Why memorize scripture? What are the reasons for committing Bible verses to memory? There are actually quite a few benefits that come with memorizing scripture. In fact, we are going to walk you through 25 of them! You’ll see the PROOF that this is a smart thing to do!!
There is a great importance of Bible memorization, and it’s to have the Word of God in your heart and readily available at any time! Imagine having the wisdom found in the Bible to fight off Satan during an attack of temptation or knowing how to comfort someone with the right words!
In this article, we’ll not only give you 25 reasons to memorize scripture, but we will also provide you with some guidance in getting started memorizing the Bible, valuable resources that will help you along the way, and what you can use as your first memory verses!
The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. – Psalm 37:31 (NASB)
Why Memorize Scripture? (The Importance of Bible Memory)
You might be wondering why it’s so important to memorize scripture. Well, there are many reasons – some of which you have probably never thought of! Most critically, having the Word of God at your fingertips at all times helps you ward off Satan and stay strong in your faith!
It’s also an important part of witnessing to others. You cannot very well spread the truth if you are unsure of what it is or do not have the backup to support what you claim. You don’t have to go to seminary school to spread the Gospel, but it is a good idea to know some key scriptures!
You can begin memorizing scripture in small chunks and move on to larger ones when you feel ready. Don’t get overwhelmed by the size of the Bible; you don’t need to memorize the whole thing! There are people, however, who have done so and thrive in spiritual warfare!
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you. – Colossians 3:16a (NASB)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please visit our Privacy Policy for more information.
25 Important Reasons to Memorize Scripture
There are many important reasons to memorize scripture. These are just a few for you to consider as you are deciding if Bible memory cards are something that you should add to your plate. There is no doubt, though, that memorizing scripture should be a top priority!
#1. You can pray the scriptures when you have them memorized.
If you commit the Word of God to heart, you will be able to pray the verses from the Bible freely, without hesitation. This is such a reward when you are speaking to the Father in prayer! Read more about How to Pray the Scriptures with a Free eBook!
#2. Get to know God better!
Building your relationship with God should be an ongoing thing in your life. As you learn more about His Word (the Bible), you will better understand God and His will for your life. Often, when we get closer to a person, we understand them better! This holds true for our Creator!
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. – John 15:7 (NASB)
#3. Resisting temptation is easier.
Spiritual warfare is a chief reason to memorize scripture. When temptation arises, you want to know where in the Bible it says that you can block Satan easily! You want to know what to say in the heat of a bad moment, how to respond appropriately, and what road to follow!
#4. Witness better to others.
When you have Bible verses committed to memory or planted in your heart, you will better know how to witness to unbelievers (or believers who have questions). You can bring others to God more easily if you know and understand what the scriptures say about certain topics.
#5. Be more like Christ.
Our goal as Christians is to be more like Christ. This means emulating His characteristics. How will you know what those are if you have not read or studied the Bible? Make sure you understand who Jesus was and how to behave in a Christ-like manner going forward!
#6. Learn right from wrong.
If you wonder how to hear God, you might just be a spiritual babe. A spiritual babe is just a new soul in their faith. Understanding right from wrong and knowing how to apply this knowledge will come as you grow in your faith, but it is imperative that you start in the right direction.
As you memorize scriptures, you will learn so much! You’ll begin to understand the difference between right and wrong, and before long, this discernment will come naturally to you! Isn’t it wonderful to be a child of God? Take the time to memorize His word to bless your life!
You will learn what is right and honest and fair. – Proverbs 1:3 (CEV)
#7. Receive much joy, hope, encouragement, and faith!
Having the scriptures from the Bible in your heart will bring you many good things. For example, joy can be found in the Bible. When you are facing trials, look to the Lord for answers and discover the joy of the Lord! Encouragement is found especially in Psalms!
When the days are hard, you will be glad you memorized those Bible verses that offer joy and encouragement. You can turn to them day and night and know that God is on your side! This kind of hope can be found in no other place – truly!!
#8. Challenge yourself spiritually.
If you are into planners, goals, lists, and schedules, you probably love giving yourself challenges from time to time. Consider memorizing scripture as a big challenge. Set mini-goals, and eventually, you might even memorize the entire Bible! There are some out there who have!
#9. The Bible instructs us to do so.
Many verses in the Bible tell us the value of memorizing scripture, so why not do it? Understandably, your brain is full of other information, but it is a growing muscle and can handle this important information!! After all, what should be the top priority in your life?
I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. – Psalm 119:11 (NIV)
#10. Get closer to your Heavenly Father.
The more you read your Bible and study it, the more you will understand it. This will help you build an unshakable bond with our Heavenly Father. He wants nothing more than for you to love Him and cherish the relationship you have with Him, so why not make this a prioritized goal?
#11. Easily encourage others.
As you walk through life, you surely have the urge to do good for others. Maybe you feel drawn to donate your time to animal shelters or help the homeless in their plight. As you minister to others, would it not be wise to have encouraging words from the Bible on hand?
