I’ve seen firsthand how memorizing Scripture can transform a child’s perspective, and even my own. It’s not about rote learning or turning faith into a chore; it’s about equipping kids with timeless truths they can carry in their hearts for life. Whether your family is deeply rooted in church traditions or just starting to explore, memory verses offer a gentle, engaging entry point.

Here, we’ll explore why teaching memory verses matters, share a hefty list of 100 kid-friendly ones from the English Standard Version (ESV), and wrap up with practical tips on how to make memorization fun and feasible—no matter your family’s schooling style. If the ESV is not your cup of tea, no worries, simply look up the Bible verse in your preferred Bible translation via your own hardcopy at home or visit Bible Gateway, which is a great online resource. The translations are similar enough that the length and theme will still be in tact. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to get started.

Why Teach Kids Memory Verses from the Bible?

Consider when your child is struggling, maybe he or she is facing a tough day – a bully, a disappointing test score, or just one of those moments when the world feels overwhelming. What if, in that instant, a verse pops into their mind? Something like “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). That’s the power of having God’s Word tucked away, ready to draw upon when needed.

Teaching memory verses to kids is about more than religious education—it’s about instilling God’s Word in their hearts for lifelong support. The Bible itself encourages this in Psalm 119:11 (ESV): “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” When children memorize Scripture, they’re building a spiritual toolkit. These verses become anchors during trials, reminders of God’s love in joyful times, and guides for making wise choices.

From a practical standpoint, starting young takes advantage of kids’ sponge-like brains. Research shows that children’s memory peaks in early years, making it easier for them to absorb information through repetition and play. But the real magic happens in the why. By hiding God’s Word in their hearts, kids learn about His character—His love, faithfulness, and wisdom. It helps them navigate emotions, build empathy, and develop a moral compass. For instance, verses on kindness can curb sibling squabbles, while those on courage can boost confidence during new experiences.

Moreover, in a world bombarded with messages from social media, TV, and peers, memory verses provide a counter-narrative rooted in truth. They teach resilience: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” (Psalm 46:1 ) reminds them they’re never alone. And let’s not forget the family bonding that occurs when reciting verses together.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Even if they forget a word here or there, the essence sticks. By your child learning these verses now they’ll have a stronger faith resilience as they grow into adulthood. So, why not give your kids this gift? It’s free, timeless, and eternally valuable. Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the verses themselves!

100 Memory Verses for Kids

Here’s a curated list of 100 memory verses perfect for kids. I’ve selected these for their simplicity, relevance, and uplifting messages—focusing on themes like God’s love, faith, character, and Jesus. Each one is from the English Standard Version (ESV) for consistency and accuracy. They’re short enough for little ones to tackle, but profound enough to grow with them.

Aim to introduce one at a time and progress as quickly as your child memorizes them. Remember it’s about frequent consistency when it comes to memorization. I’ve formatted them based on the order they’re found in the Bible and included the book, chapter, and verse so you can easily look up your preferred translation of the Bible. Check out the free printable of these!

Old Testament

• Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
• Genesis 1:3 – And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
• Genesis 16:13 – So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.”
• Exodus 14:14 – The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
• Numbers 6:24 – The Lord bless you and keep you.
• 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 6:6-7 – And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
• Joshua 1:8 – 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 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
• Psalm 1:1 – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
• Psalm 12:6 – The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
• Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
• Psalm 33:4 – For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
• Psalm 34:14 – Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
• Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
• Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
• Psalm 56:3 – When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
• Psalm 86:15 – But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
• Psalm 118:24 – This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
• Psalm 119:9 – How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
• Psalm 119:11 – I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
• Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
• Psalm 130:5 – I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.
• Psalm 138:1 – I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise.
• Psalm 139:14 – I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
• Psalm 145:9 – The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
• Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
• Proverbs 2:6 – For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
• Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
• Proverbs 11:9 – With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
• Proverbs 13:20 – Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
• Proverbs 14:5 – A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness breathes out lies.
• Proverbs 30:5 – Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
• Ecclesiastes 12:13 – The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
• Isaiah 26:4 – Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
• Isaiah 40:28 – Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
• Isaiah 43:5 – Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.
• 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.
• Malachi 3:5 – Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.

New Testament

• Matthew 4:4 – 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 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
• Matthew 5:44 – But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
• Matthew 6:24 – No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
• Matthew 7:1 – Judge not, that you be not judged.
• Matthew 7:24 – Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
• Matthew 19:26 – But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
• Matthew 22:37-39 – And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
• Matthew 24:35 – Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
• Matthew 28:6 – He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
• Matthew 28:20 – Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
• Mark 11:24 – Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
• Luke 6:31 – And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
• John 1:1 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
• John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
• 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 3:17 – For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
• John 6:47 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.
• John 8:32 – And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
• John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
• John 10:30 – I and the Father are one.
• John 14:1 – Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.
• 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 14:15 – If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
• John 14:26 – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
• John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
• John 16:33 – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
• Acts 4:12 – And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
• Acts 5:29 – But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
• Acts 16:31 – And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
• Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
• Romans 5:8 – But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
• Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
• Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
• Romans 8:35 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
• Romans 10:9-10 – Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
• Romans 10:13 – For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
• Romans 10:17 – So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
• Romans 12:12 – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
• 1 Corinthians 2:9 – But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
• 1 Corinthians 13:8 – Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
• 2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
• 2 Corinthians 4:18 – As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
• Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
• Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
• Galatians 6:7 – Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
• 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 4:32 – Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
• Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
• Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
• Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
• Colossians 3:16 – 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 3:20 – Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
• 2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
• Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• Hebrews 10:35 – Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
• Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
• Hebrews 12:2 – Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
• Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
• James 1:17 – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
• James 1:22 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
• 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
• 1 John 1:5 – This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
• 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 3:23 – And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
• 1 John 4:4 – Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
• 1 John 4:16 – So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
• 1 John 5:3 – For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
• 1 John 5:14-15 – And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
• Revelation 19:1 – After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.”

