BibleVerse research

First and last words

The first and last words the Bible records for 107 of its best-known people, from Adam to Paul. Some last recorded words come as death approaches, and a few people speak only once.

An open blank scroll on a table at first light, beside an oil lamp that has nearly burned out

Scope & care

“First and last words” means the first and last words the Bible quotes a person saying, including prayers. The Bible records only some of what anyone said, so these are last recorded words, not necessarily the last words someone spoke in life.

Words count when a person speaks them, or sends them in a letter or message that the story quotes. Thoughts are not counted; prayers are, even silent ones. Psalms, books written as letters, words that someone else reports, and characters in parables are not counted. Only words a person speaks alone are used, except for the few people heard only together with others, whose shared words are used and marked.

Most follow the order of the books, as most English Bibles arrange them. Where the Bible tells the same moment twice, as Chronicles retells Samuel and Kings, it counts once. Where the text itself dates words earlier or later, the page follows the text. Every such choice is listed with its reason.

The short answer

107people, from Adam to Paul, with their first and last recorded words

15speak their last recorded words as death approaches

7speak only once, so their first words are also their last

The first words anyone speaks in the Bible are God's: “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). The first words of a person are Adam's, when God brings the woman to him: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). The last words the Bible quotes anyone saying are Jesus's: “Yes, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20).

Some first and last words are only a phrase. Samuel's, as a boy, answer God's call: “Here I am” (1 Samuel 3:4). Isaac's are “My father!” (Genesis 22:7), on the way to the mountain where Abraham has been told to offer him. Thomas's last words are “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), and the last words of Mary, the mother of Jesus, spoken to the servants at a wedding, are “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5).

Last recorded words are not always last in time. The book of Jeremiah is not arranged in time order, Chronicles retells the story told in Samuel and Kings, and the four Gospels each tell the life of Jesus. Where the text makes the order clear, the page follows it.

Last words at death

Fifteen of the 107 speak their last recorded words as death approaches. Five speak on a deathbed or knowing that death is near: Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David and Elisha. Ten speak in the events that end in their death, which the Bible tells within a few verses. Each is shown with the verse that tells of the death.

On a deathbed, or knowing death was near

Jacob I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. … The field and the cave that is in it were purchased from the Hittites. Genesis 49:29–32 death told in Genesis 49:33
Joseph I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. … God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place. Genesis 50:24–25 death told in Genesis 50:26
Moses Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places. Deuteronomy 33:29 death told in Deuteronomy 34:5
David I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. … You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood. 1 Kings 2:2–9 death told in 1 Kings 2:10
Elisha You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times. 2 Kings 13:19 death told in 2 Kings 13:20

In the events that end in their death

Abimelech, son of Gideon Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’ Judges 9:54 death told in the same verse
Samson Let me die with the Philistines. Judges 16:30 death told in the same verse
Eli What happened, my son? 1 Samuel 4:16 death told in 1 Samuel 4:18
Saul Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me! 1 Samuel 31:4 death told in the same verse
Goliath Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field! 1 Samuel 17:44 death told in 1 Samuel 17:50
Joab No, I will die here. 1 Kings 2:30 death told in 1 Kings 2:34
Ahab Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded! 1 Kings 22:34 death told in 1 Kings 22:35
Josiah Take me away, for I am badly wounded! 2 Chronicles 35:23 death told in 2 Chronicles 35:24
Judas Iscariot I have sinned by betraying innocent blood Matthew 27:4 death told in Matthew 27:5
Stephen Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. … Lord, do not hold this sin against them. Acts 7:59–60 death told in the same verse

One person speaks after death is told. Samuel dies in 1 Samuel 25:1; when Saul later consults a medium, the text gives Samuel's words to Saul (1 Samuel 28:15–19). Jesus's words as he died, which differ from Gospel to Gospel, are in the next section.

Folded bedding and an extinguished lamp in a quiet stone room at dawn — A room at dawn: an editorial reflection on words spoken as life draws to a close.

Jesus: first and last words in each Gospel

Each Gospel begins and ends Jesus's words in its own place. His first words in the Gospels come at twelve, when his parents find him in the temple (Luke 2:49). In Matthew, Mark and John he first speaks as an adult. As he dies, Matthew and Mark give his cry untranslated and then in translation: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” These are the opening words of Psalm 22. Luke gives words that echo Psalm 31:5, and John gives “It is finished.” The Gospels and Acts then tell of him speaking after his resurrection. Revelation gives his last words in the Bible.

An empty fishing boat and the embers of a charcoal fire beside a quiet lake at dawn — The Gospels begin and end Jesus’s recorded words in different places.

Matthew

First words

Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way. Matthew 3:15

As he dies

Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Matthew 27:46

Last words

And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Mark

First words

The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel! Mark 1:15

As he dies

Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Mark 15:34

Last words, in the longer ending

Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. … they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well. Mark 16:15–18

Some of the earliest manuscripts end Mark at 16:8. In them, his last words are his cry from the cross; the words after his resurrection come in the longer ending (16:9–20) that most Bibles also print.

Luke

First words

Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house? Luke 2:49

As he dies

Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit. Luke 23:46

Last words

And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. Luke 24:49

John

First words

What do you want? John 1:38

As he dies

It is finished. John 19:30

Last words

If I want him to remain until I return, what is that to you? You follow Me! John 21:22

After the Gospels

Before he is taken up into heaven It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:7–8
His last words in Acts, to Paul in Jerusalem Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome. Acts 23:11
His last words in the Bible Yes, I am coming soon. Revelation 22:20

The seven sayings from the cross

No Gospel has all seven. Gathered from the four, in the order in which they are traditionally read:

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Luke 23:34 Some early manuscripts do not include this saying.
Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. Luke 23:43
Woman, here is your son. … Here is your mother. John 19:26–27
My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Matthew 27:46 also told in Mark 15:34
I am thirsty. John 19:28
It is finished. John 19:30
Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit. Luke 23:46

Where the Bible marks an end

Four times the Bible itself says that someone's words, or prayers, end. In three of them, more follows.

