God’s Word is incredibly important in the life of a follower of Christ. As a mom, I would love to encourage you to instill Scripture into the lives of your children with these Bible verses for kids to memorize.
While we should be doing this ourselves, as Christian parents, we also need to teach our children to memorize Scripture. Memory verses for kids are a fun way to lay a strong Bible foundation for your children.
Today I will share some reasons as to why it’s important to memorize Scripture, as well as some great memory verses for kids and youth. These are important kids’ memory verses to help them become solid in their faith.
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Why should we Memorize Scripture?
God speaks to us through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and also sometimes through other Christians. He has given us everything we need in the Bible, so we always need to go back to its truth. Memorizing Scripture is a great way to know God’s Word and be able to use it in everyday life.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV) says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” We store up God’s Word by memorizing it. By the truth of the Bible, we can combat sin and Satan’s lies, we can know what is right to do, and we can have God’s wisdom in our hearts.
Knowing the Bible also prepares us to share it with those who don’t know Jesus. These are important reasons we should teach these Bible memory verses to kids.
Memory Verses for Kids
We want our kids to grow up knowing God’s truth versus culture’s lies, right? We want them to know who God is, His character, and His ways. What better way to do that than to help them with these memory verses for kids? By doing so, they will be off to a great start!
Share these life-changing truths from God’s Word. We’re not looking for all the easiest and shortest verses for our children to learn, so choose quality over quantity.
We’re looking for inspirational Bible verses for kids — ones that teach them foundational truths and have the power to change their daily lives. While there are many great Bible verses for kids to memorize, this is a great list of Bible verses to get started.
Bible verses for kindergarteners to memorize
You may think that your kindergartener isn’t capable of learning Bible verses, but even preschoolers can memorize Scripture. Yes, some children may struggle more than others, but young children are learning all sorts of things at an amazing rate. They are very capable of memorizing even long Bible verses, even as little children.
As mentioned above, we’re not looking for easy, but instead, we’re looking for verses that proclaim great truths. The verses below are great to start memorizing with your kids.
1. John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 ESV
This is one of the first verses many children memorize. I know many of my children did. What a great Bible verse to show your child the love of God.
2. Romans 3:23
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Romans 3:23
Unless we realize our sin, we will never see our need of a Savior. This short verse will remind your child of that. Our children need to know this biblical truth
3. 1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
Isn’t it amazing that God forgives our sins when we ask? Knowing this truth will remind your child that Jesus no longer holds their sin against them. What a perfect gift forgiveness is!
4. Ephesians 6:1
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Ephesians 6:1
This memory verse for kids reminds our children that obedience is a command of God and not just something we as parents made up to make our children’s lives miserable. We are teaching and guiding them, just as God does for us.
5. Deuteronomy 6:5
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." Deuteronomy 6:5
God wants everything . . . every part of our love. This is an important Bible verse for children to memorize.
6. Proverbs 12:22
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight." Proverbs 12:22
Many children struggle with lying, so this is a great Bible verse to remind them how important it is to tell the truth. God desires us to be honest and delights in our faithfulness.
7. Luke 6:31
"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." Luke 6:31
This verse is where the “Golden rule” comes from. It reminds our children to treat others the way they would like to be treated.
8. Ephesians 2:8-9
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
I have to say that these verses are among some of my favorites. There is so much biblical doctrine wrapped up in these two little verses. Therefore, it’s important for your children to memorize these Bible verses. How amazing that our salvation is truly a gift of God!
9. Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is such an integral part of the Christian faith. Not only has God forgiven us of all our sins, but we are to forgive others in return. We are to be kind to them as well.
10. Psalm 150:6
"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6
Praise the Lord! We have breath and therefore need to praise Him. He is our God who did everything for us. There is no greater joy than in Him. Point out His praiseworthy deeds to your children as well.
11. Psalm 107:1
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1
God’s love endures forever, and that is something to thank Him for. By memorizing this verse, your children will be reminded again of God’s steadfast love.
Related: These ABC Bible Cards are another option to help your children memorize Scripture.
12. Acts 16:31
"And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'" Acts 16:31
Believe! As we share the gospel with our children, they will come to the point of making that choice for themselves. Our salvation comes through Christ alone.
13. Psalm 56:3
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Psalm 56:3
It is not uncommon for our children to deal with fear. Since some form of “fear not” is the number one most mentioned command in the Bible, it’s a common struggle for most of us. However, this memory verse reminds our children . . . and us . . . that our trust needs to be in God, even in our fear.
14. John 17:17
"Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." John 17:17
In a world filled with lies and delusions, our children need to be reminded that absolute truth comes only from God and His Word. This verse is a great reminder of that. Sometimes it’s the simple Bible verses that pack the most truth.
