1 Timothy 4:3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.How it’s often usedQuoted to condemn anyone who chooses not to marry, fasts, or avoids certain foods, as if any such choice were a "doctrine of devils."In contextPaul is targeting teachers who forbid marriage and command others to abstain, treating God's good creation as something to refuse.
- 1 Timothy 4:4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:How it’s often usedQuoted as blanket approval of anything a person wants, as if "nothing to be refused" means no limits on any behavior or substance.In contextThe verse answers a specific false teaching that banned marriage and foods (4:3).
- 1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.How it’s often usedQuoted to claim that physical exercise is worthless or unspiritual, or set up as a choice between fitness and faith.In contextPaul says bodily training profits "little," not nothing.
- 1 Timothy 5:23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.How it’s often usedQuoted as a general Bible endorsement of drinking alcohol, as if Paul tells everyone to drink wine.In contextIn context it is personal advice to one man, Timothy, who was drinking only water and was often ill.
- Daniel 1:8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.How it’s often usedOften quoted as the basis for a "Daniel diet" or "Daniel fast," a plan of vegetables and water meant to improve health.In contextThe verse is about Daniel not defiling himself, which is a matter of holiness before God, not a health program.
- Daniel 1:12Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.How it’s often usedQuoted as a diet or health plan, as if the verse teaches that a vegetable-and-water menu is God's formula for a better body.In contextThe issue in the chapter is not nutrition but refusing to be defiled with the king's portion (1:8).
- Daniel 1:13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.How it’s often usedUsed as the basis for a ten-day 'Daniel diet' or fast, as if the verse proves that a plant-based diet makes people healthier or better looking.In contextThe issue in the passage is defilement by the king's food and wine, not a health plan (1:8).
- Daniel 1:15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat.How it’s often usedQuoted as proof that a vegetable or plant-based diet, or a ten-day 'Daniel fast,' will make anyone healthier.In contextThe passage is about Daniel refusing to defile himself with the king's portion, not about diet advice.
- Daniel 1:20And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.How it’s often usedQuoted, with the vegetables-and-water test, as proof that a certain diet will make a person ten times smarter or more successful.In contextThe ten-day test showed only that the men looked healthier (1:15).
- Daniel 10:2In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.How it’s often usedUsed as the basis for a 21-day "Daniel fast" diet plan, treated as a set rule for food and health.In contextThe verse reports a time of mourning and humbling before God, not a diet or a command.
- Daniel 10:3I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.How it’s often usedUsed as the basis for a fixed "Daniel Fast" diet plan for health or weight loss, or as a formula that guarantees answered prayer.In contextDaniel was mourning and chastening himself before God while seeking understanding.
Promises taken too far
- Daniel 3:17If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.How it’s often usedQuoted alone as a promise that God will always rescue believers from every danger or hardship if they have enough faith.In contextThe men go on at once: "But if not," they still will not bow.
- Daniel 3:27And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.How it’s often used"You'll come out without even the smell of smoke" is often quoted as a promise that believers will always escape every trial unharmed and unmarked.In contextThe three men did not assume they would be spared.
- Daniel 11:32And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.How it’s often usedQuoted as a promise that people who know God will gain power, success, and do great, impressive deeds.In contextThe strength here is firmness against a persecuting king's flattery, and the action includes teaching others.
- Zechariah 2:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.How it’s often usedOften quoted on its own as a general saying that each person is "the apple of God's eye," or used as a slogan for modern political causes.In contextThe verse is a word to Zion, meaning the exiles and the returned people of Judah.
- Zechariah 4:6Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.How it’s often usedOften quoted to mean that human effort, planning or work does not matter, and believers should simply wait for God to act.In contextIn context, Zerubbabel still works.
- Zechariah 4:10For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.How it’s often usedA general motto that any small venture, business or personal dream will surely grow into something big, so don't despise small beginnings.In contextThe verse is about the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, which looked like nothing beside the first one.
- Zechariah 9:12Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;How it’s often usedQuoted as a general promise that any believer will get 'double' blessing or wealth back for every trouble, or used as a slogan for staying optimistic.In contextIn the text, God speaks to the captives of Zion whom he has freed by his covenant (9:11).
- Zechariah 14:7But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.How it’s often used"At evening time it shall be light" is often quoted as a general promise that old age, or any dark season of life, will end in brightness.In contextIn context the line describes one particular day, the day of the LORD.
Prayer and spiritual warfare
- Daniel 9:23At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.How it’s often usedQuoted as a promise that God will grant whatever we ask the moment we start praying.In contextGabriel speaks to Daniel about one prayer: a plea for Jerusalem, based on Jeremiah's prophecy.
