Bible memory verses · 33 verses
Bible Memory Verses for Preschoolers and toddlers
These are the shortest Bible memory verses we could find for toddlers and preschoolers, ages two to five. The first group has seven words or fewer, the rest twelve or fewer. They are grouped by what little children ask about: who made me, does God love me, who is Jesus, how do I treat others, and what do I do when I am scared.
Little ones learn by hearing the same words many times, with their whole body. Say one verse at the same moment every day for a week, at bath time, in the car seat or at bedtime, add a hand motion, and let them say the last word. Every verse is from the Berean Standard Bible, word for word, and prints as flashcards.
First Bible verses for toddlers
Seven words or fewer: the size a two- or three-year-old can say back to you.
God is love.
1 John 4:16 · 3 words
Point up for God, hug yourself for love.
Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 · 4 words
Four words for sharing, helping and hugging.
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 · 3 words
Fold hands: we can talk to God anytime.
Rejoice in the Lord always.
Philippians 4:4 · 5 words
Rejoice means be very glad. Clap on the last word.
I am the good shepherd.
John 10:11 · 5 words
Jesus takes care of us like a shepherd with his sheep.
I am the light of the world.
John 8:12 · 7 words
A good one for bedtime, with the light still on.
I am with you always.
Matthew 28:20 · 5 words
Jesus is with us everywhere: at home, at church, at the doctor.
The LORD is good to all.
Psalm 145:9 · 6 words
God is good to everyone, big and small.
Come, follow Me.
Matthew 4:19 · 3 words
What Jesus said to the fishermen by the sea.
God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 · 5 words
For putting a coin in the offering, or sharing a snack.
God made me and everything
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 · 10 words
The first verse in the Bible. Point to the sky, then the ground.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14 · 6 words
God made every part of you, on purpose.
Great is our Lord, and mighty in power.
Psalm 147:5 · 8 words
Arms up high: God is big and strong.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6 · 8 words
Take a big breath, then say it loud.
God loves me
We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 · 7 words
We love because God loved us first.
For God so loved the world.
John 3:16 · 6 words
The beginning of the Bible’s most famous verse. Draw a big circle for the world.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.
Psalm 136:1 · 9 words
A thank-you verse for mealtimes.
He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 · 4 words
God cares about everything that worries you.
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 · 7 words
God is so glad about you that the Bible says He sings.
Memory verses about Jesus
A Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!
Luke 2:11 · 12 words
What the angel told the shepherds at Christmas.
He is not here; He has risen, just as He said!
Matthew 28:6 · 11 words
The good news of Easter morning.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 · 10 words
Jesus is always the same: yesterday, today, and forever.
I am the way and the truth and the life.
John 14:6 · 10 words
Jesus shows us the way to God.
Let the little children come to Me.
Matthew 19:14 · 7 words
Jesus welcomed children. He wants you to come to Him.
Being kind and obeying
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Ephesians 6:1 · 11 words
God asks children to listen to Mom and Dad.
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another.
Ephesians 4:32 · 7 words
Tenderhearted means gentle and caring.
A friend loves at all times.
Proverbs 17:17 · 6 words
Good friends keep on loving.
Love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:12 · 8 words
Jesus loves us, so we love others.
Honor your father and mother.
Exodus 20:12 · 5 words
One of the Ten Commandments.
When I’m scared
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
Psalm 56:3 · 10 words
For thunder, the dark, or a visit to the doctor.
Do not fear, for I am with you.
Isaiah 41:10 · 8 words
God says: don’t be scared, I’m right here.
I will lie down and sleep in peace.
Psalm 4:8 · 8 words
A bedtime verse. Say it with your head on the pillow.
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2 · 12 words
When we need help, God is the one who made the whole world.
How to teach a toddler or preschooler a Bible verse
- One verse, one week. Little children need to hear the same words many times. Keep one verse for a whole week, or two if they love it.
- Tie it to a moment. Bath time, buckling the car seat, the bedtime light: say the verse at the same moment every day and it becomes part of it.
- Use your hands. A motion for each phrase (point up for God, hug for love, arms wide for the world) helps them remember the words.
- Let them finish it. Say the verse and stop before the last word. They will shout it. Then stop earlier, until they say it all.
- Sing it. Sing the verse to a tune they already know, like Twinkle, Twinkle. Many children remember songs years later.
- Say what it means. One sentence is enough: God made everything, even you. Understanding helps the words stick.
More Bible memory verses
- Bible Memory Verses for Kids · 46 verses
- Bible Verses to Memorize as a Family · 26 verses
- 52-Week Scripture Memory Plan · 52 verses
- A bedtime prayer for kids
- Now I lay me down to sleep
- Bible coloring pages to print
- Prayer points for children
Questions
Can a 2 year old memorize Bible verses?
Yes, short ones. Many two-year-olds can say a three- or four-word verse like God is love (1 John 4:16) or Do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:14) after hearing it every day for a week or two, especially with a hand motion.
What is a good memory verse for a 4 year old?
A verse of about ten words they can understand: Genesis 1:1, Psalm 56:3, 1 John 4:19 or Ephesians 6:1. When those are easy, try the 3 and 4 year olds section on our Bible memory verses for kids page.
How long should a preschool memory verse be?
Short enough to say in one breath: about four to twelve words. If a verse is longer, use its best-known line, as several verses on this page do, and add the rest when your child is older.