Reading and memorizing God's Word is a fantastic exercise for children of any age. That's why we've selected 30 easy bible verses for children that will help little ones learn and keep God's Word in their hearts.
The verses are for children of any age, but we have chosen translations that are easier to understand for children aged 12 and under. The passages in bold can be read and repeated to younger children, while the complete verses can be memorized by older children (literate or not). See other tips below and get to work!
Easy-to-remember verses
These verses can be used by parents or Sunday School teachers to teach children of all ages. They are short verses and easy to memorize.
Tip 1: print out posters or make cards with the verses and add a related image to make them easier to remember.
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
1 Thessalonians 5:16
"Rejoice always,"
1 Thessalonians 5:16
Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Psalm 23:1
Numbers 6:24
"The Lord bless you and keep you;"
Numbers 6:24
Psalm 100:1
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Psalm 100:1
Verses about Love
After a Bible lesson, encourage your children to memorize (that's right, know by heart!) one of these verses about loving God and others.
Tip 2: Look for songs or melodies that contain the verse or an excerpt of it and use this to teach the children. Repeating the verses "set to music" will help them to retain them more quickly.
1 John 4:8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:8
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Proverbs 10:12
John 15:17
This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:17
Luke 10:27b
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Luke 10:27b
Verses about Obedience
In times of crisis, we will resort to the values we have internalized, in a concrete and careful way. That's why you should focus on repetition (oral, visual and written) with the children.
Tip 3: Repeat and write the verse to be memorized for the day (week) on the board or on a poster, so that it is visible during class or at home for as long as possible.
Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Ephesians 6:1
1 John 5:3
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
1 John 5:3
John 15:14
You are my friends if you do what I command.
John 15:14
Ephesians 6:2-3
2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:2-3
John 14:15
"If you love me, keep my commands."
John 14:15
Verses about faith and trust in God
Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. We need to hear it, speak it, write it down, study it, in short, dedicate ourselves to keeping and absorbing the biblical texts. Reinforcement is fundamental.
Tip 4: Make a clothesline with the verse you've taught, in parts. Read and repeat it a few times, then remove 1, 2 or 3 words at a time until the children can memorize the whole verse. Do it the other way around, or put the words in a jumble until they get them in the right order.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
Psalm 37:5
Luke 1:37
"For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37
Psalm 121:5
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
Psalm 121:5
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
Psalm 37:3
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Psalm 37:3
General biblical recommendations
The Word of God is the source of Life. Make an effort to memorize it together with the children, including the references. In this way, you will be a practical example for your children. Remember that everyone has their own time, but it takes dedication and some effort for the mind to retain what is important.
Tip 5: Encourage the children to remember and recite the verses they have learned. Hold small competitions, recitals, offering simple prizes (stars, candies, lollipops, gifts, etc.) to those who manage to memorize the most verses in a month, for example. Use your creativity and available resources.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray continually,
1Thessalonians 5:17
1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 17:17
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without grumbling or arguing,
Philippians 2:14
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23
Start helping your children internalize God's Word today! Whether you are parents (guardians), teachers, or leaders, ask God for wisdom and creativity to teach the truths present in each of these and other Bible verses.
Extra tip: pray that your children not only memorize, but also understand and practice the verses they have learned. Teach them about the importance of treasuring the Bible and spreading the Good News until the Lord Jesus returns!