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# Why Is “In God We Trust” on U.S. Currency?
- URL: https://arlenvare.com/why-in-god-we-trust-on-us-currency/
- Published: 2026-11-09T11:14:22.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-09T11:14:22.000Z
- Description: Why is “In God We Trust” printed on U.S. currency? Explore its history, how it became America’s national motto, and its connection to the Bible.
- Author: Arlen Vare
- Tags: Faith & Theology

[Read In Chinese](https://arlenvare.com/why-in-god-we-trust-on-us-dollar/)

Look closely at the back of a U.S. dollar bill, and you’ll find four familiar words:

**IN GOD WE TRUST**

These words are more than an inscription on American currency. They are the official motto of the United States, with roots in the nation’s history and a close connection to the Christian faith.

## 1\. How Did “IN GOD WE TRUST” Become America's National Motto?

The history of these four words stretches back more than two centuries.

1. **1814 — An Early Expression in the National Anthem.** Francis Scott Key included the words “In God is our trust” in the fourth verse of *The Star-Spangled Banner*, which would later become the U.S. national anthem. The wording differs slightly from the motto used today.
2. **1864 — First Appearance on U.S. Coins.** During the Civil War, Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase advocated placing an expression of trust in God on American coinage. That year, “IN GOD WE TRUST” appeared for the first time on the two-cent coin.
3. **1956 — Adoption as the Official National Motto.** On July 30, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation formally establishing “In God We Trust” as the national motto of the United States.
4. **1957 — Introduction on Paper Currency.** Following legislation passed in 1955, the motto began appearing on U.S. paper money, starting with one-dollar silver certificates. It was subsequently incorporated into other denominations, including Federal Reserve notes.

## 2\. What Does the Bible Say About Trusting God?

Although “IN GOD WE TRUST” is not a direct quotation from any single Bible verse, it expresses a central biblical teaching: placing one's trust in God.

The Bible speaks of this trust in several passages.

**Psalm 56:11**

> In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

**Proverbs 3:5**

> Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

**Jeremiah 17:7**

> Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

*All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV).*

“IN GOD WE TRUST” is not simply a national motto printed on American money. It also reflects a teaching found throughout Scripture: that our ultimate trust should rest in God, rather than in our own strength or understanding.

As Proverbs 3:5 reminds us:

**“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”**