In what could be a commentary on the times in which we live, Joshua 1:9 was the most popular Bible verse most often shared, bookmarked and highlighted by the global YouVersion community in 2017.
YouVersion is a Bible app that debuted on Apple’s app store nine years ago. It was launched as a website to help increase access and engagement with the Bible, part of Life.Church’s missional approach to technology. It has been downloaded in every country and expects to reach 300 million total downloads before the end of the year.
Joshua 1:9 is the iconic verse in the story of Israel when Moses instructs Joshua, his successor in leadership, to prepare to lead the people into the promised land on the other side of the Jordan River. “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.”
MOST POPULAR BIBLE VERSES BY COUNTRY
Joshua 1:9 was the most popular Bible verse this year worldwide, but each country had their own preference.
United States: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Australia: Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
India: John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
DOWNLOADS INCREASING WORLDWIDE
“We believe the Bible is an enduring source of courage and strength,” said Bobby Gruenewald, Life.Church Innovation Pastor and YouVersion Bible App founder. “We are encouraged to see from this year’s data that people all over the world are finding hope in God’s Word.”
Some countries saw huge increases in downloads in 2017. The countries with the greatest increases were Angola at 733 percent, Mozambique 243 percent and India 228 percent.
YouVersion hopes to have the New Testament translated for 99.9 percent of the world’s population by 2033.