David These are the last words of David 2 Samuel 23:1The poem that follows (23:1–7) is not the last time he is quoted. He confesses after counting the troops, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done” (2 Samuel 24:10), and gives his charge to Solomon as death draws near (1 Kings 2:1–9).
David's prayers Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse. Psalm 72:20Eighteen later psalms carry his name in their headings, beginning with Psalm 86. The line is usually read as the close of an earlier collection of psalms.
Job Thus conclude the words of Job. Job 31:40He speaks twice more, both times to God: “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.” (Job 40:4), and his last words (42:2–6).
Jeremiah Here end the words of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 51:64The chapter that follows tells the fall of Jerusalem without him. The book is not in time order: the latest words it dates are spoken in Egypt, after the city fell (Jeremiah 44).

One small blank scroll set apart before a longer row of blank scrolls — Some people are heard only once; for others, recorded speech extends across many passages.

Only once

Seven of the 107 speak only once, so their first words are also their last. Five speak alone: Noah, Melchizedek, Uriah, Mordecai and Baruch. Korah and Zerubbabel are heard once, together with others. Mordecai's single message to Esther ends with a question: “And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Noah Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers. … Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant. Genesis 9:25–27
Melchizedek Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand. Genesis 14:19–20
Korah You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD? Numbers 16:3 spoken with Dathan, Abiram, On and 250 leaders of Israel
Uriah the Hittite The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing! 2 Samuel 11:11
Zerubbabel You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us. Ezra 4:3 spoken with Jeshua and the other heads of families
Mordecai Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:13–14 sent as a message
Baruch It was at his dictation,” Baruch replied. “He recited all these words to me and I wrote them in ink on the scroll. Jeremiah 36:18

Some famous figures never speak at all. Famous but silent lists them, from Zadok the priest to Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Everyone

All 107, grouped by where their first words come in the Bible. A note gives other tellings, words shared with others, and context where it helps. Jacob is included here, though Most-mentioned people in the Bible sets him apart because his other name, Israel, is also the nation's.

Genesis

Adam the first man

First words

This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man she was taken. Genesis 2:23

Last words

The woman whom You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it. Genesis 3:12

Eve the first woman

First words

We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’ Genesis 3:2–3

Last words

God has granted me another seed in place of Abel, since Cain killed him. Genesis 4:25

Cain Adam and Eve's first son

First words

Let us go out to the field. Genesis 4:8

Last words

My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me. Genesis 4:13–14

His first words come from ancient copies and translations of Genesis; the traditional Hebrew text says only that Cain spoke to Abel. Without them, his first words are “I do not know! … Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)

Noah builder of the ark

Only words

Cursed be Canaan! A servant of servants shall he be to his brothers. … Blessed be the LORD, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the servant of Shem. May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant. Genesis 9:25–27

Noah is never quoted before the flood. His only recorded words are this curse and blessing, spoken after it.

Abraham father of Isaac and Ishmael, first called Abram

First words

Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, … Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared. Genesis 12:11–13

Last words

And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there. Genesis 24:8

He is still called Abram, and Sarah is Sarai, when he first speaks; God gives them their new names in Genesis 17. His last words are to the servant he sends to find a wife for Isaac.

Melchizedek king of Salem and priest of God Most High

Only words

Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand. Genesis 14:19–20

Sarah Abraham's wife, mother of Isaac, first called Sarai

First words

Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her. Genesis 16:2

Last words

Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac! Genesis 21:10

Hagar Sarah's Egyptian servant, mother of Ishmael

First words

I am running away from my mistress Sarai Genesis 16:8

Last words

I cannot bear to watch the boy die! Genesis 21:16

Lot Abraham's nephew

First words

My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way. Genesis 19:2

Last words

Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved. Genesis 19:20

Lot is quoted only in Genesis 19, on the night and morning before Sodom is destroyed.

Abimelech, king of Gerar a king in the days of Abraham and Isaac

First words

Lord, would You destroy a nation even though it is innocent? Genesis 20:4

Last words

Depart from us, for you are much too powerful for us. Genesis 26:16

With two of his officials he later makes a treaty with Isaac, saying, “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you” (Genesis 26:28). Some readers take the king of Genesis 26, in Isaac's time, to be a later king with the same name.

Isaac son of Abraham and Sarah

First words

My father! Genesis 22:7

Last words

May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. And may He give the blessing of Abraham to you and your descendants, so that you may possess the land where you dwell as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham. Genesis 28:3–4

In the same verse he asks, “The fire and the wood are here, … but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7). His last words bless Jacob as he leaves for Paddan-aram.

Rebekah Isaac's wife, mother of Esau and Jacob

First words

Drink, my lord Genesis 24:18

Last words

I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them, what good is my life? Genesis 27:46

Laban Rebekah's brother, father of Leah and Rachel

First words

Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels. Genesis 24:31

Last words

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us. Genesis 31:53

Esau Isaac's elder son, Jacob's twin

First words

Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished. Genesis 25:30

Last words

Let me leave some of my people with you Genesis 33:15

Jacob Isaac's son, also called Israel

First words

First sell me your birthright Genesis 25:31

Last words

I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. … The field and the cave that is in it were purchased from the Hittites. Genesis 49:29–32

His last words follow his blessing of his twelve sons (Genesis 49:1–28).

Leah Jacob's first wife

First words

The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now. Genesis 29:32

Last words

God has given me a good gift,” she said. “This time my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons. Genesis 30:20

Together with Rachel, she later tells Jacob, “So do whatever God has told you.” (Genesis 31:16)

Rachel Jacob's wife, mother of Joseph and Benjamin

First words

Give me children, or I will die! Genesis 30:1

Last words

Sir, do not be angry that I cannot stand up before you; for I am having my period. Genesis 31:35

She dies giving birth to Benjamin. The text says that with her last breath she named him Ben-oni, but does not quote her (Genesis 35:18).

