Top 20 Bible Verses About Revival (With Commentary)

Revival is a stirring of spiritual renewal and awakening within individuals, communities, and nations. It is a call to return to God, seek His face, and experience a restoration of faith and passion for Him.

In this blog post, we’ll explore verses about revival, uncovering the transformative power and blessings that come from embracing a revival in our lives.

Join me as we delve into the scriptures, discovering the prayers, promises, and principles that can ignite the flame of revival and usher in a renewed sense of purpose, zeal, and spiritual awakening.

Together, let’s seek revival and be agents of change in a world that needs the transformative touch of God’s love and grace.

Also Read: Bible Verses About Resisting Temptation

Bible Verses About Revival

1. Psalm 85:6

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6, NIV)

Revival is a cry to God for the restoration of His people and the renewal of their faith. This verse acknowledges the need for God’s intervention to revive His people so that they may rejoice in Him once again. It is an honest plea for spiritual renewal and the outpouring of God’s grace and mercy.

2. 2 Chronicles 7:14

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)

This verse highlights the conditions for revival. It calls for humility, prayer, repentance from wickedness, and a sincere seeking of God’s face. God promises to hear their prayers, forgive their sins, and bring healing to their land. Revival begins with personal and collective repentance and a heart that seeks after God’s righteousness.

3. Habakkuk 3:2

“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” (Habakkuk 3:2, NIV)

This verse expresses a plea for God to manifest His powerful acts in their generation. The people recognize God’s reputation and ask for a revival of His mighty deeds. It acknowledges God’s wrath but still asks for His mercy to be remembered. It is a sincere request for God to demonstrate His power and grace in their time.

4. Isaiah 57:15

“For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'” (Isaiah 57:15, NIV)

This verse reminds us that God dwells with those who are humble and contrite in heart. God revives the spirit of the lowly and those who recognize their need for Him. Revival comes as a result of surrendering our pride, acknowledging our brokenness, and seeking God with humility. God’s presence and revival are experienced by those who humbly come before Him.

5. Joel 2:28

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28, NIV)

This verse speaks of the outpouring of God’s Spirit, which is often a catalyst for revival. It foretells the manifestation of the Holy Spirit on people from all walks of life. It describes how God will equip and empower His servants, regardless of age or gender, to proclaim His message. Revival involves a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit, leading to a renewed passion for serving God and proclaiming His truth.

6. Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)

Revival begins with personal transformation. This verse instructs believers to break free from worldly influences and renew their minds. By aligning their thoughts and desires with God’s truth, they will discern His will. Revival comes when individuals actively reject the patterns of this world and allow the Holy Spirit to reshape their minds, leading to a transformed way of living.

7. Acts 3:19

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19, NIV)

Repentance is a necessary part of revival. This verse emphasizes the need to turn away from sin and return to God. It promises that through repentance, sins will be forgiven, and times of refreshing will come from the Lord. Revival occurs when individuals and communities acknowledge their sins, genuinely repent, and experience the cleansing and renewal that only God can bring.

8. Ezekiel 36:26

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, NIV)

Revival involves a transformation of the heart. In this verse, God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit. This heart transformation replaces a hardened heart with one that is filled with love, compassion, and sensitivity to God’s leading. Revival results in a deep change within individuals, enabling them to walk in obedience and intimacy with God.

9. Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, NIV)

David’s prayer in this verse reflects the desperate cry for personal revival. He acknowledges his need for God to create a pure heart within him and renew his spirit. Revival starts with a heartfelt desire for inner transformation, a surrender to God’s purifying work, and a steadfast commitment to walking in obedience. A pure heart and a renewed spirit are essential for a revival that brings glory to God.

10. Revelation 2:5

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5, NIV)

This verse addresses a church that has lost its first love. It calls for repentance and a return to the zeal and works that characterized their initial commitment. Revival requires honest assessment, repentance from complacency or compromise, and a renewed passion for Christ and His mission. Without repentance, there are consequences, as God will not bless a lifeless faith. Revival is a call to bring back the fervor and devotion of our love for God.

11. Jeremiah 33:3

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)

This verse invites believers to call upon the Lord and assures them of His willingness to answer. Revival begins with a personal and corporate cry to God, seeking His wisdom, direction, and revelation. As we earnestly seek Him, God will reveal profound and hidden truths that we cannot comprehend on our own. Revival is marked by a deep hunger for God and a willingness to hear His voice.

