Bible engagement hit record this Easter, with an average of 18.7 million people accessing the YouVersion app each day, reaching around 22 million on Easter Sunday, the highest figure in the history of the app.

“It is incredible to see interest and engagement in God’s Word increase during this season, when we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and love for the world”, says YouVersion founder and CEO Bobby Gruenewald.

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Worldwide growth

Compared to last year, Bible engagement during Easter increased by 15% worldwide.

Every region of the world experienced a significant rise, with Sub-Saharan Africa (37%) and Latin America (22%) leading the year-over-year growth.

Furthermore, YouVersion app was the most downloaded app in several African countries on Easter Sunday, including Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The most popular verse during Easter

This year, the most popular verse during Easter has been Matthew 28:6: “He is not here; He has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where He lay”.

Last year it was John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”.

“Many people, whether lifelong Christians or simply curious about the Easter story, engage with Scripture more deeply during Holy Week”, points out the YouVersion press release.

That is why “certain verses stand out each year as the most popular during the Easter holiday season”, they add.

Ongoing growth

Although Easter has set a record, Gruenewald explains that “over the last several months, worldwide interest in the Bible has continued to increase”.

For the YouVersion CEO, seeing people all over the world interacting with the Bible, “is exactly why we exist”.

“It’s encouraging to see people searching for and consistently coming back to Scripture for guidance, encouragement and answers”, concludes Gruenewald.