- Daniel 10:12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.How it’s often usedQuoted as a general rule that any prayer that seems unanswered is being blocked by demons, and that fasting twenty-one days will break through and bring the answer.In contextThe verse stresses that Daniel was heard from the first day, not after his three weeks were fulfilled.
- Daniel 10:13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.How it’s often usedQuoted to teach that unanswered prayer means demons are blocking it, so believers must wage warfare against territorial spirits to break through.In contextDaniel's words were heard from the first day, so the verse does not say his prayer was blocked.
- Daniel 10:20Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.How it’s often usedQuoted to teach that Christians must name and bind demonic "princes" over cities or nations through special warfare prayer before God can act there.In contextDaniel is never told to fight, name, or rebuke the prince of Persia.
- Zechariah 2:5For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.How it’s often usedOften spoken as a personal prayer or declaration that God will put a "wall of fire" around a person, home, or family to keep away harm.In contextThe promise is made to Jerusalem, a city that would grow too large for walls.
- Zechariah 3:2And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?How it’s often used"The Lord rebuke thee, Satan" is often used as a set phrase or formula for a believer to drive off the devil.In contextHere the rebuke comes from the LORD himself, and it rests on his choice of Jerusalem and his rescue of Joshua, not on the power of the words.
- Zechariah 4:7Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.How it’s often usedQuoted as a word anyone can speak at a personal problem, commanding it to disappear by declaring "Who art thou, O great mountain?"In contextThe words are God's specific promise to Zerubbabel that he would finish rebuilding the temple (4:6, 4:9).
False teaching and standing firm
- 1 Timothy 1:4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.How it’s often usedSometimes quoted as a general ban on family-history or genealogy research.In contextPaul is aiming at teachers in Ephesus who used myths and endless genealogies to spin religious speculation in place of the faith.
- 1 Timothy 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;How it’s often usedQuoted to label any teaching one dislikes as "doctrines of devils," or used as a headline-style sign that the end of the world is arriving now.In contextPaul has a specific error in view: teachers who forbade marriage and banned foods God made good (4:3-4).
- 1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a general battle cry for any struggle, or as permission to be combative and argue hard for one's views.In contextIn context, Timothy is told to withdraw from "strifes of words" and disputes (6:4-5) and to pursue meekness (6:11).
- 1 Timothy 6:20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:How it’s often usedThe KJV phrase 'science falsely so called' is often quoted as if Paul were warning against modern science or scientific theories.In contextThe Greek word translated 'science' is gnōsis, meaning 'knowledge', especially claimed spiritual knowledge.
- 2 John 1:7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.How it’s often used"Antichrist" is often used only for one future world ruler, or tossed as a label at any person or leader someone dislikes.In contextHere the word is applied to the many deceivers of the writer's own day, defined by one thing: denying that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
- 2 John 1:10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:How it’s often usedQuoted as a rule to refuse any kindness, contact, or even a hello to anyone who disagrees on any religious point.In contextThe "doctrine" here is the doctrine of Christ, and the person in view is a deceiver who denies Jesus Christ came in the flesh and comes bringing that teaching.
- 2 John 1:11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.How it’s often usedQuoted as a rule to refuse any kindness, conversation, or greeting to anyone who holds different beliefs on any matter.In contextThe warning is about deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh and who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ.
- Jude 1:3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.How it’s often usedQuoted to justify harsh, combative arguing with anyone who disagrees on any religious point.In contextJude's target is men who turned grace into immorality and denied the Lord (1:4).
- Jude 1:9Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.How it’s often usedQuoted as a spoken formula for commanding or rebuking the devil, as if saying "The Lord rebuke thee" were a technique of spiritual warfare.In contextJude's point is restraint, not technique.
- Philemon 1:6That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.How it’s often usedOften quoted alone as a general verse about evangelism, meaning 'share your faith with others so it becomes effective.'In contextIn the letter it is a prayer for Philemon.
- 2 Peter 1:4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.How it’s often usedQuoted to teach that believers become gods or share God's own being.In contextPeter says believers become partakers of the divine nature "by these," God's "exceeding great and precious promises," having escaped the world's corruption (1:4).
- 2 Peter 1:20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.How it’s often usedQuoted to say that ordinary believers cannot read and understand the Bible for themselves.In contextThe next verse gives the reason with "For": "the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (1:21).
Prophecy and the end times
- Daniel 2:43And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.How it’s often usedThe phrase about iron mixing with clay and 'the seed of men' is sometimes quoted as a rule against marriage between races or peoples. It is also sometimes used to support theories about non-human beings mixing with humans.In contextIn context, the verse interprets a dream image of a divided kingdom.
