Bible verses for birthdays
The main Bible verses for a birthday are Psalms 118:24, Numbers 6:24-26, Psalms 90:12 and Jeremiah 29:11. Psalms 118:24 is the one most often sent on the day: "This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!". Numbers 6:24-26 is the priestly blessing — "Yahweh bless you, and keep you". Psalms 90:12 asks for a heart of wisdom in counting our days. Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of hope and a future. This page collects 8 Bible verses for a birthday with the full text, the reference and a one-line explanation for each.
A birthday is a good place to stop and count: the days gone by, the people who stayed, what God has done. Psalm 90 asks exactly that — "teach us to count our days" — and Psalm 118 celebrates: "This is the day that Yahweh has made". The Bible has no "birthday prayer", but it is full of blessings that fit the date: the priestly blessing of Numbers 6, the plans of peace in Jeremiah, the wish of Psalm 20 that God grant the desires of your heart. The verses on this page are for writing in the card, captioning the photo, opening the prayer over the cake or sending first thing in the morning. Pick one that suits the person and make the image with their name.
This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalms 118:24‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you. Yahweh make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you. Yahweh lift up his face toward you, and give you peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalms 90:12For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.
Psalms 139:14May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your counsel.
Psalms 20:4For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.
Proverbs 9:11I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation.”
Psalms 91:16
Frequently asked questions
What is the best verse to wish someone a happy birthday?
Numbers 6:24-26 ("Yahweh bless you, and keep you") is the most used; Psalm 118:24 and Jeremiah 29:11 also fit the date.
Which verse is good for a child's birthday?
Psalm 139:14 ("I am fearfully and wonderfully made") and Psalm 127:3 ("children are a heritage of Yahweh").
How do I write a Bible birthday message?
A personal line, the verse with its reference and a short wish ("may this new year be full of peace"). The verse page has the text ready to copy.
See also
Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.