Logo
Published on

What is the Longest Sentence in the Bible? (Updated 2025)

Authors

Have you ever wondered which verse or passage in the Bible contains the longest sentence? The answer is more complex than you might think, varying significantly depending on the Bible translation you're reading and whether you're examining the original languages or modern English versions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the longest sentences in Scripture, examining everything from Ephesians 1:3-14 to Esther 8:9, and discover why ancient biblical writing used such lengthy sentence structures.

Understanding Biblical Sentence Structure

Before identifying the longest sentences, it's essential to understand how biblical text is structured and why sentence length varies so dramatically between translations.

Original Languages vs. Modern Translations

The Bible was originally written in three languages:

Ancient Greek and Hebrew didn't use punctuation marks like periods, commas, or semicolons. Modern translators must decide where to place sentence breaks, leading to significant variations in sentence length across different Bible translations.

Why Ancient Writing Used Longer Sentences

Ancient writing styles, particularly in Greek and Hebrew, favored complex, flowing sentences connected by conjunctions. The apostle Paul, for instance, frequently wrote in long, elaborate sentences that expressed complete theological concepts in a single breath.

Translation Philosophy Impact

Different Bible translations follow various philosophies:

  • Word-for-word translations (like NASB or ESV) attempt to preserve original sentence structure
  • Thought-for-thought translations (like NIV) break long sentences into more readable chunks
  • Paraphrase translations (like The Message) completely restructure sentences for modern readability

The Longest Sentence in the New Testament

Ephesians 1:3-14 (202 Words in English, One Sentence in Greek)

The undisputed champion for the longest sentence in the New Testament is Ephesians 1:3-14. In the original Koine Greek, this entire passage is written as a single, continuous sentence spanning 12 verses.

Word and Character Count by Translation:

English Standard Version (ESV) - preserves it as one sentence:

  • 202 words
  • 1,080 characters (with spaces)
  • 920 characters (without spaces)

King James Version (KJV) - breaks it into multiple sentences:

  • The same passage becomes 5-6 sentences
  • Total: approximately 200 words across the verses

The Passage (ESV - as one sentence):

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Why Paul Wrote This as One Sentence

Biblical scholars believe Paul intentionally crafted this as a single sentence to express the continuous, unbroken flow of God's plan of salvation. The grammatical structure mirrors the theological content: an uninterrupted divine purpose from eternity past to eternity future.

Other Long New Testament Sentences

Romans 1:1-7 (95-110 words depending on translation)

Another extended Pauline sentence appears in Romans 1:1-7, where Paul introduces himself and his gospel message. In the original Greek, this seven-verse passage forms a single sentence.

ESV rendering (as one sentence): 95 words, 525 characters

Colossians 1:9-20 (varies by translation)

Some translations preserve Colossians 1:9-20 as one or two extremely long sentences, particularly verses 9-14 which discuss Christ's supremacy.

Word count: 80-100 words depending on translation

The Longest Sentence in the Old Testament

The Old Testament presents different challenges because Biblical Hebrew sentence structure differs significantly from Greek.

Esther 8:9 (90+ Words in Some Translations)

The longest single-verse sentence in the Old Testament is generally considered to be Esther 8:9, which describes a royal decree being written and distributed throughout the Persian Empire.

Word Count by Translation:

King James Version (KJV):

  • 90 words
  • 469 characters (with spaces)
  • 380 characters (without spaces)

New International Version (NIV):

  • Broken into 2-3 sentences
  • Total: approximately 70 words

The Verse (KJV):

"Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language."

Historical Context

This verse describes the Persian Empire under King Xerxes I, when Mordecai issued a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. The length reflects the bureaucratic nature of ancient Persian administration, listing all the details of how the decree was distributed across 127 provinces.

Joshua 8:33-35 (Extended Passage)

Some Hebrew scholars note that Joshua 8:33-35 could be read as a single extended sentence in Hebrew, describing the reading of the Law.

Approximate word count: 85-95 words depending on translation

Jeremiah 21:7 (70+ Words)

Another notably long Old Testament sentence appears in Jeremiah 21:7, where God pronounces judgment through the prophet.

KJV word count: approximately 75 words

Longest Verses vs. Longest Sentences

It's important to distinguish between the longest verses and the longest sentences, as they're not always the same.

