"Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over ... every living thing that moveth upon the earth." 1:28

This verse is used to justify Christian opposition to birth control, concern for the environment, and animal rights. The earth was made for humans, and they can do as they damn well please with it.

"To dress and keep it" 2:15

Some Christians say this verse requires them to be environmentalists.

"Am I my brother's keeper?" 4:9

President Obama often used this verse in a way that implied that the answer is, "Yes, we are our brother's / sister's keeper," although Cain probably meant something more like, "I don't know, it's not my day to watch him."

"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." 8:22

Some Christians claim that this verse proves that human influenced climate change is impossible and that environmentalism is not consistent with Biblical beliefs.

"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed." 9:6

(Because man was made in the image of God.)

"I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." 12:3

This verse is used by many American Christians to justify US support of Israel.

God gave Abraham and his descendants all of the land of Canaan "forever". 13:14-15, 15:18, 17:8, 22:17-18, 26:4

This promise is used to justify the unending battles over the land in the Middle East.

"Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." 22:21, 23:9

In his November 20, 2014 speech on immigration, President Obama quoted quoted this commandment, saying, "Scripture tells us that we shall not oppress a stranger, for we know the heart of a stranger -- we were strangers once, too."

"Thou shalt not raise a false report." 23:1

Value the truth; don't lie.

Be kind to your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 23:4-5

Treat the poor fairly. 23:6

Don't lie or kill innocent people. 23:7

Don't oppress strangers. 23:9

Every seventh year leave the fields unharvested, so that the poor will have something to eat. 23:11

"The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel." 30:15

The Christian Right uses this verse to justify an absolute flat tax, where everyone, rich or poor, pays the same dollar amount in taxes.

"Moses took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear." 8:23

Some of Donald Trump's supporters claim that this verse shows God has chosen him to be president of the United States. Just as Moses wiped blood on Aaron's right ear, God wiped blood on Trump's right ear during the 13 July 2024 assassination attempt - or something like that.

Leave some grapes on the vine for travelers and the poor. 19:10

Don't steal or lie. 19:11

Don't steal from your neighbor; pay a fair wage to your employees. 19:13

Be kind to the deaf and blind. 19:14

Judge others fairly, without favoring the poor or the mighty. 19:15

Don't hate people. 19:17

"Love thy neighbor as thyself." 19:18

"If a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him." 19:34-35

Be kind to immigrants.

People who must be stoned (or burned) to death. 20:9-16

(Children who curse thier parents, those who commit incest, or have sex with animals.)

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." 25:10

This verse is inscribed on the Liberty Bell and was used by abolitionists in their fight against slavery.

"They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them." 16:1-35

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, the first freethought / democracy martyrs, refused to follow Moses blindly, saying that everyone is holy and should be free to think for him or herself. God killed them and their families for daring to challenge Moses.

Judge others fairly, Israelite and stranger, rich or poor, powerful or weak. 1:16-17

Love strangers, because you used to be strangers. 10:19

Lend money to the poor. 15:7-10

There will always be poor people. Be generous to them. 15:11

Rules for slave owners 15:12-18

Judges and officers should strive to be impartial and should never take a bribe. 16:18-19

"Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the LORD thy God shall choose ... thou mayest not set a stranger over thee." 17:15

God will choose the king (and he won't be a foreigner). Democracy is not allowed.

Cities of refuge 19:1-10

Establish cities to serve as safe places for ignorant killers who didn't hate their victims. Such a person could flee to one of these cities and be safe -- if he manages to get there before the avenger of blood finds him.

But if the killer hated his victim, then the elders of the city will fetch him and deliver him to the avenger of blood. The avenger of blood will kill him, and your eye shall not pity him. 19:11-13

"Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother." 19:18-19

Joel Webbon uses this verse to advocate the death penalty for women who falsely accuse men of rape.