Joseph Jacob's son, sold into Egypt

First words

Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine. Genesis 37:6–7

Last words

I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. … God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place. Genesis 50:24–25

Pharaoh of Joseph's time the king of Egypt who raised Joseph to power

First words

I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it. Genesis 41:15

Last words

Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do. Genesis 50:6

Exodus to Deuteronomy

Moses the prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

First words

Why are you attacking your companion? Exodus 2:13

Last words

Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places. Deuteronomy 33:29

His last words end the blessing he gives the tribes “before his death” (Deuteronomy 33:1).

Pharaoh of the exodus the king of Egypt who opposed Moses

First words

Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go. Exodus 5:2

Last words

Take your flocks and herds as well, just as you have said, and depart! And bless me also. Exodus 12:32

Together with his officials, he later says, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.” (Exodus 14:5)

Miriam sister of Moses and Aaron

Only words spoken alone

Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. Exodus 15:21 sung

With Aaron she later asks, “Does the LORD speak only through Moses? … Does He not also speak through us?” (Numbers 12:2). The sister of Moses who speaks in Exodus 2:7 is not named there; tradition identifies her as Miriam.

Aaron Moses's brother, the first high priest

First words

Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me. Exodus 32:2

Last words

My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb. Numbers 12:11–12

Before the golden calf he speaks only together with Moses, beginning with God's message to Pharaoh, “Let My people go” (Exodus 5:1). His last words alone plead for his sister Miriam; with Moses he later pleads for the whole community (Numbers 16:22).

Joshua Moses's assistant, then Israel's leader

First words

The sound of war is in the camp. Exodus 32:17

Last words

You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God. Joshua 24:27

In his farewell to Israel he says, “Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth” (Joshua 23:14). He dies “some time later” (24:29), so he is not counted among those whose last words come as death approaches.

Caleb one of the twelve spies

First words

We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it! Numbers 13:30

Last words

What do you desire? Joshua 15:18 also told in Judges 1:14

His last words are to his daughter Acsah, who asks him for springs of water (Joshua 15:18–19).

Korah a Levite, from the tribe that served at the sanctuary, who led a revolt against Moses

Only words

You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD? Numbers 16:3 spoken with Dathan, Abiram, On and 250 leaders of Israel

Balak king of Moab

First words

Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. … Numbers 22:5–6 sent as a message

Last words

I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward. Numbers 24:10–11

Balaam the man Balak hired to curse Israel

First words

Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me. Numbers 22:8

Last words

Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it? Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever. Numbers 24:23–24

Eleazar Aaron's son, high priest after him

Only words spoken alone

This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses: … On the seventh day you are to wash your clothes, and you will be clean. After that you may enter the camp. Numbers 31:21–24

This instruction to soldiers back from battle is the only speech he gives alone. With Moses he earlier orders a census: “Take a census of the men twenty years of age or older” (Numbers 26:4).

Joshua, Judges and Ruth

Rahab a woman of Jericho who hid Israel's spies

First words

Yes, the men did come to me, but I did not know where they had come from. Joshua 2:4

Last words

Let it be as you say Joshua 2:21

Her last words accept the spies' terms: a scarlet cord tied in her window (Joshua 2:18–21).

Deborah prophetess and judge of Israel

First words

Surely the LORD, the God of Israel, is commanding you: ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, taking with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera the commander of Jabin’s army, his chariots, and his troops to the River Kishon, and I will deliver him into your hand.’ Judges 4:6–7

Last words

Arise, for this is the day that the LORD has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the LORD gone before you? Judges 4:14

She and Barak then sing the song of Judges 5 together, which ends, “But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” (Judges 5:31)

Gideon a judge of Israel, also called Jerubbaal

First words

Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? … Judges 6:13

Last words

I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you. … Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder. Judges 8:23–24

Abimelech, son of Gideon Gideon's son, who made himself king

First words

Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood. Judges 9:2

Last words

Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’ Judges 9:54

Jephthah a judge of Israel

First words

Did you not hate me and expel me from my father’s house? Why then have you come to me now, when you are in distress? Judges 11:7

Last words

When I saw that you would not save me, I risked my life and crossed over to the Ammonites, and the LORD delivered them into my hand. Why then have you come today to fight against me? Judges 12:3

Samson a judge of Israel known for his strength

First words

I have seen a daughter of the Philistines in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife. Judges 14:2

Last words

Let me die with the Philistines. Judges 16:30

Just before, he prays, “O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more” (Judges 16:28).

Delilah the woman paid to learn the secret of Samson's strength

First words

Please tell me the source of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued. Judges 16:6

Last words

Samson, the Philistines are here! Judges 16:20

She calls out the same words four times (Judges 16:9, 12, 14 and 20).

Naomi Ruth's mother-in-law

First words

Go back, each of you to your mother’s home. May the LORD show you loving devotion, as you have shown to your dead and to me. Ruth 1:8

Last words

Wait, my daughter,” said Naomi, “until you find out how things go, for he will not rest unless he has resolved the matter today. Ruth 3:18

Ruth a Moabite widow, great-grandmother of David

First words

Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Ruth 1:16

Last words

He gave me these six measures of barley, for he said, ‘Do not go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’ Ruth 3:17

Before this, together with Orpah, she tells Naomi, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” (Ruth 1:10)

Boaz the landowner who marries Ruth

First words

The LORD be with you. Ruth 2:4

Last words

You are witnesses today that I am buying from Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech, Chilion, and Mahlon. … You are witnesses today. Ruth 4:9–10

1 and 2 Samuel

Hannah mother of Samuel

First words

O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head. 1 Samuel 1:11

Last words

Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed. 1 Samuel 2:10

Her first words are a vow, prayed silently: “though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard” (1 Samuel 1:13). Her last end the prayer of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1–10.