Longest Verses in the Bible

Esther 8:9 - Old Testament Champion

  • 90 words (KJV)
  • 469 characters with spaces

Revelation 20:4 - New Testament Longest Verse

  • 80-85 words depending on translation
  • Describes John's vision of martyrs reigning with Christ

Jeremiah 21:7 - Another Long Verse

  • 75 words in KJV
  • Prophecy of judgment

Why Sentence Length Differs from Verse Length

Bible verses weren't part of the original manuscripts. They were added much later:

A single sentence might span multiple verses, or a single verse might contain multiple sentences.

Comparing Major Bible Translations

Different translations handle long sentences differently. Here's how major versions compare:

Literal/Formal Translations (Preserve Length)

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

  • Most literal translation
  • Preserves Ephesians 1:3-14 as one sentence
  • Maintains long sentence structures even when awkward in English

English Standard Version (ESV)

  • Very literal, readable
  • Keeps most long sentences intact
  • Ephesians 1:3-14: 202 words, one sentence

King James Version (KJV)

  • Historical translation (1611)
  • Sometimes preserves, sometimes breaks long sentences
  • Esther 8:9: 90 words preserved as one sentence

Dynamic/Thought-for-Thought Translations (Break Up Length)

New International Version (NIV)

  • Breaks Ephesians 1:3-14 into 5-6 sentences
  • More readable for modern audiences
  • Total words similar, but sentence count higher

New Living Translation (NLT)

  • Thought-for-thought approach
  • Long sentences split significantly
  • Prioritizes clarity over structure preservation

Paraphrase Translations (Completely Restructured)

The Message

  • Complete paraphrase by Eugene Peterson
  • Long sentences become multiple short sentences
  • Focuses on meaning rather than structure

Why Biblical Authors Used Long Sentences

Several factors contributed to the extensive sentence lengths in biblical writing:

Rhetorical Style of Ancient Writing

Ancient Greek rhetoric and Hebrew poetry valued flowing, interconnected thoughts. Long sentences demonstrated education and sophistication.

Theological Purpose

Long sentences often express complete theological concepts without interruption, particularly in Paul's epistles. Breaking them up can sometimes fragment the unified idea.

Oral Tradition

Much of the Bible was meant to be read aloud. Long, flowing sentences worked better for oral presentation in ancient cultures than they do for silent reading today.

Lack of Punctuation

Ancient manuscripts had no punctuation, paragraph breaks, or even spaces between words. The concept of a "sentence" as we understand it didn't exist in the same way.

The Shortest Sentences in the Bible

For contrast, let's examine the shortest sentences in Scripture:

"Jesus wept." - John 11:35 (KJV)

The famous shortest verse in the Bible is also the shortest complete sentence:

  • 2 words
  • 11 characters with space
  • 10 characters without space

This occurs when Jesus mourns at the tomb of Lazarus.

"Rejoice always." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Another extremely short sentence:

  • 2 words
  • 15 characters with space

"Pray without ceasing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

  • 3 words
  • 21 characters with space

The Power of Brevity

These short sentences demonstrate that biblical writing isn't only about length. Sometimes the most profound truths come in the briefest statements.

Practical Applications for Modern Readers

Understanding biblical sentence structure helps with:

Better Bible Study

Recognizing where ancient sentences begin and end helps you understand complete thoughts rather than fragmenting ideas artificially based on verse divisions.

Translation Comparison

Reading multiple translations shows how different translators handled the same long Greek or Hebrew sentences, revealing nuances in meaning.

Writing and Communication

Biblical writing demonstrates both the power of sustained, complex sentences and the impact of brief, memorable statements.

Sentence Counting Tools

If you're analyzing biblical texts, using a sentence counter can help you understand the structure of different translations and compare versions.

Interesting Facts About Biblical Sentences

Paul's Writing Style

The apostle Paul is famous for long, complex sentences. Of the 13 letters attributed to him, Ephesians and Romans contain the longest sentences in the New Testament.

Luke's Orderly Account

Luke, who wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, used more structured, shorter sentences compared to Paul, reflecting his claim to write "an orderly account" (Luke 1:3).

Hebrew Poetry vs. Prose

Hebrew poetry (found in Psalms, Proverbs, much of the prophets) tends to have shorter sentences with parallel structures, while prose narratives can have longer, more complex sentences.

Translation Evolution

Earlier English translations (like KJV) preserved longer sentences more than modern translations, reflecting changing preferences in readability.

Modern Sentence Length Recommendations

Interestingly, modern writing guidance differs significantly from biblical style:

Current Writing Standards

  • Average sentence length: 15-20 words
  • Readability: Mix of short (5-10 words) and longer (20-30 words) sentences
  • Maximum: Most style guides recommend avoiding sentences over 40 words

Biblical Comparison

By these standards, Ephesians 1:3-14 (202 words) would be considered extremely difficult to read. However, its theological richness and rhetorical power justify its length in its original context.

