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How can you memorize Bible verses?
How can I memorize Bible verses? The tactile technique works best for me. I print the verses out on a little memo pad that fits in my back pocket (of my pants). Sometimes I will write them out, too.
A study conducted in 2021 at the University of Tokyo concluded that the increased spatial processing the brain undertakes for writing is likely the cause of faster and more accurate recall. Students were asked to take notes from a shared calendar. One group took handwritten notes, while another group took electronic notes. When asked to write what they recalled, the students who wrote the schedule electronically remembered the information and finished the test in 14-16 minutes, while those who wrote the schedule by hand finished in only 11 minutes!
I memorize many of my verses from the English Standard Version (ESV) because that is the version ebible.com uses.
Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (ESV):
"And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel."
Tactile Memorization Ideas for Deuteronomy 17:18-20:
<b>Write It Out Like a King</b>
Just as the verse instructs the king to write a copy of the law, you can do the same!
Write it neatly in a special notebook dedicated to Scripture memory.
Try writing it once per day until memorized.
<b>Use Index Cards</b>
Write each phrase on a separate index card.
Shuffle them and try to put them in order.
Gradually remove some cards as you recall more of the verse.
<b>Hand Gestures & Movement</b>
Act out key phrases:
“Write for himself” ✍️ (pretend to write).
“Read it all the days” 📖 (motion opening a book).
“That he may learn to fear the Lord” 🙏 (hands in prayer).
“Not turn aside” 🚫➡️⬅️ (move hands side to side).
<b>Touch & Read</b>
Place sticky notes in spots you visit daily (desk, fridge, bathroom mirror).
Each time you touch one, read the verse aloud.
<b>Stone or Clay Tablet Exercise</b>
Write the verse on a small wooden board or press it into soft clay.
The act of engraving or pressing words will help cement it in your memory.
<b>Step-by-Step Writing</b>
Write the full verse on a whiteboard.
Erase one word at a time while repeating it until nothing is left and you can say it from memory.
This passage is powerful for reminding us of the importance of God’s Word in leadership and daily life.
I'm already using excellent tactile techniques! Here are a few more that might work well for you:
Sensory Writing Techniques
- Sand or Rice Writing – Pour sand or rice onto a tray and use your finger to write out the verse.
- Textured Paper – Write the verse on rough-textured paper with a marker to engage touch memory.
- Chalk or Dry-Erase Board – Writing on a different surface adds variety and reinforces retention.
Interactive Memorization
- Puzzle Pieces – Write phrases on puzzle pieces and assemble them in order.
- Sticky Note Trail – Place parts of the verse on sticky notes around your room and recite as you walk from one to another.
Physical Engagement
- Write and Walk – Walk while reciting and writing a verse in a pocket notebook.
- Verse on a Ball – Write the verse on a small ball; toss it in the air while saying the next word.
- Jump or Clap Per Word – Engage rhythm to lock in the wording.
Object Association
- Tactile Objects – Hold a small item (e.g., a stone for "rock of salvation") while reciting a related verse.
- String Knots – Tie a knot in a string for each key phrase and feel the knots as you recall the verse.
You can do it!
"Only One Bible
Noted Bible teacher E. Schuyler English told of Michael Billester, a Bible distributor who visited a small hamlet in Poland shortly before World War II. Billester gave a Bible to a villager, who was converted by reading it. The new believer then passed the Book on to others. The cycle of conversions and sharing continued until 200 people had become believers through that one Bible.
When Billeser returned in 1940, this group of Christians met together for a worship service in which he was to preach the Word. He normally asked for testimonies, but this time he suggested that several in the audience recite verses of Scripture. One man stood and said, “Perhaps we have misunderstood. Did you mean verses or chapters?”
These villagers had not memorized a few select verses of the Bible but whole chapters and books. Thirteen people knew Matthew, Luke, and half of Genesis. Another person had committed to memory the Psalms. That single copy of the Bible given by Billester had done its work. Transformed lives bore witness to the power of the Word."
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