How can I tell if Jesus really said something?

Check whether it appears in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), which are the earliest records of his words. Many popular 'Jesus quotes' are actually from later writers or other traditions.

What did Jesus actually teach?

You can read his words directly. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to start, and our overview of the words and acts of Jesus gathers the heart of his teaching.

Did Jesus say it?

Did Jesus Say It?

Many quotes get put into Jesus’ mouth that he never said. For each one here, you get a clear verdict, the real source, and what Jesus actually taught in the Gospels.

Jesus is the most quoted person in history, so it is no surprise that words he never spoke get attached to his name. Here are common ones, checked against the Gospels.

“Love the sinner, hate the sin”Not in the Bible; roots in Augustine, popularized by Gandhi “God helps those who help themselves”Not in the Bible; from Aesop and Benjamin Franklin “To thine own self be true”Not in the Bible; from Shakespeare's Hamlet

See also Does the Bible say it? for phrases attributed to Scripture in general, and the words and acts of Jesus for what he really said.

✝

A better question than the quote

Behind every “is this in the Bible?” is a gentler one: what does the Bible actually say, and who is the Jesus at the center of it? You do not have to take our word for it, ours least of all. Read his own words and see for yourself. It costs nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Meet Jesus His words and acts Read the Gospel of John

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if Jesus really said something?: Check whether it appears in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), which are the earliest records of his words. Many popular 'Jesus quotes' are actually from later writers or other traditions.
What did Jesus actually teach?: You can read his words directly. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to start, and our overview of the words and acts of Jesus gathers the heart of his teaching.