Bible captions for Instagram: 50 short verses for your posts

Looking for a Bible verse to caption a photo? Here are 50 short verses from the King James Version, grouped by theme, each with its reference. The KJV is in the public domain in the United States, so you can post these freely.

Updated September 28, 2026

Jump to: Faith · Hope · Love · Strength · Peace · Gratitude · Joy · Morning · Hard seasons · Short and simple

How to use a Bible verse as a caption

• Keep it short. A phrase can be enough. "Be still" says a lot.
• Add the reference, like Psalm 46:10, so people can look it up.
• Read the verse in context first, so your caption means what the verse means.
• Stick to one translation per post. Add "KJV" after the reference if you like.
• Check permissions for modern translations. Most allow short quotations with credit, but check the publisher's permissions page before using a verse in something you sell.

Faith

For posts about trusting God when you can't see the whole path.

• Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.Hebrews 11:1
• Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.Proverbs 3:5
• So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.Romans 10:17
• We walk by faith, not by sight.2 Corinthians 5:7
• All things are possible to him that believeth.Mark 9:23

Hope

For new beginnings and waiting seasons.

• For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Jeremiah 29:11
• Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.Romans 15:13
• Hope thou in God.Psalm 42:11
• Hope maketh not ashamed.Romans 5:5
• Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.Psalm 31:24

Love

For weddings, family photos and the people you love.

• We love him, because he first loved us.1 John 4:19
• Let all your things be done with charity.1 Corinthians 16:14
• God is love.1 John 4:8
• He will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.Zephaniah 3:17
• Many waters cannot quench love.Song of Solomon 8:7
• And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.1 Corinthians 13:13

Strength

For the gym, a hard week or a big step.

• I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Philippians 4:13
• God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Psalm 46:1
• They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.Isaiah 40:31
• The joy of the LORD is your strength.Nehemiah 8:10
• Be strong and of a good courage.Joshua 1:9
• For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.2 Timothy 1:7

Peace

For quiet mornings, nature shots and calm moments.

• Be still, and know that I am God.Psalm 46:10
• Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.John 14:27
• Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.Isaiah 26:3
• I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.Psalm 4:8
• And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:7

Gratitude

For Thanksgiving, milestones and ordinary good days.

• In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1 Thessalonians 5:18
• O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.Psalm 107:1
• Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.James 1:17
• Enter into his gates with thanksgiving.Psalm 100:4

Joy

For celebrations, birthdays and good news.

• Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.Philippians 4:4
• In thy presence is fulness of joy.Psalm 16:11
• The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.Psalm 126:3
• This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.Psalm 118:24

Morning

For sunrise photos and the start of the day.

• They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.Lamentations 3:23
• Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.Psalm 30:5
• My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD.Psalm 5:3
• Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust.Psalm 143:8

Hard seasons

For grief, loss and days when words are hard.

• The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.Psalm 34:18
• And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28
• My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.2 Corinthians 12:9
• Fear thou not; for I am with thee.Isaiah 41:10
• Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.John 16:33

Short and simple

For when a few words say it all.

• Jesus wept.John 11:35
• Rejoice evermore.1 Thessalonians 5:16
• Pray without ceasing.1 Thessalonians 5:17
• The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.Psalm 23:1
• Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.Hebrews 13:8
• Ye are the light of the world.Matthew 5:14

Go beyond the caption

A caption is one line; the verses around it are the whole thought. Bible Captions plays the entire Bible one word at a time, like captions, so you can read the full passage behind the verse you posted, at your own pace.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good short Bible verse for an Instagram caption?

"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10), "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and "Jesus wept" (John 11:35), the shortest verse in the King James Bible.

Can I use Bible verses in my captions?

Yes. The King James Version is in the public domain in the United States, so you can quote it freely. Modern translations are copyrighted, but most allow short quotations with credit.

How do I credit a Bible verse in a caption?

Put the book, chapter and verse after it, like "Philippians 4:13". Add the translation, such as KJV, when you're quoting a specific one.

Are these captions good for TikTok and Facebook too?

Yes. They're short enough for any caption, story or bio.