A red letter Bible is a Bible that contains the spoken words of Jesus printed in red ink. This formatting tradition began with the first red letter Bible published in 1899 by Louis Klopsch, editor of The Christian Herald magazine. Klopsch’s inspiration was to help readers clearly see the actual words spoken by Jesus Christ during his time on earth. Since then, red letter editions have become widely popular and are printed by many Bible publishers today.
The red letters in these Bibles distinguish Jesus’ words from the other text in a visual way. While the entire Bible is considered the inspired Word of God, the red letters help readers focus in on the specific verses where Jesus is quoted as speaking. This can aid in Bible study, allowing readers to easily locate Jesus’ direct teachings on a variety of topics.
Some key things to know about the red letters in these Bibles:
– They are found in the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books record the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
– Jesus’ words are printed in red to set them apart from the black text of the Gospel narration and other speakers. This differentiation helps readers recognize Jesus’ distinct voice.
– Several Bible publishers produce red letter editions, so the red letter text is not exactly the same in every Bible. Translation choices result in some variation.
– In general, the red letters cover Jesus’ major discourses, parables, conversations, and moments of teaching. Not every single word He spoke is necessarily in red text.
– Some of Jesus’ statements are open to interpretation regarding whether they should be in red or black. Publishers prayerfully consider these instances.
– A red letter Bible does not mean Jesus’ words are more inspired than the rest of Scripture. The whole Bible is God’s Word. The red letters are simply a formatting tool.
The significance of having Jesus’ words in red is that it visually represents how Christ is the living Word of God. He is the divine Logos who “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). When Jesus spoke, it was God speaking directly through Him. As Hebrews 1:2 states, “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
The red lettering underscores how the Gospel writers were eyewitnesses to the teachings of Jesus and recorded them as authoritative Scripture. For example, John wrote, “We have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:14, 17).
Here is an overview of key passages in the Gospels that are highlighted in red letters in a red letter Bible:
– The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) – This contains Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom of heaven, the Beatitudes, righteousness, prayer, worry, judgmentalism, the Golden Rule, and more.
– Parables of Jesus (Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 15) – Parables like the Prodigal Son, Good Samaritan, Lost Sheep, and others that illustrate deep truths.
– The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4) – The prayer Jesus taught to His disciples with key principles on honoring God, asking for provision, forgiveness, and deliverance.
– The Farewell Discourse (John 13-17) – Jesus’ final teachings to His disciples at the Last Supper about serving one another, the coming Holy Spirit, and abiding in Christ.
– The Upper Room Discourse (John 14-16) – Jesus prepares His disciples for His death and resurrection, with promises of heaven and teachings on the Spirit of truth.
– The Seven “I Am” Statements of Jesus (John 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1) – Jesus declared His deity through metaphors like “I am the bread of life” and “I am the good shepherd.”
– Encounters with Nicodemus (John 3) and the Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4) – Conversations where Jesus teaches these individuals eternal truths.
– The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) – The opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus describes the blessings for those who follow Him.
– Jesus’ Conversations with the Pharisees (Matthew 23, Mark 7, Luke 11) – Jesus corrects the religious leaders’ hypocrisy, legalism, and self-righteousness.
– Triumphal Entry and Temple Teachings (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19-20) – Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, clearing of the temple courts, and debates with Jewish leaders in the temple.
– Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) – Jesus’ teachings to His disciples on the Mount of Olives about the destruction of the temple and His second coming.
– Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) – After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples and commands them to make disciples of all nations in His authority.
These passages give a sampling of the red letter sections where readers can focus directly on Jesus’ own words and teachings. His statements are filled with wisdom, grace, truth, exhortation, correction, prophecy, and divine revelation.
Studying or meditating on the red letter words provides a powerful opportunity to reflect on Christ Himself. We can imagine what it would have been like to hear His voice directly as He taught divine truth to everyday people in real historical settings. As 1 John 1:1 expresses, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.”
Jesus’ words contain key themes and insights thatbelievers can apply to their lives today:
– Who Jesus is – Savior, Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man, Word made flesh
– The kingdom of God – Its current and future reality
– Following Christ – Requirements like repentance, faith, obedience, self-denial
– Salvation by grace – Through His atoning death and resurrection
– Love for God and others – Loving enemies, serving everyone, showing mercy
– Priorities – Seeking God’s kingdom above all else
– God’s care for His children – Provision, protection, discipline, gifts
– The Holy Spirit – His ministry of guiding, empowering, and comforting
– End times – Warnings, preparedness, judgment, and hope of eternity
In terms of application, Jesus’ red letter statements are extremely relevant for how believers are called to think, speak, and live today. As just one example, after washing His disciples’ feet Jesus says, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15). This demonstrates the attitude of servitude and humility Christians are to show one another in the family of God.
Jesus’ red letter words have uniqueness and power because of who He is – the very Son of God, one with the Father and Spirit. As Peter proclaimed to Jesus, “You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Studying the red letters allows readers to understand Jesus’ life-giving message in a deeper way.
It is important to note that while the red letter Bible was designed to help readers focus on Jesus’ spoken words, the entire Bible is divinely inspired and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The black letter text of Scripture is just as authoritative as the red. So the red letters should be viewed as helpful formatting, not dividing what is truly the unified Word of God.
Tracing the legacy of the red letter Bible, this formatting feature has become a staple of Bible publishing, now available from all the major Bible producers. Red letter editions come in multiple translations like KJV, ESV, NIV, NKJV, NASB, CSB, NLT, and more. Study Bibles, journaling Bibles, devotional Bibles, and specialty NT editions utilize red letters.
While respected, the red letter tradition does have its critics as well. Some argue the red text gives too much emphasis to Jesus’ words over other Bible passages. Others say it can be misleading if publishers are not consistent on what is red or if verses are a matter of interpretation. But defenders respond that readers can still see the red letters as helpful formatting while respecting the whole counsel of Scripture.
Regardless of one’s view on this publishing tradition, the red letters remain a feature that points people to the Savior who embodies the Word. The practice begun over a century ago continues today. For many Christians seeking to know Jesus’ voice, a red letter Bible can be a treasured tool for Bible study, meditation, and application of the timeless truths spoken directly by the Lord Himself. The powerful red words on the page represent the eternal Word made flesh who dwells among His people.