4 of the most misquoted verses in the bible

4 of the Most Misquoted Verses in the

Bible

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By Brian Orme

OK, let’ me confess: I’m guilty of using Bible verses to say what I want them to mean.

This short list is more of a personal correction than anything else. Also, let me be clear, I don’t think

it’s a felony to use verses in slightly different contexts. I’m not the Bible verse police, but I do think

it’s helpful to know the original context so we can understand and apply the full and beautiful meaning

of Scripture.

So, take this list with a grain of salt.

1. I Can Do All Things.

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. — Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

This short verse is often quoted by sports teams, bumper stickers and tag lines as a rally cry to

accomplish great things like running a marathon, climbing a mountain, winning the championship,

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finishing the remodel on the kitchen, etc. However, this short — and powerful — passage gets its

meaning amidst the context of contentment. Paul is writing this letter to the church in Philippi to let

them know that God has taught him to be content in times of plenty and in times of desperation (he’s

writing this letter in prison).

So, in its proper context, this verse is a tribute to a man who learned to follow God in any

circumstance. Whatever came Paul’s way, he handled with faith. It could be stoning, prison,

shipwreck, beatings, etc. This passage is not a clarion call to go out and accomplish great feats of

strength, but a beautiful reminder to pursue faith and trust God in the midst of the ups and downs of a

life given fully to the cause of Christ.

2. Plans to Prosper.

“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.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

This verse is often quoted during a trial to encourage or inspire — pointing us to the promise that God

has specific plans to help us prosper so don’t worry! However, in context, this verse is dealing with a

particular promise given to Israel from God; the promise points to the end of their Babylonian exile in

specific terms — 70 years (verse 10). So, the word prosper doesn’t refer to money or material

blessings, but physical and spiritual salvation.

But, someone might say, God still wants us to prosper, right? Well, in terms of salvation, yes. In fact,

this passage is a great reminder of the fulfilled prophecy and the perfect Word of God. This is an

amazing story that points us to a greater release and redemption for all of God’s people. So, taking

away our specific, individually focused application doesn’t subtract the awesomeness from this


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passage. In fact, it enhances it and reminds us of the collective salvation of God’s people in history

and in the future, still to come–which is much better than money or material things in the here and

now, right? Riiiight.

3. Where Two or Three Are Gathered.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”— Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

This verse is often used as an encouragement that God is with us in tough circumstances — all we

need are two to three people in a prayer group and we’re set. In fact, you don’t even have to say the

full verse, just start it out: “Where two or three are gathered … ” and other church members will shake

their heads in agreement. However, this passage really deals with building a testimony in the context

of church discipline.

A proper, and reliable, testimony was extremely critical in the Jewish context. This passage was an

encouragement to the church leaders during difficult times of confrontation and church discipline —

that God would be present with the witnesses as they sought to make matters right and restore a

fallen member. Is God still with us when two or three are gathered? Yes, of course.

He’s also with us when it’s just one or one thousand.

4. All Things Work for Good.

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. — Romans 8:28 (NIV)


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This passage is often used to encourage another believer who’s going through a tough time —

reminding them that it will eventually work out for something good in their life. In other words, don’t

worry about getting fired — God has something better in store for you … all things work out for good,

remember? There are two major issues in this passage to deal with to keep it in context.

First, the passage deals with those who love him. That’s an important distinction. It’s not for everyone,

but specifically for believers.

Second, the “good” that’s described in context is about God’s ultimate sovereign plan of salvation and

restoration, not so much our comfort.

So, the good here leads us to glorify Christ and His divine plan that’s being accomplished no matter

how hard the circumstances and no matter how devastating the loss. It’s not so much about God

changing your loss of job into a new opportunity as it is God using all of our circumstances for His

divine good.

Are there any verses you would add to the list?

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Brian is the founding editor of ChurchLeaders.com and Faithit.com. He works with creative and

innovative people to discover the top stories, resources and trends to equip and inspire the Church.

More from Brian Orme or visit Brian at http://www.facebook.com/brian.orme1

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4 of the most misquoted verses in the bible

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