Now that is a solid start! Print this list, laminate it, or turn it into flashcards. Remember, the goal isn’t speed; it’s all about retention and understanding. To help solidify the verse in your child’s memory digging into the theme through discussion is an excellent idea. Read on for more tips to make this a part of your family’s routine, but first if you’re interested in printing them you can do so below.

How to Teach Your Kids Memory Verses

Teaching memory verses doesn’t have to feel like a classroom drill. Keep it friendly, fun, and integrated into daily life. Start by choosing verses that match your child’s age—shorter ones for toddlers, deeper ones for tweens. Explain the verse in simple terms: “This means God is always with us, even if we can’t see Him, we know He’s there. Just like the wind!”

Make it interactive. Use songs—many verses have catchy tunes on YouTube or apps like Seeds Family Worship. Actions help too: For “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9), flex the arm muscles and then stand with hands on the hips while reciting. Games like verse tag (recite to tag someone) or memory match with cards can keep it playful.

Repetition is key, but vary it. Say it together in the morning, recite it together at the dinner table, and draw pictures illustrating the verse. Reward progress with stickers or a special treat, but emphasize the joy of learning God’s Word over physical prizes.

If your kid struggles, break it down: Learn one phrase of the verse at a time. Make sure it’s written down in an easy to see spot if your child is able to read. Involve the whole family by having siblings quiz each other or once a verse is memorized recite it for grandparents. Patience is crucial; celebrate effort, not perfection. Over time, you’ll see them quoting verses naturally, like during a storm: “God is our refuge” (Psalm 46:1).

If your kids are all able to read then you can turn it into a competition. However, my boys are young enough that I have only one who is reading very well. He would have an unfair advantage over his brothers because he could read and reread the verse without help. Instead I encourage them to help each other and once they all know it, then they get a reward.

For deeper impact, connect verses to real life and recite them frequently when the occasion calls for it. When a child is acting out against his sibling, reference “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). This makes Scripture alive and relevant.

Finding the Time

Every family’s rhythm is unique, especially when it comes to schooling. Whether you homeschool or send your kids to traditional school, incorporating memory verses is doable and rewarding. Here are practical tips tailored to each.

For Homeschooling Families

Homeschooling offers flexibility to weave verses into your routine seamlessly. Include them in a morning basket— that cozy collection of books, crafts, and devotionals you start the day with. Pull out a verse card first thing, read it aloud, and discuss over breakfast. It sets a positive tone without adding pressure.

Aim for 1-2 verses per month, depending on length. Short ones like “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4) might take a week; longer ones, like Deuteronomy 6:6-7, could span two. Do it first thing in the morning when minds are fresh—maybe during circle time or before math.

Seasonal twists keep it exciting. At Christmas time, we work on memorizing the entire Jesus’s birth story from Luke 2:8-20 (ESV). We break it down and during the month of December we practice it. We move on whether they have learned the passage in it’s entirety or not at the end of December with the intention to revisit it again next December. There are many passages from the Bible like this that I hope to store into my children’s hearts like the passage from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 that begins with, “For everything there is a season…”

Tracking your child’s progress is a wonderful tool. You and they can see how far they’ve come. Additionally, keeping track of the ones that have been dwelled upon can lead to future review. I recommend having a designated spot to keep them all, such as a family journal or a wall space.

For Traditionally Schooling Families

If your kids attend public or private school, time is tighter, but consistency wins. Plan to recite at dinner every night—it’s a natural gathering spot. Tape the verse to the table, placemat, or fridge nearby for easy reference. Start with grace, then take turns saying the verse. It turns mealtime into devotional time without extra scheduling because once the verse has been recited, now is a wonderful time for discussion.

Choose 1 verse every 1-2 weeks to practice during week days when your schedules are relatively consistent. Review previous week’s memory verses on the weekend, don’t push ahead on Saturday and Sunday. During busy seasons, let your kids see you using verses in your life, like quoting one during a stressful situation even if you miss practicing at dinnertime.

Regardless of schooling, track your family’s progress with a chart. Celebrate milestones, like 10 verses memorized, with ice cream. Remember, it’s about heart change, not checklists. Your efforts plant seeds that God will grow.

Plant Seeds of Faith, Love, and Hope

Overall, give yourself grace as you dive into this endeavor of instilling God’s word in your children’s hearts. Remember it takes time to build a habit so don’t be upset if you forget to practice the verse at dinner time or miss it during morning basket the first week or so. Your children may actually help remind you because they’ll come to look forward to that time, at least mine do! I hope you’re inspired to begin today! Share your experiences in the comments and I’d love to hear your favorite verse. Until next time, keep playing, praying, and growing together. God bless!

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