Helping your kids remember scripture is a great way to encourage them to learn more about the Bible. By teaching your kids Bible verses for kids to memorize, you are giving them a great tool to use to grow in their faith. To help you get started, here is a list of 15 Bible verses for kids to memorize. These verses are perfect for helping your children learn the Word of God and incorporate it into their everyday lives.
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As a parent, you want your children to develop a strong faith and deep understanding of the Bible. At least, that’s what I want. My boys are 10 months, 3 years old, and 5 years old as I type this, and memorizing scripture isn’t necessarily their strong suit, but truth be told, it isn’t mine either!
One of the most effective ways for children to know the Bible is to memorize the Bible. Not only will it help them hide God’s word in their hearts, but it will also provide them with a firm foundation to rely on when they face difficult situations.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 15 powerful Bible verses that are perfect for kids to memorize. We’ll also share tips on how to help your children retain these verses and make them a part of their everyday lives. Let’s get started!
We also have loads of Free Bible and Preschool printables available! Just drop your email below and you’ll get a link to all my vaults, which include printable for grown-ups and littles! Learn more about the Bible printables vault here.
15 Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize
One of the ways that my kids memorize verses is through attending our local Awana program. Awana programming is truly amazing and my kids do learn their verses very well. They have a blast memorizing with other friends and peers, not to mention there are fun games and teaching times too. However, sometimes I want our Bible memorization to look a bit different. Often when we gather around our breakfast table we pull out a verse to memorize or one of our story Bibles that the kids love.
I have used scripture cards from the Daily Grace Co, like these Fruit of the Spirit cards, which are fantastic and very colorful! However, if you would like a cheaper option, I have provided an easy-to-download PDF at the bottom of this post with all the Bible verses mentioned in this post.
There are so many fun ways to memorize scripture with kids. Here are four ways we have made scripture memorization engaging for our kids.
1. Make it fun – Turn the verse into a song or chant to make it more engaging for kids.
2. Repeat, repeat, repeat – Encourage children to repeat the verse over and over until it sticks in their memory.
3. Use visuals – Use pictures or hand motions to help children associate the words with something they can visualize.
4. Discuss the meaning – Talk with your child about what the verse means and why it is important to remember.
5. Sing it – Use your favorite scripture songs to memorize scripture. We love Seeds Family worship.
The most effective way I have found for my kids to memorize scripture is by singing it. We love Seeds Family Worship. When we were doing our Armor of God exploration, we specifically enjoyed the Armor of God album.
Remember, memorizing scripture isn’t just about reciting words, it’s about developing a deep understanding of God’s Word and building a relationship with Him. So take the time to help your child memorize this verse and other important scriptures that will help them grow in their faith.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
The first verse on our list, Ephesians 4:32, teaches children the importance of forgiveness. It says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This verse helps kids learn how to be compassionate and kind to others, and it reminds them that God always forgives us when we make mistakes.
This is a great verse to pair with the Fruits of the Spirit!
To help children memorize this verse, you can break it down into smaller phrases and repeat them regularly. The scripture card pack that I’ve included has the scripture broken down into smaller sections so your child can memorize it slowly.
You can also create simple actions or gestures to go along with each phrase to help them remember the verse even better. Additionally, using coloring pages or crafts to illustrate the verse can also help kids remember it. Finally, encouraging them to recite the verse daily will help it stick in their minds.
Psalm 107:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
Psalm 107:1
for his steadfast love endures forever!
This verse is a great reminder for children (and adults) to give thanks to God for his goodness and enduring love. Encourage your kids to say this verse before meals or before bed each night as a way of practicing gratitude and acknowledging God’s faithfulness in their lives.
Another idea is to create a gratitude journal with your kids. Have them write down things they are thankful for each day and include a prayer thanking God for those blessings. Psalm 107:1 can be the opening verse for this journal and serve as a reminder to give thanks to God throughout the day.
Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Proverbs 30:5 ESV
This verse from Proverbs reminds us that God’s Word is completely true and trustworthy. It also reminds us that God is our protector when we put our trust in him.
This is a great verse for kids to memorize as it helps them to develop a strong foundation of faith in God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
This powerful verse is a great reminder for kids that when they give their lives to Jesus, they are no longer bound by their old ways and habits. They have been made new, and they can live their lives with a new sense of purpose and freedom.
Remember, the goal of teaching your kids to memorize Scripture isn’t just to help them remember words on a page. It’s to help them internalize the truths that the Bible teaches and apply them to their daily lives. Take the time to discuss the meaning of this verse with your kids, and help them to see how it can impact their lives in a positive way.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
Proverbs 4:23 ESV
for from it flow the springs of life.
This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and minds.
Kids can learn to protect their thoughts and feelings by being mindful of what they allow into their hearts. Encourage them to identify negative influences and avoid them. For example, they can remind themselves of their worth and value in God’s eyes or meditate on scripture that speaks to them.
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6
Praise the Lord!
The book of Psalms is full of beautiful and inspiring verses that are perfect for children to memorize. Psalm 150:6 is a great place to start, as it encourages children to praise God with all their hearts. This verse reads, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”
To help children use this verse, you can encourage them to sing it as a song. You could also use it as a call and response, with the leader saying “Let everything that has breath” and the children responding with “Praise the Lord!” This can be a fun and interactive way for children to memorize scripture and praise God at the same time.
Acts 16:31
And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Acts 16:31 ESV
This verse is simple, yet powerful, and can help children understand the importance of placing their trust in Jesus Christ. Encourage children to think about times when they have put their trust in someone or something. This can help them relate to the concept of faith and understand how it works. Ultimately, Acts 16:31 teaches children that salvation is a gift that comes from believing in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid,
Psalm 56:3
I put my trust in you.
Children often face situations that can make them afraid, whether it’s starting a new school year or trying a new activity.
Psalm 56:3 reminds them that they can turn to God when they are afraid. Encourage your child to memorize this verse and repeat it to themselves whenever they are feeling anxious or scared.
You can also discuss with them what it means to put their trust in God and how He can give them peace and strength in difficult situations. As a parent, you can model this by sharing times when you have had to rely on God in your own life.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 ESV
This verse highlights the importance of having a relationship with Jesus and understanding that He is the only way to God. Teach your child to lean on Jesus as their guide through life and to seek His truth in all situations. Encourage them to memorize this verse so they can hold onto this foundational truth throughout their lives. One fun way to help them remember it is by making a hand gesture to represent each part of the verse: point up for “the Father,” make a fist for “no one,” and stretch out their arms for “through me.”
Psalm 139:14
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139 is a beautiful reminder of how intimately God knows us and loves us. Verse 14, in particular, is a powerful statement about our identity and worth in God’s eyes. Teaching children this verse can help them to remember that they are uniquely and wonderfully made by God.
Proverbs 13:20
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
Proverbs 13:20
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
As parents, we want our children to have good influences in their lives. This is where Proverbs 13:20 comes in handy. This verse reminds children to surround themselves with people who have good morals and values. It is a reminder that the people they hang around with will influence the choices they make.
Encourage your children to make friends with people who share their beliefs and values. Talk to them about what makes a good friend and how they can be a good friend to others.
You can also discuss how to handle situations when they encounter people who do not share their beliefs.
Help your children understand that it is important to be kind to everyone, but it’s equally important to be mindful of the people they choose to spend their time with.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
Proverbs 18:21 ESV
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
This verse emphasizes the importance of the words we speak and the impact they can have on ourselves and others. Our words have the power to lift people up or tear them down, to inspire or discourage, to heal or hurt. Therefore, we must be mindful of what we say and how we say it. This verse also reminds us that our words have consequences, and we will reap what we sow. If we speak positively and with love, we will experience the fruit of those words in our own lives.
