How many words of Jesus are in the Bible?
Quick Summary:
Across the four Gospels, the words of Jesus total around 31,000–33,000 words, depending on translation. That means about 20% of the New Testament records his direct speech. His words still speak with power, mercy, and truth today.
How Many Words of Jesus Are in the Bible?
The Bible contains many voices—prophets, poets, apostles, and ordinary people. However, no voice carries the weight of Jesus’. Readers through the centuries have wanted to know not only what Jesus said but how much of the Bible he personally spoke. The question has given rise to what we call red-letter Bibles—editions that highlight every recorded word of Jesus in red ink.
These red letters trace his words through the Gospels and, in a few places, into the Book of Revelation. They include parables, teachings, conversations, prayers, and even cries from the cross. Counting them is no small task, since translators and manuscripts sometimes differ on what should be included. But approximate totals can give us a sense of scope—and awe.
The Red Letters and the Words of Jesus
Red-letter editions began in 1899 when Louis Klopsch, editor of The Christian Herald, printed the words of Christ in red to symbolize his blood. Klopsch believed that readers would hear Jesus’ voice more vividly if his words were distinct on the page. The practice spread quickly across English Bibles and remains common today.
Not all Bibles, however, use red letters. Some scholars caution that isolating Jesus’ words from the rest of Scripture can mislead readers into thinking that other passages are less inspired. After all, the Gospel writers, guided by the Spirit, shaped these accounts so that Jesus’ actions and words are intertwined. Still, the red letters serve as visual reminders of the living voice of Christ within the larger story of God.
It’s worth remembering that Jesus likely spoke Aramaic, though the Gospels record his words in Greek. Translators have since rendered them into hundreds of languages. So when we count his words today, we are counting translated approximations of what he said—yet the message of love, forgiveness, and truth rings unmistakably clear.
How Many Words of Jesus Are in Each Gospel?
Exact numbers vary depending on translation, but estimates based on the King James Version (KJV) and modern comparisons are helpful benchmarks:
Matthew: Approximately 18,300 total words; about 8,200 are spoken by Jesus.
Mark: Around 11,300 total words; about 5,400 are the words of Jesus.
Luke: Roughly 19,400 total words; about 7,900 are spoken by Jesus.
John: About 15,600 total words; around 8,000 are the words of Jesus.
Altogether, that brings the total to somewhere between 31,000 and 33,000 words of Jesus recorded in the Gospels—roughly one-fifth of the entire New Testament. If we add the few red-letter sections in Revelation (such as Revelation 1:17–18), the number increases slightly.
Of course, not every word Jesus ever spoke was recorded. As John reminds us, “There are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). Even so, what we do have is enough to reveal his heart and invite us to follow his voice.
Why Jesus’ Words Matter Beyond the Count
Counting the words of Jesus satisfies curiosity, but faith invites something deeper: to listen to them. The point isn’t just how many words he spoke but how they continue to speak. His words comfort the weary, confront the proud, and call the lost home.
Consider how diverse his speech is. In the Sermon on the Mount, he teaches with authority. In parables, he hides truth in stories that meet people where they live. In prayer, he reveals his communion with the Father. In silence before Pilate, he embodies courage and surrender. Every word—spoken or unspoken—reveals the character of God.
The words of Jesus are also unique in that they create what they declare. When he says, “Be healed,” healing happens. When he says, “Follow me,” lives are changed. When he says, “It is finished,” redemption itself is accomplished.
For readers today, this means we approach Scripture not as spectators but as participants. The same voice that calmed storms and forgave sinners still speaks through these words, calling each of us to faith, repentance, and hope.
FAQ
Are the red letters more inspired than the rest of the Bible?
No. While Jesus’ words carry special reverence, the entire Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). The red letters highlight his speech but do not make it more authoritative than the rest of Scripture.
Why do some Bibles not include red letters?
Some translations and publishers choose not to print red letters because they can create an unintended hierarchy within Scripture. Others prefer a uniform text to emphasize the unity of God’s Word.
Do we have all of Jesus’ words?
No—only a portion. The Gospels record enough for faith and salvation, but as John said, the full record of Jesus’ life and words would fill countless volumes. What we have is precisely what God intended us to receive.