15. 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
As an example of the lies out there, there is one that says as long as you really believe it, all religions lead to heaven. However, this verse lets your children know that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
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Memory verses for youth
If your older child or teen hasn’t memorized some of the above verses, I’d definitely recommend those as well. However, for this age, I was looking for Scripture memory verses that speak more directly to where your youth are in life.
According to Hall and Melanie Young in No Longer Little, the tween age is when many kids ask questions about faith and either own or reject it. Our youth also struggle with peer pressure, body image, and direction in life. Let’s arm them with these memory verses for youth to combat negative influences. You may even want to check out some verses about who we are in Christ.
16. Psalm 139:14
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14
This verse will remind that God made your child just the way He wanted, and that is wonderful! God made you the way He did for a reason. This is a great verse to combat poor body image.
17. Proverbs 4:23
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23
It’s amazing what can come in through our eyes and ears, into our minds, and into our hearts. That’s why it’s important to guard your heart against wrong influences.
18. Proverbs 13:20
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20
We tend to become like those we hang around the most. It’s important for our youth to choose their friends wisely.
19. Proverbs 18:21
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." Proverbs 18:21
This memory verse for youth is such a powerful reminder of the power our tongue has. What we say can have such a huge impact on ourselves and those around us. As parents, we need to be a good example as well.
20. Proverbs 30:5
"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." Proverbs 30:5
God’s Word is true . . . every single one. Our youth need to take refuge in God and what He says.
21. 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
Our youth need to realize that if they are in Christ, they will become a new creation. God will work in and through them to change them.
22. 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
Here is another great verse about our words. This memory verse reminds us that our words need to build up and not tear down.
23. Philippians 4:6-7
"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
I love these verses! What a great reminder not to worry, but to cast our worries on God. When we do that, that is when the peace of God will come.
24. 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
It doesn’t matter if you are young. God can still use you to accomplish His purposes. Our youth need to know they can live for God even now.
25. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
This Bible verse is important for our youth to remember as they navigate life. Scripture is applicable for all areas of life, not just for Sundays.
26. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
"pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Prayer is so important in the life of a Christian, so this verse will remind your youth to not only pray throughout the day but to give thanks to God in all situations.
27. James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5
James 1:5 is another favorite of mine. As sinful humans, we need all the wisdom that we can get! This memory verse for youth reminds them that God wants to generously give us wisdom. We just need to ask for it.
28. James 4:7
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
In times of temptation, we need to do what God says rather than the devil. With God’s help, you can resist the temptations that are all around you.
29. 1 Peter 5:7
"casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Leave all your worries and anxieties on the Lord. He cares for you and wants to help you with those. You don’t need to carry them, and that’s great news!
As moms, unless we prioritize our relationship with God, it can easily fall by the wayside. Learn more about growing closer to God. As we grow closer to Him, we become a better wife and mother as well.
Life verses for a child
If you are looking for a life verse for your child, below are some great ones. These are great Bible verses for kids to memorize, as well as guiding verses to help them as they grow into adults. Some kids will carry their verse into adulthood, but others will choose a new one or change every few years. Life verses are verses we come back to again and again because they speak to us in a powerful way.
30. Jeremiah 29:11
"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
God has great plans for you. His plans are for your good and give you hope. This is a great life verse for a child or teen.
31. Psalm 19:14
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
What a great prayer this verse is, and not just for our children, but for all of us! By praying this verse, we will be on guard against the wrong words and intentions of our hearts.
32. Psalm 28:7
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." Psalms 28:7
This verse is a great reminder of Who is to be our strength and shield. The Lord is the One we can trust and exalt in. He alone is worthy of our praise.
33. Psalm 119:133
"Keep steady my steps according to your promise,and let no iniquity get dominion over me." Psalm 119:133
Short and sweet, this verse is powerful. It’s a great prayer to keep our life on track, and to keep away from sin.
34. Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
A popular set of verses, Proverbs 3:5-6 remind us of where our trust needs to be, even in hard times. It’s when we trust fully in Him that our paths are made straight. These verses are definitely foundation verses for every believer.
35. Isaiah 40:31
"but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
Our strength comes from the Lord, even if it seems like we are in a season of waiting. He will keep up moving forward.
36. 1 Corinthians 2:2
"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2
I love these words of Paul. Our life is all about Jesus. It’s because of His crucifixion and resurrection that we have our purpose. Jesus is the One who gives our life true meaning.
Parent Challenge
I’m pretty sure you can guess what this challenge is. If you’re not already memorizing verses, I challenge you to learn these memory Bible verses for kids alongside your children. Bible memory verses aren’t just for kids. We all need to hide God’s Word in our hearts.
Memorizing verses is one of the best ways to really know God’s Word. I love using the Fighter Verses app but do whatever works for you and your family. If you have some other great ideas for memorizing Scripture, please be sure to let me know in the comments below.
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- The Importance of Meditating on the Word of God
- 25 Excellent Benefits of Reading the Bible Daily
- Inspiring Biblical Affirmations for Moms
