Is “Jesus Wept” Really the Shortest Bible Verse?

Is “Jesus Wept” Really the Shortest Bible Verse?

Almost every Sunday School class or trivia game has used it: “What’s the shortest verse in the Bible?” Answer: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). It’s true in English—but the original Greek tells a more nuanced story. Let’s take a closer look.

The Famous Verse: John 11:35

John 11:35 (NASB): “Jesus wept.”

The Greek text reads: ἐδάκρυσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς (edákrysen ho Iēsous)—literally, “Jesus shed tears.” It is only two words in Greek, but it is not technically the shortest verse in the original text.

A Shorter Verse in Greek: 1 Thessalonians 5:16

In Greek manuscripts, 1 Thessalonians 5:16 is even shorter:

1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NASB): “Rejoice always.”Greek: Πάντοτε χαίρετε (Pantote chairete) = “Always rejoice.”

Just two words in Greek, compared to John 11:35’s three words (since Jesus is a separate word there). This means that while “Jesus wept” is the shortest in English, “Rejoice always” is technically shorter in Greek.

Another Close Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NASB): “Pray without ceasing.”Greek: ἀδιαλείπτως προσεύχεσθε (adialeiptōs proseuchesthe).

Also two words in Greek.

Why the Difference?

The “shortest verse” debate exists because verse divisions came much later (13th–16th centuries). They didn’t exist in the original manuscripts. Translators created them to help with reference, and in English, “Jesus wept” happens to be the shortest standalone verse. But in the original Greek manuscripts, other verses are just as short—or shorter.

More Important Than Length: Meaning

Whether “Jesus wept” or “Rejoice always” is shorter, both verses are profound:

• “Jesus wept” shows His full humanity—grieving with those who mourn.

• “Rejoice always” shows the Christian’s call to live in continual joy rooted in Christ.

One is the shortest verse in English. The other is the shortest in Greek. Both carry eternal weight.

Conclusion

So, is “Jesus wept” the shortest verse in the Bible? In English, yes. In Greek, no. The actual shortest Greek verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:16—“Rejoice always.” Either way, the point is not length but message. One reveals the heart of Jesus in tears; the other commands the heart of the believer to rejoice in all circumstances. Together, they show the full range of Christian life: sorrow and joy, humanity and hope.