An eye for an eye (your eye shall not pity them) 19:21

Do not oppress the poor, whether they be slaves, neighbors, or strangers. 24:14-15

Be kind to widows, orphans, fatherless children and strangers. Share whatever you have with them. 24:17-21

Be honest when you deal with others. Don't cheat. 25:13-15

Take care of those who need help. 26:12

Don't misguide the blind or mistreat strangers, orphans, or widows. 27:18-19

"The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low." 28:43

This verse is sometimes used to justify the mistreatment of immigrants by bible-believers.

"I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life." 30:19

Although this verse has nothing to do with abortion, it is often used in anti-abortion bumper stickers and yard signs.

"So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down." Joshua 6:20

Some January 6th rioters used this verse as a model for their attack of the US Capital. They blew rams' horns while marching around the Capital Building.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." 24:15

Scott Pruit, Trump's former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, quoted this verse to justify preventing EPA scientists from serving as scientific advisors if they have previously obtained EPA funding for their research.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray ... then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 7:14

The Christian Right uses this verse to argue for a Christian Nation. That's why they selected this passage for President Trump to read at their Bible reading Marathon.

But it can also be interpreted to mean that Christians should pray, not vote.
Russell Moore: 2 Chronicles 7:14 Isn't About American Politics

"Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them." 7:24

David Barton at Glenn Beck's "University" says that this verse is the basis for the American Founding Fathers' decision not to tax churches.

I [Nehemiah] I rebuked the leaders for their usury, saying, "Give the people back the land, houses, and money that you took from them." 5:6-11

"So the wall was finished ... in fifty and two days. And ...when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God." 6:15-16

These verses are used by the supporters of Donald Trump to show that he is God's new Nehemiah.

"Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. Let his days be few; and let another take his office." 109:8-9

This Psalm verse was often seen on bumpter stickers during Barak Obama's presidency.

"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just." 13:22

The Religious Right uses this verse to oppose estate taxes.

"He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want." 22:16

"The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." 28:1

Trump's Department of Homeland Security used this verse in its recruiting video for ICE agents.

"The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it." 29:7

Speak out for those who cannot speak. 31:8

Plead the cause of the poor and needy. 31:9

"Relieve the oppressed ... plead for the widow." 1:17

"And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." 2:4

"Here I am, send me." Isaiah 6:8

This verse is used by Donald Trump and the Department of Homeland Security to justify their cruelty to immigrants, which directly contradicts Isaiah's teaching on how immigrants and the poor should be treated.

Woe to those who won't help the poor. 10:1-2

The vile person will no longer be called liberal. 32:5

For the vile person is an evil hypocrite, who lies to destroy the poor. 32:6

Liberals devise liberal things, and by liberal things they will stand. 32:8

"Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus." 45:1

Donald Trump is the new King Cyrus to his evangelical supporters. In fact, God spoke directly to one of his favorites (Lance Wallnau), saying "Isaiah 45 will be the next US President."

Undo the heavy burdens, break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free. 58:6

Feed the hungry, open your house to the poor, and clothe the naked. 58:7, 10

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee." 1:5

Christians often cite this verse as biblical proof that a fetus is a person. Their rationale is if God knows us in the womb, then fetuses are people, too. Of course, they overlook the verses that show God's willingness to kill both the born and unborn.

The US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, claimed to quote this verse but actually quoted a line from "Pulp Fiction" instead. 25:17

"The prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession." 46:18

This verse is sometimes used to justify protecting the rich from taxation.

Satan said to Jesus, "All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." 4:9

As John Fugelsang says in Separation of Church and Hate, Christian nationalists looked at that offer and said, "Ya know what Satan? I think I'll take that deal."

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 5:3

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." 5:5

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." 5:7

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 5:9

You've heard it said, "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." But I say, "Don't resist evil. If someone smites you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." 5:38-39

Love your enemies and do good to those that hate you. 5:44

Don't pray in public where others can see you. Rather go into your room, and after you have shut the door, pray to God in secret. 6:5-6

Jesus tells his disciples not to pray in public. Those who favor school prayer, National Day of Prayer, etc. should take his advice.

