A baptismal verse is a verse from the Bible given to a person at their baptism: a promise that remains long after the celebration is over. Here you will find 90 baptismal verses in full, sorted by occasion and theme – the most popular verses, short verses for the baptismal candle, baptismal verses about protection and blessing, for girls and boys, and for adult baptism.
• Most frequently chosen: Isaiah 43:1, Psalm 91:11, Joshua 1:9, and Psalm 139:5.
• For the baptismal candle: preferably a short verse of ten to fifteen words, for example 1 Corinthians 16:14.
• Protestant: The baptismal verse is a Bible verse and is entered into the baptismal certificate.
• Catholic: A baptismal verse is not mandatory, but is gladly included in many parishes.
The most popular baptismal verses
These verses are most frequently chosen in parishes. They are well known, but nevertheless carry weight: each one is a promise that lasts a lifetime.
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Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine!
Isaiah 43:1bFearIdentity in Christ
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For he has commanded his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 91:11ProtectionAngels
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See, I have commanded you to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you in everything you do.
Joshua 1:9EncouragementFear
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You surround me on every side and hold your hand over me.
Psalm 139:5God's handGod's nearness
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And see, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.
Genesis 28:15aProtectionGuidance
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The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from now until forever.
Psalm 121:8ProtectionBlessing
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And see, I am with you all the days, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20bGod's nearnessJesus
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God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God, and God in them.
1 John 4:16bGod's love
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I will teach you and show you the way you should walk; I will guide you with my eyes.
Psalm 32:8GuidanceConfirmation verses
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The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1Good ShepherdPsalms
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The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26Blessing
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Commit your way to the LORD and trust in him; he will do it.
Short baptismal verses for candle and card
There is little space on a baptismal candle. These verses fit on one or two lines and are still easy to remember.
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Let all that you do be done in love!
1 Corinthians 16:14God's loveConfirmation verses
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You set my feet on level ground.
Psalm 31:9bFreedom
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Let us love, for he first loved us.
1 John 4:19Love for God
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See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.
Isaiah 49:16aGod's handIdentity in Christ
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This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24Joy
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Remain in my love!
John 15:9bGod's love
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One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
Ephesians 4:5Unity
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Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Psalm 103:2ThankfulnessPraise
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Yet I am always with you, for you hold me by my right hand.
Psalm 73:23God's handFaithfulness
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My time is in your hands.
Psalm 31:16aTime
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Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12Prayer
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LORD, your goodness reaches as far as the heavens, and your truth as far as the clouds.
Psalm 36:6Goodness
Baptismal verses about protection and blessing
For many families, the wish that a child grows up protected is a top priority. These verses speak exactly to that – without promising that nothing will ever go wrong.
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The LORD will keep you from all harm; he will keep your soul.
Psalm 121:7Protection
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Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High and rests in the shadow of the Almighty can say to the LORD, "You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2ProtectionTrust
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Keep me like the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 17:8Protection
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See, I am sending an angel before you to guard you on your way and bring you safely to the place I have prepared.
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The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him and delivers them.
Psalm 34:8Angels
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He will not let your foot slip, and he who guards you will not sleep.
Psalm 121:3ProtectionSafety
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Though I take the wings of the morning and dwell at the farthest sea, even there your hand will guide me, and your right hand will hold me.
Psalm 139:9-10God's handGuidance
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And I will give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:28Eternal lifeGod's hand
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But the LORD, who goes before you, will be with you; he will not take his hand away or leave you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8FearFaithfulness
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I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5bFaithfulness
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I lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, LORD, keep me safe.
Psalm 4:9Evening and nightPeace
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And I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
Genesis 12:2Blessing
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For God the LORD is sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and honor; he will not withhold any good thing from the righteous.
Psalm 84:12Grace
Baptismal verses about light and life's path
At many baptisms, a candle is lit from the Paschal candle. Verses about light, the way, and guidance are a good fit.
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I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12bLightI-am sayings
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You are the light of the world.
Matthew 5:14aLight
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Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105God's wordLight
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The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
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For in you is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.
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You make known to me the path of life; before you is fullness of joy and pleasures at your right hand forever.
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I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6bI-am sayingsTruth
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The human heart thinks out its own course, but the LORD alone directs its steps.
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For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Baptismal verses about God's love
Baptism first says: You are loved before you have accomplished anything. These verses say it in their own words.
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See what great love the Father has shown us, that we should be called children of God!
1 John 3:1aGod's loveIdentity in Christ
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For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor rulers, neither things present nor things to come, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39God's love
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And now neither fear nor anxiety nor anything else can separate us from God's love. For nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 13:13God's loveFaith
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For mountains will fall and hills will be leveled, but my steadfast love will not be taken away from you, nor will the covenant of my peace be broken, declares the LORD, your compassionate God.
