Bible verses about encouragement
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-25 and Acts 4:36 are the verses most tied to encouragement. They say to build each other up, to meet so people can push each other toward good, and they name Barnabas as the encourager. All eleven verses are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.1 Thessalonians 5:11
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
In the World English Bible
Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.
Build each other up. Paul writes this to a church already doing it, and asks them to keep going.
2.Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
In the World English Bible
Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Meeting together matters because it gives people a chance to push each other toward love and good work.
3.Hebrews 3:13
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
In the World English Bible
but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called “today”, lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
The writer asks for encouragement every day, before sin has time to harden anyone.
4.Acts 4:36
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
In the World English Bible
Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
Barnabas got his nickname for being an encourager. Not a bad thing to be known for.
5.Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
In the World English Bible
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Share each other's heavy loads. Paul calls that following the law of Christ.
6.Isaiah 35:3-4
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
In the World English Bible
Strengthen the weak hands, and make the feeble knees firm. Tell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you.
Words for tired hands and wobbly knees, with a message for anyone who is scared.
7.Romans 1:11-12
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
In the World English Bible
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Paul wants to visit Rome so they can strengthen each other's faith. Encouragement goes both ways.
8.Romans 15:4-5
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
In the World English Bible
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now the God of perseverance and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,
Scripture itself is described as a source of patience and encouragement. A reason to keep reading.
9.Deuteronomy 3:28
But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.
In the World English Bible
But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.”
God tells Moses to encourage Joshua, the new leader. Even leaders need someone in their corner.
10.Acts 15:30-32
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
In the World English Bible
So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers with many words and strengthened them.
A letter is read aloud and the church is glad. Two men keep encouraging them with many words.
11.Colossians 2:2
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
In the World English Bible
that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
Paul's aim is for hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love.
Free
Get one verse every morning
Today's verse, a short reflection and a prayer. Free, no account.
Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about encouragement?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 is a good place to start. Build each other up. Paul writes this to a church already doing it, and asks them to keep going.
How can someone use the Bible to encourage a friend?
1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Hebrews 3:13 are direct, short and easy to text. Isaiah 35:3-4 suits someone who is worn out. Pairing a verse with a specific thing noticed about the person usually lands better than the verse alone.
Who was Barnabas?
Acts 4:36 says the apostles gave him a nickname that means encourager. He appears across Acts supporting new believers, including Paul. People remember him for that.
Related topics
Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.