Conclusion: The Longest Sentence Crown

So, what is the longest sentence in the Bible? The answer depends on your criteria:

  • Longest single sentence in Greek New Testament: Ephesians 1:3-14 (202 words in ESV translation, 12 verses)
  • Longest single-verse sentence: Esther 8:9 (90 words in KJV)
  • Longest Old Testament sentence: Esther 8:9 or Joshua 8:33-35 depending on translation

The Bible's longest sentences reflect ancient writing styles, theological depth, and the complexity of divine revelation. Whether you're reading for devotional purposes, academic study, or simple curiosity, understanding these lengthy sentences enriches your appreciation of Scripture's literary craftsmanship.

From the 202-word theological masterpiece in Ephesians to the bureaucratic detail of Esther's decree, these long sentences remind us that God's Word communicates through diverse literary styles—from the extended flow of complex thought to the piercing brevity of "Jesus wept."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the longest sentence in the Bible?

The longest sentence in the Bible is Ephesians 1:3-14, which is written as one continuous sentence in the original Greek, translating to approximately 202 words in the English Standard Version (ESV). This 12-verse passage is preserved as a single sentence in literal translations.

Which Bible verse has the most words?

Esther 8:9 has the most words in a single verse in the King James Version, containing 90 words and 469 characters (with spaces). This Old Testament verse describes the distribution of a royal decree throughout the Persian Empire.

How many words are in Ephesians 1:3-14?

In the English Standard Version (ESV), Ephesians 1:3-14 contains 202 words and approximately 1,080 characters with spaces when preserved as the single sentence it is in Greek. Different translations may vary slightly in word count.

What is the shortest sentence in the Bible?

The shortest sentence in the Bible is "Jesus wept" from John 11:35 (KJV), containing only 2 words and 11 characters including the space. This occurs when Jesus mourns at Lazarus's tomb.

Why are some Bible sentences so long?

Ancient Greek and Hebrew writing styles favored long, flowing sentences connected by conjunctions. The original biblical manuscripts had no punctuation marks, and writers like Paul intentionally used extended sentences to express complete theological concepts without interruption.

Do all Bible translations have the same sentence lengths?

No. Literal translations (like ESV, NASB) preserve longer sentence structures from the original languages, while dynamic translations (like NIV) break long sentences into shorter, more readable chunks. Paraphrases (like The Message) completely restructure sentences for modern readers.

What is the longest verse in the New Testament?

Revelation 20:4 is generally considered the longest single verse in the New Testament, containing 80-85 words depending on the translation. It describes John's vision of martyrs who reign with Christ.

Why did Paul write such long sentences?

The apostle Paul's long sentences reflect ancient Greek rhetorical style and theological purpose. His extended sentences in Ephesians, Romans, and other letters express unified theological concepts that would lose impact if fragmented.

Are verse divisions original to the Bible?

No. Chapter divisions were added to the Bible in 1227 AD by Stephen Langton, and verse divisions were added to the New Testament in 1551 AD by Robert Estienne. The original manuscripts had no such divisions.

What is the longest sentence in the Old Testament?

Esther 8:9 is generally considered the longest Old Testament sentence, with 90 words in the King James Version. However, Joshua 8:33-35 might also be read as a single extended sentence in Hebrew, depending on interpretation.

How do I count sentences in Bible passages?

You can use a sentence counter tool to analyze Bible passages. Be aware that counts will vary significantly between translations due to different approaches to sentence structure.

Does sentence length affect Bible meaning?

Yes, to some extent. Long sentences in the original languages often express unified concepts that can be fragmented when broken up. However, shorter sentences in modern translations can improve readability without necessarily losing core meaning.

What is the longest sentence in Romans?

Romans 1:1-7 forms one long sentence in the original Greek, translating to approximately 95-110 words in English depending on the translation. It's Paul's extended introduction and greeting.

How does the Greek New Testament differ from English translations?

The Greek New Testament has far fewer sentences than most English translations because ancient Greek writing used long, flowing sentences connected by conjunctions. Modern English translations often break these into multiple sentences for readability.

Which Bible translation preserves the longest sentences?

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) and English Standard Version (ESV) preserve the longest sentences from the original languages. These literal translations prioritize accuracy over readability, maintaining sentence structure even when it creates complex English sentences.

Discuss on Twitter