Isaiah 54:10GraceFaithfulness
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For the LORD your God is with you, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you, and with tender love he will comfort you; he will rejoice over you with glad shouts.
Zephaniah 3:17JoyGod's love
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I will comfort you like a mother comforts her child.
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As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:13God as Father
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The LORD's goodness is that we are not utterly consumed; his compassion never ends; it is new every morning; great is his faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23FaithfulnessMorning
Baptismal verses for girls
No Bible verse is intended only for girls. But parents often choose these verses for their daughters because they speak of dignity, joy, and a God who sees clearly.
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I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14aImage of GodSelf-worth
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Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come.
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And you will be a beautiful crown in the hand of the LORD and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Isaiah 62:3Identity in Christ
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My soul exalts the LORD, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.
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Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
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Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.
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You have made him little lower than the heavens, and crowned him with honor and glory.
Psalm 8:6Image of God
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Your eyes saw me when I was yet unformed, and in your book were written all my days before one of them came to be.
Baptismal verses for boys
The same applies here: every verse is suitable for every child. These verses speak of courage, strength, and character – themes parents often seek for their sons.
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For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.
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But those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31ExhaustionEncouragement
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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13WeaknessConfirmation verses
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You have been told, man, what is good and what the LORD requires of you, namely to keep God's word, to practice love, and to be humble before your God.
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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9PeaceBeatitudes
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And Jesus increased in wisdom and age and favor with God and man.
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He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither; and whatever he does prospers.
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Do not let evil overcome you, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21Evil
Baptism verses for adult baptism
Those who are baptized as teenagers or adults usually choose the verse themselves – often one that speaks of new beginnings, grace, and a conscious decision.
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For you are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27Identity in ChristClothing
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!
2 Corinthians 5:17New beginningRebirth
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For this reason we were buried with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4ResurrectionRebirth
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For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
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Not because of the righteous works that we have done, but according to His mercy He made us accepted in the washing of regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
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I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5Bearing fruit
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But I and my house will serve the LORD.
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Therefore now stand fast in liberty, wherewith Christ has made us free.
Galatians 5:1aFreedom
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God is our confidence and strength, a help in the great troubles that have befallen us.
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Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7PrayerSeeking God
Special and rare baptism verses
For everyone looking for a verse that isn’t on every other card – and that still fits a young life.
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Guard your heart with all diligence; for out of it go the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23Heart
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For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1Time
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Therefore now put on kindness, tenderheartedness, mercy, patience, and long-suffering, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.
Colossians 3:12ClothingGentleness
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But rejoice, that your names are written in heaven.
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Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:14bChildren
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And He embraced them and laid His hands on them and blessed them.
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And behold, a voice from heaven said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3:17Jesus
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Yes, I will bear you up until old age, and until you are gray, I will do it; I will lift you up and deliver you.
Isaiah 46:4Old ageFaithfulness
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I am the good Shepherd, and I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me.
John 10:14Good Shepherd
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Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7Cares
Bible texts according to the Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling. Many congregations use newer translations – it is best to coordinate the exact wording for the certificate, candle, or card with the church congregation.
Related topics
This goes well with it
A baptism verse has the greatest impact when it is not only read aloud once, but remains visible: on a card that later lies in the memory box, or on something you actually wear. These four pieces go well with it; find more in our baptism gifts.
Baptism Gift Bundle – T-Shirt, Book & Baptism CardT-Shirt, book, and baptism card in one package – the ready-made gift for teenagers and adults.€50
Baptizo - PostcardThe baptism card for your verse: "Baptizo" on the front, space for a few personal lines inside.€2
Created in God’s Image - Kids SweaterFor the little ones: "Created in God’s Image" as a soft children’s sweater.€39
Promises Vintage SweaterEmbroidered sweater in a vintage look that reminds of God’s promises.€55
What is a baptism verse?
The baptism verse is a Bible verse that is spoken over the baptized person at the baptism. In the Protestant church, it is an integral part of the baptism: the female pastor or the male pastor reads it aloud, often refers to it in the address, and it is entered into the baptismal certificate. Thus, it accompanies a person beyond the day of celebration – at confirmation, when looking through old photo albums, or in a moment when someone needs exactly this sentence.
A good baptism verse is therefore less a beautiful sentence for the celebration than a promise for later. Verses like Isaiah 43:1 or Psalm 91:11 are so popular because they do not describe how a child should be, but what God promises them. This holds true even when the baby has become a teenager with their own questions.
