Why Red Letter Bibles? The red letters in the Bible appear only in the New Testament. Beginning in Matthew chapter three, any verses and passages written in red are the words spoken by Jesus Himself. Not all Bibles are red letter editions, however, so not every Bible has Jesus’ words printed in red in the New Testament.
Red Letter Bibles Make it Easier to Pick Out Jesus’ Words
When I went shopping for my new Bible, I checked to make sure it was a red letter edition. There’s just something about reading the Bible and concentrating on Jesus’ words. They stand out in the red lettering.
Most of Matthew chapters five and six are printed in red, including The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:10-13. Another familiar verse is Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given unto you; seek, and you will find.” (NKJV)
The Lord’s Prayer is in Matthew 6:9-13. That passage is helpful for anyone who doesn’t really know how to pray or what to say when they do. Jesus said,
“When you pray, say…”
“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
One of my favorite verses I like, especially on nights my insomnia kicks in, is Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (NKJV)
Have You Read the Red the Red Letters in the Bible?
One of my favorite songs that I love listening to is Crowder’s “Red Letters,” where he thanks God for His red letters in the Bible.
Influential Red Letter Verses to Read
There are red letters in the Bible that will actually help you in some dire situations; life lessons from Jesus Himself. Here are some that I really like, from the New King James Version (NKJV), which is what I primarily use:
Luke 4:4 “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” In the Lord’s Prayer it’s said, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Our daily bread should be our daily devotional with God’s word, in addition to whatever we’re having for breakfast.
Luke 4:8 “Get thee behind Me, Satan.” (KJV) In the NKJV the word “thee” is omitted, but the omission doesn’t detract from the meaning. If you’re having a bad day, say God’s word out loud. I often just say, “Go away Satan and take your demons with you!” Doing this really does help!
John 8:36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” I was reading some passages in John one day and came across this verse and remembered it’s part of the chorus of one of my favorite worship songs!
A familiar phrase that we often hear people say, especially around the holidays, is in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Yes, those are the words of Jesus and printed as red letters in the Bible.
The Way to Salvation is in the Red Letters
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.“
After Salvation, Christians should be baptized according to God’s word in Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Read the Red Letters in the Bible!
If you don’t have a red letter edition Bible, you can always find one somewhere. I’ve actually found Bibles in Goodwill stores. You may find some at auctions, on eBay, or Amazon. A Bible doesn’t have to be brand new to get meaning from it.
Even if it’s a well used Bible, make it your own! Add your own comments in the sidebars or underline or highlight your favorite verses. Carry it in a special protective case to church or group meetings and Bible studies.
What are your thoughts on Red Letter Edition Bibles? Do you have one?