#12. Understand your beliefs better.
As you implant the words of the Bible in your heart, you will begin to understand the meaning better. Things WILL get clearer as you study the Bible. It’s easy to feel discouraged when studying the Bible, as many of the customs and traditions do not resonate with us.
One trick I’ve learned in memorizing the words of the Bible is reading the verses around the one I am trying to memorize. If you understand a verse in the context of the chapter or section, you are more likely to retain it in your heart because you have now grasped its meaning!
Check out How to Build a Bible Library for more tips and recommendations when it comes to the Bibles I use for my personal and professional studies.
#13. Have the Bible with you at all times.
What greater way to have the Bible at your fingertips than to have it permanently in your mind? While waiting at the doctor’s office, standing in line at the grocery store, or witnessing to the less fortunate, you’ll always be able to have the Bible with you! No one can take that away from you!
#14. Improve your time with God.
Nourish and embrace the time you spend with God by memorizing the scriptures from the Bible. Maybe during your quiet time with God, you will feel the Holy Spirit tugging on your heartstrings as He encourages you to memorize a particular Bible verse. That will SURELY stick with you!
#15. Understand your calling better.
You might want to know how to tell what your spiritual calling really is! This can be tricky since the Lord does not always put everything in black and white for us. Remember, He does this for our own good! We often learn more when we figure things out for ourselves!
#16. Think about what matters more.
Usually, the things we think about are what matter the most to us. When you are sitting wide awake in the middle of the night (a time when you wish you were asleep), what worries or thoughts fill your mind? Consider having Bible verses at your fingertips at all times!
#17. Keep your mind sharp!
Studies from Harvard show that continual learning, such as memorizing scriptures, can help keep your mind sharp – at any age! If you keep your brain active, it will likely last longer – as funny as that sounds! Use your free time to memorize God’s Word and help your mental health!
#18. You will have something great to be passionate about.
Are you on fire for God? Placing His words in your heart can help you build a passion, and this passion is like none other! Don’t let yourself become spiritually lazy. Know your spiritual purpose and how to apply it to your life, which could very well be memorizing Bible verses!
#19. Focus on the positive.
You probably have seen trials and sorrow everywhere. You might even wonder what God’s ultimate plan really is. If you have Bible verses in your arsenal (your mind), you can readily encourage others and yourself to stay positive and view things in a new light!
#20. Make and keep the right kind of friends.
Often, we feel isolated with no true friends to be found. When you have scriptures in your heart, it is much easier to attract the right kind of people. Also, what better way to show your friends how much they mean to you than to quote them encouraging Bible verses during hard times?
If you memorize some great Bible verses, chances are that you will know what to say during those difficult times. Your friends will likely turn to you again in the future after realizing what help those words were for their current problems or issues! Proverbs is a great place to start!
#21. Stay focused on the narrow path.
We don’t want to veer from the straight and narrow path – the one that Jesus carved out for us. If you want to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, be sure to plant plenty of scriptures on your heartstrings. This way, you will always have His Word near!! No one can take that away!
#22. Understand your salvation.
If you are struggling with salvation questions, you will find the answers in the Bible. Knowing Bible verses about salvation can greatly help you on your Christian path. Speak to a Bible-teaching pastor today if you are unsure about your salvation questions!
You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 3:15b (NIV)
#23. Make more sense of sermons or lessons.
You will never know what it means to have scriptures committed to memory until you hear them come out of the mouth of a pastor or Bible teacher! You finally “get” what they are saying, and things just make much more sense now.
In fact, you will gain much more from your sermons and Bible studies if you have Bible verses committed to memory, especially if you have taken the time to understand the words and not just memorize them to exercise your brain!
#24. Reduce the sin in your life.
In returning to the salvation issue, you will understand the sin you have committed and why it is forgiven when you memorize those needed Bible verses in Romans! Consider memorizing Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 for good starter verses!
#25. Know or understand the Bible better!
Did you know that the Bible is the most popular book in the world and always has been? It’s definitely worth a read if you have not read the entire book all the way through. When you have completed a book, consider memorizing a few key verses, so you’ll retain what you read better!
Proverbs will teach you wisdom and self-control and how to understand sayings with deep meanings. – Proverbs 1:2 (CEV)
How to Start Memorizing Scripture
There are many ways to memorize Bible verses. Here are just a few that might be useful to you. As you will read, to get the best results, consider using more than one method! We each learn in a different way, so it’s best to find where you thrive the most and concentrate on that way!
Start with what you already know.
There are verses that you likely already know by heart. You have probably heard them as a child or listened to preachers quote them from the pulpit. If you have some verses already partly memorized, start with those! It’s best to expand on what you already know!
Use flashcards!
Using plain old index cards is a tried-and-true method for memorizing scripture. You might see it as a bit old-fashioned, but it has stuck around for a reason! That is because it works for many people! If you are concerned it’s too “antique” for your taste, dress it up!