Eli priest at Shiloh

First words

How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine! 1 Samuel 1:14

Last words

What happened, my son? 1 Samuel 4:16

His first words are to Hannah, whom he takes to be drunk as she prays silently (1 Samuel 1:13–14).

Samuel the prophet who anointed Saul and David

First words

Here I am. 1 Samuel 3:4

Last words

Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines. 1 Samuel 28:19

He first speaks as a boy, answering God's call. His last words come after his death (1 Samuel 25:1), when Saul consults a medium and the text gives Samuel's words to Saul (28:15–19).

Saul Israel's first king

First words

Come, let us go back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us. 1 Samuel 9:5

Last words

Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me! 1 Samuel 31:4 also told in 1 Chronicles 10:4

Jonathan Saul's son, David's friend

First words

Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side. 1 Samuel 14:1

Last words

Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true. 1 Samuel 23:17

He dies in battle beside his father without further words (1 Samuel 31:2).

Jesse David's father

First words

There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep. 1 Samuel 16:11

Last words

Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them. 1 Samuel 17:18

Goliath the Philistine champion

First words

Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. 1 Samuel 17:8

Last words

Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field! 1 Samuel 17:44

David shepherd, then king of Israel

First words

What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? 1 Samuel 17:26

Last words

In 1 Kings I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man. … You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood. 1 Kings 2:2–9

In 1 Chronicles Bless the LORD your God. 1 Chronicles 29:20

Samuel and Kings tell his story first and Chronicles retells it, and each ends his words differently: 1 Kings with his charge to Solomon as death drew near, which ends with orders about Shimei, and 1 Chronicles with a prayer and a call to the assembly. Earlier, 2 Samuel 23:1 introduces a poem as “the last words of David”, but he is quoted after it.

Abner commander of Saul's army

First words

As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know. 1 Samuel 17:55

Last words

Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires. 2 Samuel 3:21

Joab kills him at Hebron soon after (2 Samuel 3:27).

Abishai Joab's brother, one of David's commanders

First words

I will go with you 1 Samuel 26:6

Last words

Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed? 2 Samuel 19:21

Joab commander of David's army

First words

Let them get up 2 Samuel 2:14

Last words

No, I will die here. 1 Kings 2:30

He says this at the altar, refusing to come out; Benaiah kills him there (1 Kings 2:34).

Nathan prophet at David's court

First words

Go and do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you. 2 Samuel 7:3 also told in 1 Chronicles 17:2

Last words

Has my lord the king let this happen without informing your servant who should sit on the throne after my lord the king? 1 Kings 1:27

Bathsheba Uriah's wife, then David's; mother of Solomon

First words

I am pregnant. 2 Samuel 11:5 sent as a message

Last words

Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to your brother Adonijah as his wife. 1 Kings 2:21

Uriah the Hittite one of David's soldiers, Bathsheba's husband

Only words

The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing! 2 Samuel 11:11

David then sends him back carrying a letter that tells Joab to put him “at the front of the fiercest battle” (2 Samuel 11:15), and he is killed (11:17).

Amnon David's eldest son

First words

I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister. 2 Samuel 13:4

Last words

Throw this woman out and bolt the door behind her! 2 Samuel 13:17

He is quoted only in 2 Samuel 13, which tells how he raped his half-sister Tamar.

Absalom David's son, who rebelled against him

First words

Has your brother Amnon been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing to heart. 2 Samuel 13:20

Last words

Last spoken in the story Ahithophel has spoken this proposal. Should we carry it out? If not, what do you say? 2 Samuel 17:6

Recalled after his death I have no son to preserve the memory of my name. 2 Samuel 18:18

His words in 2 Samuel 18:18 are told after his death, as the reason he had set up a pillar during his lifetime; when he said them is not given.

Kings and Chronicles

Adonijah David's son, who claimed the throne

First words

I will be king! 1 Kings 1:5

Last words

Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife. 1 Kings 2:17

Solomon has him put to death for the request (1 Kings 2:22–25).

Benaiah a commander under David and Solomon

First words

Amen,” replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. “May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. 1 Kings 1:36

Last words

The king says, ‘Come out!’ … This is how Joab answered me. 1 Kings 2:30

Solomon David's son and successor

First words

If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die. 1 Kings 1:52

Last words

My wife must not live in the house of David king of Israel, because the places the ark of the LORD has entered are holy. 2 Chronicles 8:11

In 1 Kings his words end earlier, with his blessing at the dedication of the temple: “So let your heart be fully devoted to the LORD our God” (1 Kings 8:61). 2 Chronicles places these later words “at the end of the twenty years” of building (8:1).

Hiram king of Tyre

First words

Blessed be the LORD this day! He has given David a wise son over this great people! 1 Kings 5:7

Last words

What are these towns you have given me, my brother? 1 Kings 9:13

Rehoboam Solomon's son, king of Judah

First words

Go away for three days and then return to me. 1 Kings 12:5

Last words

Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions. 1 Kings 12:14 also told in 2 Chronicles 10:14

Together with the leaders of Israel, he later says, “The LORD is righteous.” (2 Chronicles 12:6)

Jeroboam first king of the northern kingdom of Israel

First words

Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. 1 Kings 12:28

Last words

Take with you ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will become of the boy. 1 Kings 14:3

Before this he speaks only together with all Israel, asking Rehoboam to lighten their burden (1 Kings 12:4), and in words he says in his heart (12:26–27).

Elijah prophet in the days of Ahab

First words

As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word! 1 Kings 17:1

Last words

In 2 Kings You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so. 2 Kings 2:10

In 2 Chronicles This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘You have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah, … And day after day you yourself will suffer from a severe illness, a disease of your bowels, until it causes your bowels to come out.’ 2 Chronicles 21:12–15 in a letter

2 Kings ends his words just before he is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2:11). 2 Chronicles later says a letter from him “came to” Jehoram, king of Judah, without saying when it was written.