How to find the right baptism verse
With 90 verses, it helps to start with a few questions instead of the list. These five quickly narrow down the selection:
1. What do you wish the child most? Protection, courage, joy, guidance? Each group above stands for one of these wishes.
2. Should the verse be a promise or an exhortation? Promises ("I am with you") almost always fit children better than exhortations ("Be ..."), because they demand nothing of them.
3. Where should the verse be placed? For the baptism candle, you need a short verse; for the certificate, it can be longer.
4. Will it still fit in twenty years? Read the verse as if you were giving it to an adult. If it still holds then, it is a good choice.
5. Is there a family connection? Some families use the baptism verse of the parents or godparents or choose a verse that fits the first name.
If you cannot agree: Take two or three favorites to the baptism meeting. Female pastors and male pastors are happy to help with the decision and often explain what lies behind a verse. How the meeting and the baptism itself proceed is explained in our guide Baptism: Procedure and the Role of the Godparents.
Baptism verse Protestant, Catholic, free church: What applies?
Protestant: The baptism verse is a verse from the Bible. It is usually chosen by the parents, often together with the godparents, and coordinated with the congregation during the baptism meeting.
Catholic: In the rite of Catholic baptism, a baptism verse is not firmly prescribed. Many congregations still like to include a verse, for example for the baptism candle or as a reading. Whether other texts are also possible outside the Bible is best clarified directly with your local congregation.
Free church: In many free churches, people are baptized when they have decided on faith themselves. The baptized person then often chooses the verse themselves or receives it from the congregation. This group Baptism verses for adult baptism is intended for this situation.
Baptism verse for candle, card, and certificate
The same verse can appear in several places. To make sure it looks good everywhere, a look at the length helps:
| Where | Recommended length | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Baptism candle | a short sentence, about 5 to 15 words | 1 Corinthians 16:14 |
| Invitation and thank-you card | one to two sentences | Psalm 91:11 |
| Baptismal certificate | a whole verse, preferably two | Psalm 121:7-8 |
| Congratulatory card from guests | a verse plus a personal sentence | Psalm 139:5 |
Many baptism verses are partial verses. The letter after the place indicates this: "Isaiah 43:1b" means the second half of verse 1. Someone who congratulates on a card can combine the verse with a few lines of their own. Our Blessing wishes for baptism and confirmation cards collect ideas for this. How to distribute a verse on a card, candle, and blessing is also shown in our post 10 Bible verses for baptism.
Which Bible translation for the baptism verse?
The verses on this page come from the Luther Bible of 1912. Their wording is in the public domain and sounds familiar, but is in some places more archaic than today’s editions. In Protestant congregations, the Luther Bible 2017 is usually read today, in Catholic congregations, the Ecumenical Translation. The passage remains the same, only individual words differ. Therefore, for the certificate and candle, it is worth taking the wording of the translation your congregation uses. Which translation fits what is explained in our Comparison of Bible translations.
From baptism verse to confirmation and chrismation verse
At 14 or 15 years old, many teenagers choose their own verse: the confirmation verse in the Protestant church, the chrismation verse in the Catholic church. Some deliberately use their baptism verse again, others choose something completely new. You can find suitable verses in our Chrismation verses and in the Bible verses for confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who chooses the baptism verse?
For children, the parents usually choose the baptism verse, often together with the godparents. In the baptism meeting with the female pastor or the male pastor, it is then discussed. Those who are baptized as teenagers or adults usually choose the verse themselves.
Must a baptism verse come from the Bible?
In the Protestant church yes, the baptism verse is always a Bible verse. In the Catholic church, a baptism verse is not prescribed. Whether other texts are also possible there is best clarified directly with your congregation.
How long can a baptism verse be?
One or two verses are customary. For the baptism candle, a short sentence is more practical, for the certificate it can be a longer verse. More important than the length is that the verse is easily understood when read aloud.
What do the letters a and b after a verse mean?
They indicate that only a part of the verse is intended: "a" stands for the first, "b" for the second half. Many popular baptism verses, such as Isaiah 43:1b or Matthew 28:20b, are such partial verses.
Can siblings have the same baptism verse?
Yes, that is allowed. Many families still choose a separate verse for each child because it later becomes something personal. A nice solution is two verses from the same Psalm, such as Psalm 121:7 and Psalm 121:8.
What do you give that fits the baptism verse?
Anything that keeps the verse visible: a card, a baptism candle, a poster for the children’s room, or a piece of clothing that will actually be worn later. Our guide What do you give for a baptism? collects ideas, and specifically for godparents Baptism gift from the godparent.
