According to Wikipedia, there are 31,102 verses in the Bible. Unless you have a photographic memory or have a super-brain, you are not likely to be able to memorize all of them. So then, “What are the best Bible verses to memorize, especially if you are a beginner?” Where do you start?
You also might be wondering:
- Do I NEED to memorize Bible verses?
- Why should I memorize Scripture?
- How to memorize Bible verses?
- Are there benefits of memorizng Scripture?
Let’s take a look at the many questions about memorizing Scripture.
Do I NEED to memorize Bible verses?
Scripture is the primary way that God speaks to us. Yet we do not always have a Bible with us. When we are stressed, afraid, perplexed, tempted, and a host of other situations and feelings, God will bring to our mind Bible verses that apply if we have learned them.
God also can speak to us through our circumstances and through nature. But again, He will bring to mind Scriptural principles which means we need to know what the Bible says.
Bible verses about memorizing Scripture
The Bible talks about the importance of knowing Scripture. It is to protect us from sin, to help us grow spiritually, and to help others to know God and be encouraged.
Protection from sin
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 ESV
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.” Psalm 119:9
Spiritual Growth
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Encouraging others
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
“Go therefore and make disciples … teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you …” Matthew 28:19-20
Best Bible verses to memorize for beginners
The best Bible verses to memorize are those about God, about ourselves, and about life. Jesus used Scripture to answer satan during temptation, and we should do the same. Once Bible verses have been memorized, God will bring them to our mind when we need them.
Bible verse about God
- Initial verses: Romans 5:8, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 100:5
- Further verses: Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 145:18, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Philippians 4:19, Romans 8:26, Isaiah 40:8
Bible verses about ourselves
Our need for Jesus
- Initial verses: John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, I John 1:8-9 John 14:6
- Further verses: John 16:33, Romans 10:17, Matthew 28:19-20, Hebrews 11:6
Our spiritual growth
- Initial verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Further verses: Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 139:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 119:105, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7,
Bible verses about life
- Initial verses: Philippians 4:6-7, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 2:10, Proverbs 3:5-6
- Further verses: 1 corinthians 6:20, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 40:31, Matthew 6:31-33, 1 John 4:1, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 1:7
Examples of how to use memorized Scripture
There have been several instances when the following verses have helped me. It comes from 2 Chronicles 20:12 and 15 where king Jehosophat has learned that his city is surrounded by armies that want to destroy him and his people. The Scripture reads,
“… For we are powerless before this horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you.” “Thus says the LORD to you, do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great hoard, for the battle is not yours but Gods.”
In personal application, here is how I used these verses. “Dear Father, _________ is happening and I am helpless against it. I just don’t know what to do, but You do. So Lord, I trust you to show me how to proceed. I trust you for the outcome, and may your name be glorified”
A second example is when I became aware of the threat of a pandemic. There was a lot of fear worldwide. People were dying. The three verses that kept my emotional boat afloat are the following:
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
“My times are in your hand.” Psalm 31:15 a
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
I did not deny my fear but brought it to God through Scripture. I acknowledged that my life is a gift from God. But a greater gift is to be with Him. So if I died, I would have a much better life. Finally, I reminded myself that regardless of what happens, God is good and His plans for me are good. These Scriptures gave me peace.
How to memorize Bible verses quickly
You may be asking, “If learning Bible verses is important, how can I memorize Scripture quickly?” There are many methods available. The more methods you utilize, the faster you will be able to accomplish your goals.
Old school methods
Notecards– write the verse on one side of the card and the reference on the other side. Read the verse multiple times out loud until you are familiar with it. Using just the reference as a prompt, recite the verse.
Record yourself reading the verse. Play it back whenever you can and say the verse as you are listening to it.
Game methods
First Letters– So once you are somewhat familiar with the verse, you write out the first letter of each word as your only prompts. So the verse, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you,” would look like this: W- I- A- A- I- P- M- T- I- Y
Every-Other-Word– Again, once you are somewhat familiar with the verse, write it out using only every-other word as prompts. Using the verse above it would look like this: When ___ am ____, I _____ my _____ in _______.
Bracelet– Take a wide rubber band and stretch so you can write the verse on it. Wear the rubber band like a bracelet. When you want to review the verse, stretch the rubber band out and you will be able to read it. When it isn’t stretched you won’t be able to read it.
Bible Memory apps
With the advancement of technology and online learning has come a variety of Bible memorization apps. If you are somewhat techy, you may benefit from one or more of them. Most utilize not only reading, but typing, listening, and other methods. These stimulate your sight, hearing, and muscle movement which are a great combination to reinforce learning.
- Bible Memory App – It is free for up to 50 verses. The paid version includes games, flash cards, animalted word emphasis, record verse audio and playback.
- Remember Me Bible Memory App – Free for Android. Includes games, flashcards, audio, and many differnt translations.
- Verses- Bible Memory App– includes games, and progress tracking. It is free to memorize with the KJV.
Final thoughts on memorizing Scripture
Repetition is the key to memorization. Most of us know the words to popular songs that we have heard on the radio, Spotify, or Pandora. For those who watch TV, popular commercials are often remembered because of the frequency they are played. Logos for products that we like are easily recognizable. Memorization is not beyond our capabilities.
The more we read, speak and listen to Scripture verses, the easier it will be to memorize them. May God bless you as you embark on this ever so important activity. Your life will be enriched, and others will be blessed.
A gift for you
In order to remember the importance of memorizing Bible verses, I want to give you this Scripture card to download, no email required.
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Thank you very much for your inspiring thoughts! Another great help to memorise Bible verses is the app Remember Me (https://www.remem.me).
Thank you for that recommendation. I will check it out.