Ahab king of Israel

First words

Go throughout the land to every spring and every valley. Perhaps we will find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we will not have to destroy any livestock. 1 Kings 18:5

Last words

Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded! 1 Kings 22:34 also told in 2 Chronicles 18:33

Elisha Elijah's successor as prophet

First words

Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you. 1 Kings 19:20

Last words

You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times. 2 Kings 13:19

He speaks these words on his deathbed, to the king of Israel (2 Kings 13:14–19).

Jehoshaphat king of Judah

First words

I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses. 1 Kings 22:4

Last words

Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed. 2 Chronicles 20:20

Jehu army commander who became king of Israel

First words

For which of us? 2 Kings 9:5

Last words

Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out. 2 Kings 10:25

Jehoiada the priest who made the boy Joash king

First words

This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace 2 Kings 11:5

Last words

Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD. 2 Kings 11:15 also told in 2 Chronicles 23:14

His last words order the removal of Queen Athaliah from the temple.

Joash, king of Judah crowned king of Judah as a boy

First words

Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. 2 Kings 12:4

Last words

Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple? Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency, but hand it over for the repair of the temple. 2 Kings 12:7 also told in 2 Chronicles 24:6

Jehoash, king of Israel grandson of Jehu, also called Joash

First words

My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel! 2 Kings 13:14

Last words

You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you? 2 Kings 14:10 sent as a message; also told in 2 Chronicles 25:19

His first words are spoken at the deathbed of Elisha.

Ahaz king of Judah

First words

I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me. 2 Kings 16:7 sent as a message

Last words

Because the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me. 2 Chronicles 28:23

His words to Isaiah, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” (Isaiah 7:12), come during the war with Aram and Israel, before these.

Josiah king of Judah

First words

Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people. 2 Kings 22:4

Last words

Take me away, for I am badly wounded! 2 Chronicles 35:23

Shaphan royal scribe under King Josiah

First words

Your servants have paid out the money that was found in the temple and have put it into the hands of the workers and supervisors of the house of the LORD. 2 Kings 22:9

Last words

Hilkiah the priest has given me a book. 2 Kings 22:10 also told in 2 Chronicles 34:18

The book is the Book of the Law, found in the temple (2 Kings 22:8).

Gedaliah governor of Judah after Jerusalem fell

First words

Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you. 2 Kings 25:24 also told in Jeremiah 40:9

Last words

Do not do such a thing! What you are saying about Ishmael is a lie. Jeremiah 40:16

Ishmael kills him in the seventh month (Jeremiah 41:1–2).

Asa king of Judah

First words

Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. … 2 Chronicles 14:7

Last words

Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me. 1 Kings 15:19 sent as a message; also told in 2 Chronicles 16:3

Amaziah king of Judah, son of Joash

First words

What should I do about the hundred talents I have given to the troops of Israel? 2 Chronicles 25:9

Last words

Come, let us meet face to face 2 Kings 14:8 sent as a message; also told in 2 Chronicles 25:17

Hezekiah king of Judah, son of Ahaz

First words

Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity. 2 Chronicles 29:5

Last words

The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good. 2 Kings 20:19 also told in Isaiah 39:8

In the order of the books his first words are a message to the king of Assyria, from the fourteenth year of his reign (2 Kings 18:13–14); 2 Chronicles 29:3 dates these to his first year. The last verse adds what he thought: “Will there not at least be peace and security in my lifetime?” (2 Kings 20:19)

Ezra, Esther and Job

Zerubbabel governor who led the rebuilding of the temple

Only words

You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us. Ezra 4:3 spoken with Jeshua and the other heads of families

Ezra priest and scribe who taught the Law

First words

You are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. Ezra 8:28

Last words

Now, therefore, make a confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do His will. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from your foreign wives. Ezra 10:11

Together with Nehemiah and the Levites, he later tells the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” (Nehemiah 8:9)

Ahasuerus (Xerxes) king of Persia in the book of Esther

First words

According to law,” he asked, “what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey the command of King Xerxes delivered by the eunuchs? Esther 1:15

Last words

In the citadel of Susa the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Haman’s ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. And what further do you request? It will be fulfilled. Esther 9:12

Haman the king's highest official in Esther

First words

There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. Esther 3:8

Last words

This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor! Esther 6:11

He cries these words out for Mordecai, the man he meant to hang. The same day he is hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai (Esther 7:10).

Esther Jewish queen of Persia, also called Hadassah

First words

All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. … But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days. Esther 4:11 sent as a message

Last words

If it pleases the king, may the Jews in Susa also have tomorrow to carry out today’s edict, and may the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows. Esther 9:13

Mordecai Esther's cousin, who raised her

Only words

Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:13–14 sent as a message

Job a man of Uz, tested by suffering

First words

Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21

Last words

My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:5–6

Before this the text reports a thought of his: “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” (Job 1:5)

The books of the prophets

Isaiah prophet in Jerusalem

First words

Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts. Isaiah 6:5

Last words

Hear the word of the LORD: … And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. 2 Kings 20:16–18 also told in Isaiah 39:7

In the order of the books he first speaks in 2 Kings 19:6, in the reign of Hezekiah; Isaiah 6 is dated earlier, to “the year that King Uzziah died” (Isaiah 6:1). A voice in Isaiah 40:6 asks, “What should I cry out?” The traditional Hebrew text reads “and one said” there, and other ancient copies “and I said”, so the page does not count the question as his.

