How to Memorize a Bible Verse

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: March 13, 2023 Approved

There are so many benefits for memorizing Scripture. When in a tough situation, knowing what God has told you can help you overcome any obstacle. Scripture memorization is the key to growing in Christ and is a biblical command repeated over 17 times. So, how do you make sure those verses stick with you?

Steps

1
Go to a quiet place, such as your bedroom, where you won't be interrupted by others. Get comfortable. Prop up some pillows if you'd like. Ideally, there shouldn't be any potential distractions. Turn your music off and don't answer the phone. You need concentration.
2
Ask God to help you understand what the verse means and help you to be able to live it out in your daily life. Prayer is so powerful, but you will never know just how much God works in your life until you come to Him every day with what's concerning you.^{[1]
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3
Memorize the reference. Say it out loud with the reference (e.g., John 3:16) once at the beginning of the verse, once at the end. This way, the numbers you'll memorize the reference faster.^{[2]
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4
Repeat the verse out loud.^{[3]
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Research source} Vary the speeds of your recitation. Focus on pronouncing each word clearly.
5
Focus on the key words. If you are memorizing John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son and that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life", the key words would be "God", "loved", "world", "Son", "whoever", "believes", "perish", "eternal", and "life". Now put them back together with the whole verse.^{[4]
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6
Play a memory game.^{[5]
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Research source} Using dry-erase markers, write the verse on a dry-erase board. Make sure you can read what you wrote. Read the verse a few times, then erase 2 words at a time. Keep saying the verse until all the words are erased. If you were able to say the verse perfectly with no words on the board, give yourself a pat on the back.
7
Repeat these steps every day. Recite verses in your head while you're at the supermarket. Say them out loud as you walk your dog. When you think you have it down, recite the verse(s) for your family and friends!^{[6]
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8
Write the verses on index cards with colored markers. Post these around your room in places you go most (your bed, above your light switch, your bathroom mirror, etc.)
9
Study verses that promise you a good memory like John 14:26, I John 2:20, I Corinthians 1:5, Proverbs 10:7, I Corinthians 2:16, Hebrews 8:10, and Psalms 19.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I memorize bible verses in the shortest amount of time possible?

Community Answer

Ask God to help you. Also, making a song out of the verse can be helpful.
Question

How do I learn multiple verses in less than a minute?

Community Answer

You should not give yourself time constraints when learning the Bible, but if really necessary, ask God to grant you wisdom. Also, do not panic. It's much easier to remember things if you can stay relaxed.
Question

How do I memorize a Bible verse that is long?

Community Answer

Break up the verse. Remember one section of it, then add another section, and read it over and over. You can do one sentence at a time. Just break up the long verse.