12. Luke 24:32

“They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?'” (Luke 24:32, NIV)

This verse describes the experience of two disciples who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus. As Jesus explained the Scriptures to them, their hearts were set on fire. Revival ignites a passion for God’s Word and the revelation of His truth. It is an encounter with Jesus that leads to a deep, inner transformation. Revival is accompanied by a burning desire to know and follow God wholeheartedly.

13. 2 Timothy 1:6

“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)

This verse urges believers to stir up and activate the spiritual gifts they have received from God. Revival calls for the awakening and utilization of God-given talents and abilities. As believers passionately cultivate and exercise their spiritual gifts, the church experiences revitalization. Revival is marked by an enthusiastic use of spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

14. Psalm 119:25

“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.” (Psalm 119:25, NIV)

This verse reveals a humble recognition of one’s need for God’s preservation and deliverance. It highlights the desperate dependence on God’s Word for revival and renewal. Revival comes when we acknowledge our human frailty and surrender ourselves to the life-giving power of God’s Word. It is an invitation to allow God’s truth to revive, shape, and sustain our lives.

15. Isaiah 64:1

“Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!” (Isaiah 64:1, NIV)

This verse expresses a passionate longing for God’s powerful presence to manifest itself. It cries out for divine intervention, acknowledging that revival can only come through God’s supernatural work. It is a plea for the heavens to be opened and the earth to tremble before His glory.

16. 2 Chronicles 30:26

“There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 30:26, NIV)

This verse describes a moment of revival in Jerusalem after many years of spiritual decline. The people celebrated with great joy because they hadn’t experienced such a revival since the time of King Solomon. Revival brings an overwhelming sense of joy, restoration, and spiritual awakening. It is a time of rejoicing for the incredible work that God does in restoring His people and bringing them back into a vibrant relationship with Him.

17. 2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

This verse reminds us of God’s patience and desire for all people to come to repentance. Revival is not exclusive to a specific group but is available to all who turn to God in repentance. God’s love and patience are evident in His desire to see everyone saved and experience the transformative power of revival. This verse encourages us to align our hearts with God’s desire and actively pray for revival to impact all people.

18. Matthew 5:6

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6, NIV)

This verse speaks to the hunger and thirst for righteousness that leads to true satisfaction and fulfillment. Revival begins with a deep longing for righteousness and a genuine desire to know and please God. As we earnestly seek Him and hunger for His righteousness, God promises to fill us with His presence, wisdom, and grace. Revival is birthed out of a hunger that only God can satisfy.

19. Amos 5:14

“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.” (Amos 5:14, NIV)

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking goodness and righteousness in our lives. Revival is not a superficial or temporary event but a continuous pursuit of godliness. By intentionally choosing good and resisting evil, we invite God’s presence into our lives and experience the fullness of His blessings. Revival calls us to align our actions and choices with God’s ways and walk in obedience to His commandments.

20. Hosea 10:12

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12, NIV)

This verse provides practical guidance for experiencing revival. It encourages sowing seeds of righteousness, cultivating a heart grounded in God’s love, and removing any barriers that hinder spiritual growth. Revival requires cultivating and tending to our hearts, seeking the Lord diligently, and eagerly waiting for His shower of righteousness. When we prepare our hearts and lives in this way, God responds with a powerful outpouring of His grace and revival.

What does the Bible say About Revival?

In the Bible, “revival” refers to a spiritual awakening or renewal among God’s people. It often involves a return to God, a revitalization of faith, and a renewed commitment to living according to His will. While the word “revival” itself may not be explicitly mentioned, the concept is present throughout the Scriptures.

One significant aspect of revival in the Bible is the call for repentance. God calls His people to turn away from sin, humble themselves, and seek His face. This is exemplified in passages like 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

The Bible also emphasizes the role of prayer and seeking God in times of revival. In Jeremiah 29:13, it says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Prayer and seeking God’s guidance and presence are essential elements in experiencing spiritual renewal.

Additionally, revival often involves a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to live for God and bear spiritual fruit. Acts 2 recounts the first Christian Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended on the early disciples, leading to a great spiritual awakening and the birth of the early Church.

Moreover, the Bible encourages believers not to quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Being receptive to the work of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to work in individuals and communities is vital for experiencing revival.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see numerous instances of revival among God’s people. Often, these revivals were characterized by a deep sense of God’s presence, conviction of sin, repentance, and a commitment to obedience.

In summary, the Bible teaches that revival is a divine work of God in the hearts of individuals and communities, leading to a renewed zeal for God, a turning away from sin, and a desire to live in accordance with His Word. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, seeking God’s face, and being receptive to the Holy Spirit’s work in experiencing true revival.