Jeremiah prophet in Jerusalem before and after its fall

First words

Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child! Jeremiah 1:6

Last words

Hear the word of the LORD, all those of Judah who are in the land of Egypt. … This is what the LORD says: Behold, I will deliver Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hands of his enemies who seek his life, just as I delivered Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the enemy who was seeking his life. Jeremiah 44:24–30

The book is not in time order. In the order of its pages, his words end with a message sent to Babylon in the fourth year of King Zedekiah, after which the book says, “Here end the words of Jeremiah.” (Jeremiah 51:64)

Zedekiah the last king of Judah

First words

Why are you prophesying like this? Jeremiah 32:3

Last words

Do not let anyone know about this conversation, or you will die. … then tell them, ‘I was presenting to the king my petition that he not return me to the house of Jonathan to die there.’ Jeremiah 38:24–26

Baruch Jeremiah's scribe

Only words

It was at his dictation,” Baruch replied. “He recited all these words to me and I wrote them in ink on the scroll. Jeremiah 36:18

Daniel a Judean exile in Babylon, also called Belteshazzar

First words

Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. Daniel 1:12

Last words

My lord, what will be the outcome of these things? Daniel 12:8

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon

First words

I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to understand it. Daniel 2:3

Last words

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride. Daniel 4:37 in a proclamation

In the order of the books his first words come in Jeremiah 39:12, an order to look after Jeremiah when Jerusalem falls; Daniel 2:1 dates his dream to the second year of his reign, years earlier.

Jonah prophet sent to Nineveh

First words

I am a Hebrew,” replied Jonah. “I worship the LORD, the God of the heavens, who made the sea and the dry land. Jonah 1:9

Last words

I do,” he replied. “I am angry enough to die! Jonah 4:9

The book ends with God's question to him, and no reply (Jonah 4:10–11).

The Gospels

John the Baptist the prophet who baptized Jesus

First words

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Matthew 3:2

Last words

Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else? Matthew 11:3 sent as a message; also told in Luke 7:19

His last words in John's Gospel, “He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30), come before he is imprisoned (John 3:24). The Berean Standard Bible prints 3:31–36 as his words too; many readers take them as the Gospel writer's comment. This question comes from prison.

Herod the tetrarch Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee

First words

Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you. Mark 6:22

Last words

This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him. Matthew 14:2 also told in Mark 6:16; Luke 9:9

He makes his first promise to the daughter of Herodias at his banquet, which ends with the death of John the Baptist. His last words, when he hears about Jesus, are told three times; Luke gives them as “I beheaded John, … but who is this man I hear such things about?” (Luke 9:9)

John, son of Zebedee one of the twelve apostles, brother of James

Only words spoken alone

Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us. Mark 9:38 also told in Luke 9:49

He speaks more together with others, last with Peter before the council: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20). The words of “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, whom tradition identifies as John, are not counted as his: “Lord, who is it?” (John 13:25) and “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7)

Zechariah a priest, father of John the Baptist

First words

How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years. Luke 1:18

Last words

because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:78–79

Left unable to speak in between, he writes on a tablet, “His name is John.” (Luke 1:63)

Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist

First words

The Lord has done this for me. In these days He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace among the people. Luke 1:25

Last words

No! He shall be called John. Luke 1:60

Mary, mother of Jesus

First words

How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin? Luke 1:34

Last words

Do whatever He tells you. John 2:5

Her last words are spoken to the servants at the wedding at Cana.

Jesus

First words

Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house? Luke 2:49

Last words

Yes, I am coming soon. Revelation 22:20

His first words in the Gospels come at twelve, when he is found in the temple. His first words as an adult, and the first in the New Testament's order, come at his baptism: “Let it be so now” (Matthew 3:15).

Peter one of the twelve apostles, also called Simon

First words

Master,” Simon replied, “we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets. Luke 5:5

Last words

On the contrary, we believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. Acts 15:11

In the order of the books his first words are “Lord, if it is You, … command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14:28). Together with his companions, he also tells Jesus, “Everyone is looking for You!” (Mark 1:37). His last words in the Gospels are “Lord, what about him?” (John 21:21)

Martha sister of Mary and Lazarus

First words

Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me! Luke 10:40

Last words

Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days. John 11:39

Shortly before, she tells Jesus, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” (John 11:27)

Nicodemus a Pharisee and a leader of the Jews

First words

Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him. John 3:2

Last words

Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done? John 7:51

He appears once more, at Jesus's burial, without words (John 19:39).

Thomas one of the twelve apostles, called Didymus

First words

Let us also go, so that we may die with Him. John 11:16

Last words

My Lord and my God! John 20:28

Together with other disciples, he speaks again at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:3–5).

Judas Iscariot the apostle who betrayed Jesus

First words

Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor? John 12:5

Last words

I have sinned by betraying innocent blood Matthew 27:4

His last words are to the chief priests and elders, after Jesus is condemned. The next verse tells his death (Matthew 27:5).

Pilate Roman governor of Judea

First words

What accusation are you bringing against this man? John 18:29

Last words

You have a guard,” Pilate said. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how. Matthew 27:65

His first words are to the accusers, before he questions Jesus. His question to Jesus comes next and is told in all four Gospels: “Are You the King of the Jews?” (Matthew 27:11). In John's Gospel his last words are “What I have written, I have written.” (John 19:22)

Mary Magdalene a follower of Jesus

First words

They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him! John 20:2

Last words

I have seen the Lord! John 20:18

Earlier, together with Mary the mother of James and Salome, she asks, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:3)

Acts

Stephen a leader in the church in Jerusalem

First words

Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran Acts 7:2

Last words

Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. … Lord, do not hold this sin against them. Acts 7:59–60

All of his words come on one day: his defense before the council, and his prayers as he is stoned (Acts 7).

Paul apostle, also called Saul

First words

Who are You, Lord? Acts 9:5

Last words

Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen! Acts 28:28

His first words are a question to Jesus on the road to Damascus; his last are to the Jewish leaders in Rome, and the book of Acts ends soon after. His letters are not counted as speech.