Don't have any treasures on earth. 6:19

You can't serve God and money. 6:24

"Judge not, that ye be not judged." 7:1

Whatever you would like others to do to you, do to them. 7:12

"For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." 13:12

Isn't this from the Republican Party platform?

All the nations will be gathered in front of him, and he'll separate them, as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. 25:32

Jesus says that all nations will be judged by how they treat immigrants, the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned.

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." 25:40

"Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." 26:52

"For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath." 4:25

Isn't this in the Republican Party platform?

Whoever wants to be great among you must be the servant of all. 10:44

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 12:17

Pay your taxes. Keep state and church separate.

"This poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury." 12:41-43

From his comments on the widow's mites, it appears that Jesus favored progressive taxation.

"But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation." 6:24

"Whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." 8:18

Was Jesus the first Republican?

"Go, and do thou likewise." 10:25-37

The story of the good Samaritan gets my vote for the best bible story. We should all "go and do likewise."

"Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." 12:48

Sounds like a plan for taxing the wealthy.

"Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him." 19:24-26

These verses are used by Republicans to justify protecting the rich from taxation.

"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's."

Pay your taxes. Keep state and church separate. 20:25

"This poor widow hath cast in more than they all." 21:1-3

From his comments on the widow's mites, it appears that Jesus favored progressive taxation.

Jesus shocks his disciples by talking to a Samaritan woman at a well. Men were not supposed to talk to women in public - especially not a Samaritan woman!

This is the longest conversation that Jesus had with anyone in the gospels. John 7-27

"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." 8:7

Jesus on the death penalty.

"All that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." 2:44-45

The early Christians were the first communists. There was no private property. Everything was shared equally with everyone else. They sold all of their possessions, and gave the proceeds to everyone, according to their need.

"Distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." 4:32-35

Imagine no possessions: The early Christians were communists. (See 5:1-11 for the dark side of Christian communism.)

God kills Ananias and Sapphira (for not giving all their money to the apostles) 5:1-11

The dark side of Christian communism.

"Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator." 1:21-25

The Religious Right often uses this passage to condemn environmentalists.

"The powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." 13:1-2

God ordains the rulers. Whoever resists them will go to hell.

"Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil." 13:3

That depends on who the ruler is.

"Pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers." 13:6-7

Paul says you should pay your taxes and honor the government.

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." 3:6

This verse is used by Doug Wilson when "planting" his Protestant fundamentalist churches throughout the United States.

"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak." 14:34-35

Women are to be silent and obedient. If they'd like to learn something, they should ask their husband at home.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 3:17

One of the most-quoted verses in the Bible. It is also one of the most absurd.

Donald Trump cited it at Liberty University, saying, "Two Corinthians 3:17, that's the whole ballgame. ... Is that the one you like?"

"That there may be equality" 8:14

Let there be an equality among you. If you have more than you need, give to those in need. Then when you're in need, they will help you.

"For your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men ... Thanks be to God." 9:13-15

God loves liberals!

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." 5:22-24

Wives, submit to your husbands, as you would to God. Because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church. So wives must obey their husbands in everything.

"The trump of God" 4:16

Donald Trump is the trump of God -- or so says WND, anyway. Donald Trump is God's final warning to America.

"The law is not made for a righteous man, but ... for them that defile themselves with mankind." 1:9-10

The religious right says that these verses require that homosexuality be illegal.

"I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence." 2:11-12

Women should learn in silence with full submission. But I forbid them to teach or have authority over a man. They must be silent.

"She shall be saved in childbearing." 2:15

Women will be saved by childbearing. (If they're faithful, charitable, holy, and sober.)

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be ... ready to distribute." 6:17-18

Buffet Rule Bible verse

"Be subject to principalities and powers ... obey magistrates." 3:1

Obey and submit to whoever is in power.

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls." 13:17

Obey those who have authority over you.