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Bible verses about identity

Scripture does not start with what you do; it starts with whose you are. Your identity is not earned, and it cannot be taken.

Identity is one of the themes Scripture returns to again and again. Scripture does not start with what you do; it starts with whose you are. Your identity is not earned, and it cannot be taken.

People reach for these passages when they're looking up who am i, self worth, self-worth, self esteem, or some version of "what does the Bible say about identity?"

Among the most-cited passages on this theme are Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:13-16, 1 John 3:1, Galatians 2:20, and others below. Ephesians 2:10 is the passage many readers return to first.

The page also offers a written prayer that names identity plainly and asks God for what's needed in this moment. It is not a magic formula — it is a small, faithful starting point.

A short reflection question sits at the bottom of the page: What lie about yourself have you started to believe? Sit with it for a minute, or carry it into a journal.

If this isn't quite the right doorway, try a closely related theme: Shame, Purpose, Love.

Verses

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

PUBLIC DOMAIN except in the United Kingdom, where a Crown Copyright applies to printing the KJV. See http://www.cambridge.org/about-us/who-we-are/queens-printers-patent

Psalms 139:13-16

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

PUBLIC DOMAIN except in the United Kingdom, where a Crown Copyright applies to printing the KJV. See http://www.cambridge.org/about-us/who-we-are/queens-printers-patent

1 John 3:1

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

PUBLIC DOMAIN except in the United Kingdom, where a Crown Copyright applies to printing the KJV. See http://www.cambridge.org/about-us/who-we-are/queens-printers-patent

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

PUBLIC DOMAIN except in the United Kingdom, where a Crown Copyright applies to printing the KJV. See http://www.cambridge.org/about-us/who-we-are/queens-printers-patent

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

PUBLIC DOMAIN except in the United Kingdom, where a Crown Copyright applies to printing the KJV. See http://www.cambridge.org/about-us/who-we-are/queens-printers-patent

Isaiah 43:1

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

PUBLIC DOMAIN except in the United Kingdom, where a Crown Copyright applies to printing the KJV. See http://www.cambridge.org/about-us/who-we-are/queens-printers-patent

Reflection

What lie about yourself have you started to believe?

Related topics

Want to search by feeling instead? Type what's on your heart on the home page.