Bible memory verses · 26 verses
Bible Verses to Memorize as a Family
These Bible verses to memorize as a family are short enough for the youngest and rich enough for parents. They are sorted by the moments a family already shares: the dinner table, bedtime, the drive to school or work, and life together at home. A family that learns one verse every two weeks will know all twenty-six in a year.
Say the verse together at the same moment each day, let the children quiz the parents, and write it on a whiteboard or the fridge. Press Practice on a phone or tablet at the table and take turns filling in the missing words. Every verse is from the Berean Standard Bible, word for word, and the flashcards print for the fridge.
Start with these four
Four verses every member of the family can learn first: creation, God’s love, our Shepherd, and why we love.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 · 10 words
Where the Bible begins.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 · 27 words
The gospel in one verse.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1 · 9 words
The first line of Psalm 23, for every age.
We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 · 7 words
Seven words even a toddler can say.
Verses for our home
As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!
Joshua 24:15 · 11 words
Joshua’s promise for his family. Many families write it by the front door.
These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 · 47 words
God’s plan for passing on faith: talk about His words at home, on the road, at bedtime and in the morning.
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 · 17 words
For the day after a quarrel.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 13:4 · 18 words
What love looks like at home.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 · 13 words
For children: obeying parents is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 · 20 words
For fathers and mothers: patience, and teaching children about the Lord.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God.
Romans 15:7 · 16 words
Accepting one another the way Christ accepted us.
At the table: giving thanks
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
Psalm 107:1 · 14 words
Say it before the meal, then each person names one thing to thank God for.
Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 · 22 words
Three short commands: rejoice, pray, give thanks.
This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 · 17 words
For breakfast: today is a day God made.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
James 1:17 · 26 words
Every good gift, including dinner, comes from the Father.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 · 18 words
Even eating and drinking can be done for God’s glory.
At bedtime
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 · 18 words
Sleep in peace, because God keeps us safe.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
Psalm 56:3 · 10 words
For a child who is afraid of the dark.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
Psalm 121:3 · 13 words
God never sleeps. He watches over us all night.
May the LORD bless you and keep you; may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 · 36 words
The blessing God gave Aaron to speak over Israel. Many parents say it over their children at night.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.
Isaiah 41:10 · 17 words
A promise to say before the lights go out.
On the way to school and work
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 · 28 words
For the day’s choices.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 · 19 words
For a test, a game, a new class, or a hard meeting.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 · 11 words
Strength from Christ for whatever the day brings.
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men.
Colossians 3:23 · 18 words
Schoolwork and work done for the Lord.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 · 23 words
Let your light shine where you go today.
How to memorize Scripture as a family
- One verse every two weeks. Long enough for the youngest to learn it, short enough that the oldest stay interested. Twenty-six verses make a year.
- Tie it to a routine. Dinner, the drive to school, bedtime: say the verse at the same moment every day so no one has to remember to do it.
- Let the kids quiz the parents. Children love catching a grown-up who forgets a word. It keeps everyone practicing.
- Write it where you live. A whiteboard by the door, a card on the fridge, the flashcards from this page taped to a mirror.
- Talk about it. Ask one question at dinner: When could we use this verse this week? Then pray it together.
- Review on Sundays. Once a week, say every verse you have learned as a family. Tick them off on this page and watch the list grow.
More Bible memory verses
- Bible Memory Verses for Kids · 46 verses
- Bible Memory Verses for Preschoolers · 33 verses
- 52-Week Scripture Memory Plan · 52 verses
- Bible Memory Verses for Adults · 50 verses
- Bible reading plan for kids and families
- Prayer points for family
- A prayer for my family
- Grace before meals
Questions
What is a good family Bible verse?
Joshua 24:15, As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD, is the best-known family verse, and many families hang it by the door. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 explains why: parents are to talk about God’s words at home, on the road, at bedtime and in the morning.
How do you memorize Bible verses with young children?
Keep one short verse for a week or two, say it at the same time every day, add hand motions, and let children finish the last word. Older children can use Practice mode on this page as a game.
How many verses should a family memorize?
A verse every two weeks is a pace most families can keep, which is twenty-six a year. Reviewing old verses every week matters more than learning new ones quickly.