How to Memorize Long Bible Verses

The short answer

Split the verse where each thought or phrase ends. Learn the first part. Hide it and say it. Add the next part, then join both parts. Keep going until you can say the whole verse and reference.

A simple way to split a long Bible verse, learn each thought, and join the words again.

Split the verse by meaning

Do not cut the verse after the same number of words each time. Mark the natural thoughts. A comma, a new action, or a change in speaker may show a good place to pause.

Build a short chain

  1. Learn part one.
  2. Learn part two.
  3. Say parts one and two together.
  4. Add part three.
  5. Say the full verse.

Start at the hard spot

Do not always start from the first word. Start from the middle or the last part. This gives the hard words their own practice and keeps them from hiding behind a strong start.

Sources

How we make these guides

Remy makes Scripture-memory tools. We use complete World English Bible text and check these quotations against our bundled source. Meaning notes and practice tips are separate from the Bible text. Read the surrounding passage in your Bible, too.

Our exercises use recall and spaced review. A good practice today is a start; trying again on a later day shows what stayed. The sources below explain the method. Found a mistake? Tell us what needs fixing.

Common questions

How many words should each part have?

There is no fixed number. Split the verse where a thought or phrase ends.

Should I use the first-letter method?

It can be a useful hint. Make sure you also practice with no letters in view.

Why do I lose the middle of a long verse?

The start may get more practice. Start from the middle and learn the links around the hard part.