Bible Passages to Be Memorized

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." — Psalm 119:11

Introduction to Biblical Literature

Four biblical passages must be memorized as part of the Introduction to Biblical Literature course. For your convenience, here is the wording of those passages from the New International Version. Wording from other translations can be used with the professor’s prior permission.

The word count is given so you can better check to see if you’ve left anything out when writing a passage from memory.

The Ten Commandments, Exodus 20

Also called the Decalogue or "ten words"

Drawing of two stone tablets with the words Take two tablets written underneath

160 words

³ You shall have no other gods before me.
⁴ You shall not make for yourself an idol.
⁷ You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.
⁸ Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
¹² Honor your father and your mother.
¹³ You shall not murder.
¹⁴ You shall not commit adultery.
¹⁵ You shall not steal.
¹⁶ You shall not give false testimony.
¹⁷ You shall not covet.

A blog post on the Ten Commandments

Psalm 23

117 words

¹ The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

A blog post on Psalm 23

The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3–12

141 words

³ Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
¹¹ Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Blog post on Matthew 5:8

The "Kenosis" Passage: Philippians 2:5–11

117 words

    ⁵ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
⁷ but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
    ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross!
    ⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What Does "Verbatim" Mean?

Several times during the semester, Professor Jon Middendorf reviewed in class the Introduction to Biblical Literature syllabus section about memorizing specific biblical passages. The text of those passages was supplied on a sheet in the syllabus.

Showing students that sheet, Prof. Middendorf told them to memorize the text on that page exactly as presented — verbatim from the Bible.

Later, a student — upon receiving her graded memory quiz and seeing she had not scored well — commented to him, "Man, your definition of verbatim is too strict."

"Take two tablets" graphic is from a poster by Church Ad Project.

"Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."' — Matthew 4:4

— Howard Culbertson

How to Memorize Bible Verses: 17 Tips

Use these strategies to help you memorize Bible verses:

Break passages into smaller chunks for easier recall.
Create acronyms, rhymes, or vivid associations.
Repeat the verses frequently.
Use visual aids like diagrams or mind maps.
Teach someone else what you've memorized.
Review the verses over time for better retention.
Engage multiple senses — speak, write, and review the verses.
Turn verses into a story format for easier retention.
Study in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
Get quality sleep — it aids memory consolidation.
Keep your materials organized.
Use the "memory palace" method.
Review verses before sleep to reinforce learning.
Maintain hydration and nutrition for cognitive health.
Use memory apps or flashcards.
Set rewards for reaching your goals.
Stay positive — your mindset matters!

Noteworthy Quotes About Memorizing Bible Verses

“The very practice of reading [the Bible] will have a purifying effect upon your mind and heart. Let nothing take the place of this daily exercise.” — Billy Graham, Peace with God, p. 121.
“As a pastor, teacher, and counselor, I have repeatedly seen the transformation of inner and outer life that comes simply from memorization and meditation upon Scripture.” — Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines, p. 150.
“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding than memorizing Scripture… No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends!” — Chuck Swindoll, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, p. 61.
“The only way to keep a broken vessel full is to keep the faucet running. Memorizing Scripture is like keeping the faucet running.” — D.L. Moody, Secret Power, chapter 2.