Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
The popular Bible app YouVersion has announced the most searched verse by users. It’s not John 3:16 which is the most searched verse on the internet.
So what is it? Isaiah 41:10, which in the NIV reads, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” was this year’s most popular verse on the YouVersion Bible app.
“From a global perspective, we’ve all been through a lot in the last few years, so it’s no surprise that people continue to feel drawn to the hope and peace promised in Isaiah 41:10,” said Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion. “Even though there’s a lot of fear and anxiety felt around the world, we believe faith is the answer, and it’s encouraging to see people continue to cling to God and His Word in their greatest moments of need.”
Meanwhile, YouVersion broke several records in 2023, including for new installations. They increased this year by more than 100 million devices, a record number that tops the previous high of 75 million from 2020. Daily Bible use grew by 20 percent this year. India saw a 53 percent increase in installations compared to 2022, with residents there using more than 700 versions of the Bible in 350-plus languages. In Latin America, there was a 107 percent rise in installations. Elsewhere, the continent of Africa experienced a 98 percent increase in Bible engagement compared to 2022, with Kenya (225 percent), Cameroon (229 percent) and Uganda (288 percent) leading the way.
“Our vision is to bring God’s word to everyone, everywhere, every day, and we know we can’t do it alone,” Gruenewald said. “More than ever before, we’re seeing the global church unify around God’s word, and it’s exciting to think about how many more people will grow closer to God because of the passion and commitment of our partners to work together”
–Dwight Widama | MV
