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Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize (24 Short Memory Verses)

Here are 24 short Bible verses for kids to memorize, grouped by topic: God made me, God's love and Jesus, being brave, being kind, thankfulness, and God's Word. Each verse is printed from the King James Version, with tips for helping kids remember them.

God made me

  • Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
  • Psalm 118:24: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

God loves me / Jesus

  • John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
  • 1 John 4:19: "We love him, because he first loved us."
  • Romans 5:8: "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
  • Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
  • 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."
  • Acts 16:31: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…"
  • Luke 2:11: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
  • Matthew 28:6: "He is not here: for he is risen, as he said."
  • Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

Be brave and trust God

  • Psalm 56:3: "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
  • Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
  • Proverbs 3:5: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
  • Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
  • 1 Peter 5:7: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
  • Psalm 23:1: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Be kind and obey

  • Ephesians 4:32: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
  • Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loveth at all times…"
  • John 14:15: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
  • Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Give thanks

  • Psalm 136:1: "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever."
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

God's Word

  • Psalm 119:105: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Memory tips: add a hand motion for each phrase · clap the rhythm · write it on a whiteboard and erase one word at a time · review the same verse every day for a week · always say the reference, so kids can find it again.

Printable verse cards for every verse are in production.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good first Bible verse for kids to memorize?

Genesis 1:1, Psalm 56:3 and 1 John 4:19 are short, simple and meaningful, perfect first verses for preschoolers.

How do you help kids memorize Bible verses?

Say the verse with motions, sing it to a simple tune, erase one word at a time from a whiteboard, and review it every day for a week. Always say the reference too.

Which Bible translation is used here?

The King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain. Your church may prefer to teach a different translation for memory work.