Barnabas Paul's companion on his first journey

First words

It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. … Acts 13:46 spoken with Paul

Last words

We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God Acts 14:22 spoken with Paul

He is quoted only together with Paul.

Where the order changes

For most people, their first and last words are simply the first and last in the order of the books. For 24 people the page chooses otherwise, for one of two reasons.

The text places the words. Where a verse dates the words, or says they came before or after others, the text decides. Jesus's first words in the Gospels come at twelve (Luke 2:49), though his first words in Matthew, the first Gospel in the order of the books, come at his baptism (Matthew 3:15).

The same moment is told twice. Chronicles retells much of Samuel and Kings, and the Gospels tell many of the same scenes. A moment told twice counts once, and the page cites the first telling. Without this, Nathan's last words would be his first words over again, as 1 Chronicles 17:2 retells 2 Samuel 7:3.

A few verses were also decided by hand, where the verse-by-verse list of who speaks, described under How this was made, is unsure, or reads a verse differently from the Berean Standard Bible.

Two overlapping blank scrolls beside three unmarked counting stones and a knotted cord — Book order, narrative time and parallel tellings do not always line up.

Every choice, with its reason

Words placed by the text itself

Ahaz, last words: 2 Chronicles 28:23 rather than Isaiah 7:12. Isaiah 7:12, his last words in the order of the books, is spoken earlier in the story, during the war with Aram and Israel (Isaiah 7:1).
Hezekiah, first words: 2 Chronicles 29:5 rather than 2 Kings 18:14. 2 Chronicles 29:3 dates these words to the first year of his reign; 2 Kings 18:14, his first words in the order of the books, comes in his fourteenth year (18:13).
Isaiah, first words: Isaiah 6:5 rather than 2 Kings 19:6. Isaiah 6 is dated to “the year that King Uzziah died” (6:1); 2 Kings 19:6, his first words in the order of the books, comes in the reign of Hezekiah, later.
Jeremiah, last words: Jeremiah 44:30 rather than Jeremiah 51:64. Jeremiah 44 is spoken in Egypt, after the fall of Jerusalem; Jeremiah 51:64, his last words in the order of the books, is dated to the fourth year of King Zedekiah (51:59), before it.
Nebuchadnezzar, first words: Daniel 2:3 rather than Jeremiah 39:12. Daniel 2:1 dates his dream to the second year of his reign; Jeremiah 39:12, his first words in the order of the books, comes when Jerusalem falls, years later.
John the Baptist, last words: Matthew 11:3 rather than John 3:30. He sends this question from prison (Matthew 11:2); John 3:30, his last words in the order of the books, is spoken before he was imprisoned (John 3:24).
Herod the tetrarch, first words: Mark 6:22 rather than Matthew 14:2. Mark tells the banquet as something that happened before (Mark 6:17); Matthew 14:2, his first words in the order of the books, comes after it.
Jesus, first words: Luke 2:49 rather than Matthew 3:15. Luke 2:42 places these words when he was twelve; Matthew 3:15, his first words in the order of the books, is spoken at his baptism, as an adult.
Peter, first words: Luke 5:5 rather than Matthew 14:28. Luke tells these words before Jesus chooses the Twelve (Luke 6:13); Matthew 14:28, his first words in the order of the books, comes after the Twelve are sent out (Matthew 10:5).
Judas Iscariot, first words: John 12:5 rather than Matthew 26:15. John dates this to six days before the Passover (John 12:1); Matthew 26:15, his first words in the order of the books, comes when the Passover is two days away (Matthew 26:2).
Judas Iscariot, last words: Matthew 27:4 rather than John 12:5. He says this after Jesus is condemned (Matthew 27:1–3); John 12:5, his last words in the order of the books, is spoken days before.
Pilate, last words: Matthew 27:65 rather than John 19:22. Matthew 27:62 places these words on the day after the crucifixion; John 19:22, his last words in the order of the books, is spoken on the day itself.

Moments told twice

Caleb, last words: Joshua 15:18 rather than Judges 1:14. Judges 1:14 retells the same moment.
Saul, last words: 1 Samuel 31:4 rather than 1 Chronicles 10:4. 1 Chronicles 10:4 retells the same moment.
Joab, last words: 1 Kings 2:30 rather than 1 Chronicles 21:3. 1 Chronicles 21:3, his last words in the order of the books, retells 2 Samuel 24:3, earlier in the story.
Nathan, last words: 1 Kings 1:27 rather than 1 Chronicles 17:2. 1 Chronicles 17:2, his last words in the order of the books, retells his first words (2 Samuel 7:3).
Hiram, last words: 1 Kings 9:13 rather than 2 Chronicles 2:16. 2 Chronicles 2:16, his last words in the order of the books, ends a letter about timber for the temple that 1 Kings 5:8–9 tells first; 1 Kings 9:13 comes “at the end of the twenty years” (9:10).
Rehoboam, last words: 1 Kings 12:14 rather than 2 Chronicles 10:14. 2 Chronicles 10:14 retells the same moment.
Ahab, last words: 1 Kings 22:34 rather than 2 Chronicles 18:33. 2 Chronicles 18:33 retells the same moment.
Jehoiada, last words: 2 Kings 11:15 rather than 2 Chronicles 23:14. 2 Chronicles 23:14 retells the same moment.
Joash, king of Judah, last words: 2 Kings 12:7 rather than 2 Chronicles 24:6. 2 Chronicles 24:6 retells the same moment.
Jehoash, king of Israel, last words: 2 Kings 14:10 rather than 2 Chronicles 25:19. 2 Chronicles 25:19 retells the same moment.
Shaphan, last words: 2 Kings 22:10 rather than 2 Chronicles 34:18. 2 Chronicles 34:18 retells the same moment.
Asa, first words: 2 Chronicles 14:7 rather than 1 Kings 15:19. 1 Kings 15:19, his first words in the order of the books, is the treaty message that 2 Chronicles 16:3 retells, after the words of 2 Chronicles 14.
Asa, last words: 1 Kings 15:19 rather than 2 Chronicles 16:3. 2 Chronicles 16:3 retells the same moment.
Amaziah, first words: 2 Chronicles 25:9 rather than 2 Kings 14:8. 2 Kings 14:8, his first words in the order of the books, is the challenge that 2 Chronicles 25:17 retells, after the words of 2 Chronicles 25:9–16.
Amaziah, last words: 2 Kings 14:8 rather than 2 Chronicles 25:17. 2 Chronicles 25:17 retells the same moment.
Hezekiah, last words: 2 Kings 20:19 rather than Isaiah 39:8. Isaiah 39:8 retells the same moment.
Isaiah, last words: 2 Kings 20:18 rather than Isaiah 39:7. Isaiah 39:7 retells the same moment.
Herod the tetrarch, last words: Matthew 14:2 rather than Luke 9:9. Luke 9:9 retells the same moment.
Pilate, first words: John 18:29 rather than Matthew 27:11. Matthew 27:11, his first words in the order of the books, is the question John tells at 18:33, after these words.