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God proves true;
Proverbs 30:5
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
This verse reminds us that every word in the Bible is true and trustworthy and that we can rely on it for guidance and wisdom.
The second part of the verse speaks to the protection and safety that comes from taking refuge in God. When we trust in God and seek refuge in him, he shields us from harm and provides us with the strength and courage we need to face life’s challenges.
This verse encourages us to trust in God’s word and take refuge in him, knowing that he will always be there to protect and guide us.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
This verse teaches children the importance of speaking kindly and positively to others.
By memorizing this verse, kids can be reminded to think before they speak and to use their words to encourage and build others up.
It can also help them to understand the impact their words can have on others and to choose their words carefully. As they grow and mature, the lesson of this verse can stay with them and guide them in their interactions with others.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
This verse teaches children that they are valuable and important and that they can make a difference in the world even at a young age. By memorizing this verse, kids can be reminded to live their lives in a way that sets a positive example for others to follow. It can also help them to understand that they are capable of making a difference in the world and that they have a responsibility to use their gifts and talents for good. As they grow and mature, the lesson of this verse can stay with them and inspire them to live a life of purpose and meaning.
Does Translation Matter?
When it comes to choosing Bible verses for kids to memorize, the translation of the scripture can play an important role in their understanding and retention of the verse. While some translations may use simpler language and sentence structure, others may use more complex phrasing and unfamiliar vocabulary.
We personally use the ESV translation around our home and the verses in the verse card packet of this post use ESV translation as well. It’s the translation that I prefer and I find that although there are certainly more difficult language complexities, it’s the easiest one for me to read from. Remember we don’t need to ‘dumb down’ the gospel. It is fit for all ages!
It is important to choose translations that are appropriate for your child’s age and reading level, while still conveying the message of the scripture. Some translations may be more inspirational bible verses for kids, while others may be more challenging. There is nothing wrong with choosing a Bible translation that is friendly. Just make sure it stays true to the text.
Bible storybooks are particularly helpful when children are introduced to the Bible.
It is also important to remember that different translations may emphasize different aspects of the verse. For example, the King James Version may use more formal language, while the New Living Translation may use more modern phrasing. Depending on your child’s learning style, one translation may be more effective than another.
Ultimately, the goal is for children to understand the message of the scripture and be able to apply it to their lives. So, when selecting Bible verses for kids to memorize, take the time to consider the translation and how it may impact your child’s understanding and retention of the verse.
You can find all the scripture cards from this post in an easy-to-print PDF in this freebie! By clicking on the image or the button you will be brought to a Dropbox folder where you can download any of the individual scripture cards or a printable PDF. These will also be available in our Bible printables for kids’ vaults!
Ideas for Memorization
Teaching children to memorize scripture is a great way to help them grow spiritually and strengthen their faith. Here are some ideas for making it a fun and effective experience for them:
- Repetition – Have your child repeat the verse multiple times until it becomes second nature to them.
- Visualization – Encourage your child to visualize the meaning of the verse and create mental images to help them remember it.
- Song – Put the verse to a simple tune to help your child memorize it. We love all the Seeds Family Worship Albums!
- Games – Make a game out of memorizing verses by having them repeat them after you and then asking them to repeat them back to you. You can also create flashcards with inspirational bible verses for kids. There are many games and activities in our Bible printables vault!
- Sticky Notes – Write the verse on a sticky note and put it somewhere visible for your child to see regularly.
- Bible Verse Art – Encourage your child to create a piece of art based on the verse to help them remember it.
- Recitation – Encourage your child to recite the verse to friends and family members, which will help reinforce their memory.
- Bible Studies – Engage your child in bible studies to further their understanding and appreciation of the Bible.
Remember, repetition is key when it comes to memorization. So, don’t be afraid to repeat the verse many times until it is ingrained in your child’s mind. With the help of these ideas and inspirational bible verses for kids, your child will be on their way to developing a deep understanding and love for the Word of God.
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