- Daniel 7:25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.How it’s often usedThe phrase 'think to change times and laws' is often quoted as if it were fulfilled by any government that passes new laws or changes a calendar or clock.In contextIn context, the words describe one particular king from the fourth kingdom.
- Daniel 8:25And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.How it’s often used"By peace shall destroy many" is often quoted as a forecast that a modern world leader will sign a peace treaty and then turn on the nations.In contextThe Hebrew word here means quietness, ease or prosperity, and the verse says nothing of a treaty.
- Daniel 11:37Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.How it’s often used"Nor the desire of women" is often quoted in prophecy speculation as proof that a coming Antichrist will have no sexual interest in women, or will be homosexual.In contextThe phrase sits in a list of things this king does not regard, between "the God of his fathers" and "any god." The reason given is that "he shall magnify himself above all." The verse does not describe his sex life or name a sexual orientation.
- Zechariah 12:3And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.How it’s often usedQuoted on its own as a slogan or rule about modern politics and diplomacy over the city of Jerusalem.In contextIn its passage the verse is God's promise of what he himself will do "in that day." The same passage goes on at once to Jerusalem's own need for grace, mourning, and cleansing from sin (12:10-14; 13:1).
- Zechariah 13:6And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.How it’s often usedQuoted on its own, cut off from verses 2-5, as if it plainly and only described the nail wounds in Jesus' hands.In contextThe verse follows directly on verses 4-5, which speak of a prophet ashamed of his vision who says he is a farmer, and the "him" of verse 6 comes right after that man.
- Zechariah 14:12And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.How it’s often usedOften quoted as a forecast of nuclear or other modern weapons melting bodies where they stand.In contextThe verse calls this "the plague wherewith the LORD will smite" the attackers, and the verb shows the LORD as the one who causes the rotting.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:How it’s often usedQuoted to say that God deceives innocent people or causes them to reject the truth.In contextThe verse begins "for this cause," pointing back to people who "received not the love of the truth" (2:10) and "had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2:12).
- 2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.How it’s often usedQuoted as a formula, as if each "day" in Scripture means exactly a thousand years, to set dates or to measure the days of creation.In contextPeter is answering scoffers who say the Lord's coming is delayed (3:4).
Salvation and the law
- 1 Timothy 1:9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,How it’s often used'The law is not made for a righteous man' is sometimes quoted to claim that believers have no need of moral standards, or that rules are only for other, worse people.In contextThe verse before says 'the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.' The list ends by tying these sins to what is 'contrary to sound doctrine' and the gospel.
- 1 Timothy 1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;How it’s often usedPulled out alone as a list for condemning particular groups of people, especially in debates about sexuality.In contextIn its setting, the list shows what the law is rightly used for, against teachers who misused it.
- 1 Timothy 2:4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.How it’s often usedQuoted to claim that every person will in the end be saved, no matter what.In contextThe verb means 'to will, wish, desire.' It states what God desires, not a promise about every outcome.
- Titus 2:11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,How it’s often usedQuoted to teach that every person is saved automatically because grace "hath appeared to all men," whatever they believe or how they live.In contextGrace "hath appeared to all men," and it teaches those who receive it to deny ungodliness (2:12).
Everyday sayings from the Bible
- Daniel 2:33His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.How it’s often used"Feet of clay" is used for a hidden flaw in an admired person, such as a hero who turns out to be weak.In contextIn Daniel the clay feet describe a kingdom, not a person's character.
- Daniel 5:25And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.How it’s often used"The writing on the wall" is used as a saying for any sign that failure or collapse is coming.In contextHere it is a specific message from God to Belshazzar for his pride, his misuse of the temple vessels and his praise of idols.
- Daniel 5:27TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.How it’s often usedUsed as a general saying for anyone or anything that fails a test or does not measure up, such as a team, a product, or a plan.In contextIn Daniel 5 this is God's own sentence on a king who knew better yet exalted himself against the Lord and praised idols.
- Titus 1:12One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.How it’s often usedQuoted as Scripture's approval of stereotyping a whole people or nationality, or as a clever logic puzzle ("a Cretan says all Cretans are liars").In contextPaul uses the saying to describe the false teachers troubling the church in Crete (1:10-11).
- Titus 1:15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.How it’s often used"Unto the pure all things are pure" is quoted to mean that anything at all, including sinful entertainment or behaviour, is fine for a person who thinks of himself as pure.In contextPaul is answering teachers who forbade God's good gifts by "commandments of men" (1:14).
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.How it’s often usedQuoted to say that anyone who is not working, including the sick, disabled or unemployed, should not be helped.In contextThe verse says "if any would not work," using a word meaning to be willing (lexicon).