Add some washi tape to the tops and bottoms of the index cards! Punch holes in the corners of the cards and attach them together with rings for keys! Add some colorful stickers that mean something to you! These ideas won’t just make the process more fun; they’ll aid in memory!
If you know that the “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) index card (your Bible memory card) is on a purple index card with yellow stars, you will retain those details, which will help you put the verse together at a later date. The details do matter!
Try the “eraser method” with a dry-erase board.
You can use an inexpensive dry-erase board to write your memory verses on. Then, just erase part of the verse (some of the words) as you begin to know the verse well. Of course, to utilize this or any method, you need to say the verse aloud many times! Hearing is part of retaining!
Use a variety of methods for the best results!
If you have tried a few methods and they are not working for you, you might need to experiment with using more than one method at a time. Enlisting several “ways” to memorize scripture will yield the greatest result – by far! Write it; say it out loud; cry it; journal it; look it up! Do it all!
Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. – Proverbs 30:5 (NIV)
What to Memorize in the Bible
Psalm 23 is a favorite passage of many people. It can greatly help in times of trouble or concern. If you commit to memorizing the entire chapter the right way (pick a Bible translation and stick with it through the whole chapter), you will be happy that you know it!
If you are passionate about the subject of love, consider memorizing 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter is often memorized and quoted at weddings. If you have this chapter in your heart, you will understand the topic of love better, which can help you in witnessing to others.
Understanding your salvation is critical. Knowing why and how you are saved is everything! Consider committing part of Romans to memory for further reading on the subject. You could learn Romans 3:23, 6:23, and Isaiah 53:6 to better aid in any questions you may have.
More Bible Memory Resources
If you become passionate about memorizing scripture, you will want to explore more resources, like the ones listed below! Of course, these are just a few of the great options out there!!
Recommended Bible Memory Books
Scripture Memory Map System (Faith Maps) for Women – This workbook has a two-page spread per Bible memory verse. It gives you room to write the importance and application of the verse so that you will easily remember it in the future! (We often remember what we can apply!)
The Memorization Study Bible (KJV) by Thomas Meyer is a really cool idea that I highly recommend checking out. The author has memorized 20 books of the Bible, so clearly, he knows a thing or two about memorizing scriptures! Check it out for more information!
Bible Memorization System
The Navigators Topical Memory System is available in the NIV (New International Version). This system provides you with flashcards for memorization and helps greatly because they divide the verses you are to memorize by topics or categories.
Hand-Crafted Simply Charlotte Mason Scripture Memory Box – This system has the cards already made for you and everything, but they do only offer the ESV and KJV of the scripture cards at this time. You must purchase the cards in addition to the box.
Prosumer’s Choice Bamboo Memory Card Box – This wooden box holds 4” X 6” index cards. You can create your own memory card system using this box. If you already own the cards, you can easily make this system perfect for you!
Join a FREE Bible Memory Community!
Bible Memory Goal is a community of people who are enthusiastic about memorizing God’s Word! You can connect with other Christians, learn their tricks for memorizing scripture, and do so much more! Plus, it’s free! Be sure to check out the Bible Memory app, too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Memory Verses
What does it mean to memorize scripture?
Memorizing scripture is all about committing the words of the Bible to memory. You have decided to dedicate part of your memory to this cause because you believe it is important – perhaps for one of the reasons listed here!! Other motives are likely acceptable, as well!
Why do children learn scripture?
Children tend to learn things easier than adults, as their brains are still developing. This is a great thing! If you are a parent, be sure to get involved in helping your child learn scripture, memorize Bible verses, and participate in various ministries at your local church. Get them connected!
What are the benefits of studying the Bible?
Some of the benefits of studying the Bible include understanding what you believe more clearly, increasing your knowledge and memory, and learning more about our Creator. If you want to obey God and follow His commandments, you should study the Bible!
Why do we need to know the Gospel?
Gospel means “good news.” The “Good News” that we celebrate as Christians is that Jesus came and loved us enough to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins! Wouldn’t you love to tell everyone you know about that piece of “news?” It has eternal consequences!
What are the benefits of reading the Bible?
As a Christian, you really should make time to read the Bible a little bit each day, even if it is only for a few minutes. Reading the Bible is so beneficial; doing this simple act can reduce your anxiety and stress and improve your concentration and patience!
Conclusion
Wow! That is quite a strong case for memorizing the Word of God! What have you memorized in the Bible? Have you considered challenging yourself to a greater extent? Imagine what having the Word of God could do for your daily interactions and problems!!
Maybe you still have questions. Why memorize scripture? What are the benefits of using your brain in this way? This article should have shed quite a bit of light on the subject! Consider all of the benefits of memorizing scripture listed above before shying away from this discipline!
We will be providing you with more content and resources in regard to Bible memorization in the future. If you have a particular request, you can always reach out, and we’ll most certainly consider it! Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive bonus content!
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. – Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
