what is longest verse in the bible

Natashya

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02-02-2025

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The Bible, a collection of sacred texts revered by billions, is full of profound stories, poetry, and prophecies. Within its pages lies a verse longer than all others—a champion of length among biblical passages. This article will explore the contenders and definitively answer the question: what is the longest verse in the Bible?

Identifying the Contenders: Verse Length and Translation Variations

Pinpointing the longest verse isn't as simple as it sounds. The answer depends on a few factors:

• Translation: Different Bible translations vary in wording and sentence structure. A translation aiming for literal accuracy might result in a longer verse than one prioritizing readability.
• Verse Divisions: The division of the Bible into chapters and verses is a relatively recent development (13th century). These divisions can slightly influence perceived verse length.

Many mistakenly cite Esther 8:9 as the longest. While a lengthy verse, it's surpassed by another.

The Winner: Esther 8:9

While some might suggest other contenders, after careful examination across multiple translations, Esther 8:9 consistently emerges as the longest verse in the Bible.

This verse, found in the Book of Esther, recounts the decree issued by King Ahasuerus allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. The sheer volume of detail included in the decree contributes to its substantial length.

Here's an example of the verse in the King James Version (KJV):

“Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language; and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.”

Why the Variation in Perception?

The perception that other verses are longer often stems from:

• Using different translations: As mentioned earlier, translation choices significantly impact verse length.
• Miscounting words or characters: Manual counts can be prone to error.

Conclusion: The Unquestioned Champion

While debates may arise due to translation nuances, based on standard translations and careful word count analysis, Esther 8:9 remains the undisputed longest verse in the Bible. Its length reflects the historical context and the detailed nature of the royal decree it describes. So, next time you're exploring the scriptures, remember this remarkable verse and its claim to fame.