By Agencies
Makers of the YouVersion Bible app have named the passage from scripture which was shared, bookmarked and highlighted on its platform more than any other this year.
The most popular verse was Isaiah 41:10 which says: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
It overtook Joshua 1:9 (“This is my command: be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”) which was the most popular quote in 2017.
Offering 1,800 versions of the Bible in 1,250 languages, the YouVersion Bible app has now been downloaded more than 350 million times globally since its launch a decade ago.
Founder and pastor, Bobby Gruenewald said: “This year’s data shows people worldwide are continuing to turn to the Bible in search of comfort, encouragement, and hope.
“We’re humbled that ten years after its release, people continue to use the YouVersion Bible App in record numbers to connect with God’s Word.”
A recent new Japanese version of the Bible saw engagement there double last year. Similar growth was also seen in Romania.
Meanwhile, growth of 79 per cent and 60 per cent respectively were seen in Chile and Argentina.
Pastor Gruenewald continued: “Many of us grew up with the ability to read the Bible in our heart language, but countless people around the world don’t have that privilege.
“That’s why we’re passionate about making the Bible available in more languages through the app.”
Some 4.2 billion chapters of the Bible were listened to via the YouVersion Bible app this year. Another 27.2 billion were read.
