YouVersion has announced the verse users have engaged with the most in its Bible App this year.
For a third consecutive year, Isaiah 41:10 has earned the top spot in the Bible most engaged verses. It 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."
The verse also corresponds with the needs expressed in 2023’s top in-app searches as people around the world consistently turned to the Bible for answers about love, peace, hope, healing, and anxiety.
Bobby Gruenewald, founder and CEO of YouVersion, said: “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.”
“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,” he added.
Upon its launch in 2008, YouVersion initially provided Bible text in English and Spanish, fostering a community primarily based in North America.
An increase in Bible engagement across the world has also been registered. Across all the companies’ Bible apps, with installations rising by over 100 million devices this year, surpassing the previous record of 76 million in 2020. Additionally, daily Bible use grew by 20 per cent compared to 2022, with approximately twelve million people engaging with scripture on a daily basis.
“Throughout this year, we’ve seen our global community engage with Scripture at impressively high rates,” Gruenewald continued. “From what we’re seeing, this isn’t just a momentary surge but something that will last. We anticipate an even greater level of excitement around Bible engagement in the years to come.”
India was one of the fastest-growing regions for the YouVersion Family of Apps with a 53 per cent increase in installs compared to last year. Countries in Africa and Latin America also saw a boom in Bible engagement.