Verses decided by hand

Jeremiah, Jeremiah 1:6: counted. His own account of his call. The Berean Standard Bible prints his words in quotation marks; the list of who speaks reads them as the book's narration.
Daniel, Daniel 12:8: counted. His question, in his own first-person account. The Berean Standard Bible prints it as his words; the list of who speaks marks the speaker as uncertain.
Mary Magdalene, John 20:18: counted. The Berean Standard Bible prints “I have seen the Lord!” as her words; the list of who speaks treats the verse as reported speech.
Ezra, Ezra 8:28: counted. His words in his own first-person account. The Berean Standard Bible prints them in quotation marks; the list of who speaks reads them as the book's narration.
John the Baptist, Matthew 11:3: counted. The question John sends from prison. The list of who speaks gives it to the disciples who carry it; Luke 7:19 gives the same question to John.
Isaiah, Isaiah 40:6: not counted. Who asks “What should I cry out?” is uncertain: the traditional Hebrew text reads “and one said”, and other ancient copies read “and I said”.
Ezra, Nehemiah 8:10: not counted. The Berean Standard Bible gives these words to Nehemiah.
Ezra, Nehemiah 8:15: not counted. The words the Law told the people to proclaim, not Ezra's own.
John, son of Zebedee, John 13:25: not counted. Spoken by “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, whom the text does not name; tradition identifies him as John.
John, son of Zebedee, John 21:7: not counted. Spoken by “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, whom the text does not name; tradition identifies him as John.
Ezra, Nehemiah 8:9: counted as spoken with others. Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites say these words together.
Abimelech, king of Gerar, Genesis 26:28: counted as spoken with others. “They replied”: Abimelech with Ahuzzath and Phicol.
Abimelech, king of Gerar, Genesis 26:29: counted as spoken with others. The same reply, continued.
Peter, Mark 1:37: counted as spoken with others. “They said”: Simon and his companions.
Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28:23: counted as spoken aloud. The Berean Standard Bible says “he said”; the list of who speaks reads the words as a thought.

How this was made

Who. The people are everyone who speaks on Famous but silent: 85 of the 100 people the Bible names most often, as counted from TIPNR², and 21 figures chosen by an editor because they are well known. Jacob is added.

Their words. Faith Comes By Hearing records dramatized audio Bibles, and its verse-by-verse list of who speaks, published with SIL's Glyssen project under the MIT licence¹, marks every verse in which a character speaks. A person's words are the verses where the list is sure they speak. Only words they speak alone are used, except for people never heard alone, whose shared words are used. Words the list marks as thoughts, such as Job's “Perhaps my children have sinned” (Job 1:5), are left out. Psalms and books written as letters are read as the book's own words, not as quoted speech, as on Famous but silent. Fifteen verses were decided by hand; each is listed above with its reason.

First and last. The first and last of those verses in the order of the books, as most English Bibles arrange them, are the starting point. The page departs from them only where the text itself places the words earlier or later, or where a verse retells a moment told earlier. Every departure is listed above with its reason.

The words shown. Each quotation is the Berean Standard Bible's³ own wording, cut to the person's words, with three dots where words are left out. Every quotation on the page, including those in the notes, has been checked against its verse.

The data. Every person, with the words and verses chosen and the reasons, is in first-last-words.json.

This page was made with AI assistance and human review.

Corrections are welcome through the contact page.

Sources

Glyssen character data (CharacterVerse.txt), SIL and Faith Comes By Hearing, MIT licence, copyright 2014 to 2020 SIL LSDev and Faith Comes By Hearing.
TIPNR, Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References, STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge, licensed CC BY 4.0. Used here through the list of the 100 most-named people on Most-mentioned people in the Bible.
The Berean Standard Bible, released into the public domain, read on this site at /bible/bsb/.

Questions people ask

What are the first words spoken in the Bible?

What were Jesus's first words in the Bible?

The first words the Gospels record from Jesus come when he is twelve, found by his parents in the temple: “Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). His first words as an adult, and the first in the order of the New Testament, come at his baptism: “Let it be so now” (Matthew 3:15).

What were Jesus's last words?

The Gospels record different words as he dies: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” in Matthew and Mark, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” in Luke, and “It is finished.” in John. The Gospels and Acts then record him speaking after his resurrection, and his last words in the Bible are “Yes, I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22:20).

What were David's last words?

2 Samuel 23:1 introduces a poem as “the last words of David”, but he is quoted after it. In 1 Kings his last words are his charge to Solomon as death drew near (1 Kings 2:2–9). In 1 Chronicles, which retells his story, they are “Bless the LORD your God.” (1 Chronicles 29:20).

What were Moses's last words?

The end of the blessing he gives the tribes of Israel before his death: “Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD?” (Deuteronomy 33:29).