There are three parts to learn
- Meaning: What does the passage say?
- Words: Can you say the verse as it is written?
- Reference: Can you name the book, chapter, and verse?
A simple plan
- Read the verses around the passage.
- Say the reference.
- Say the verse.
- Say the reference again.
- Hide it all and try again.
Test both ways
Seeing a reference each time does not prove you know it. Hide it and try to name it.
Also start with the reference and say the verse. Then start with the verse and name the reference. You want both links to work.
For long passages
Do not always start at the first word. Start from a line in the middle. Practice the move from one verse to the next. This helps stop gaps in a long passage.
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
Why do I know the verse but not the reference?
The words and the reference are two things to recall. If the reference is always on the page, you may never practice saying it from memory.
When should I say the reference?
Say it before and after the verse while you learn. Then hide it and test it on its own.
Do the exact words matter?
They matter when you want to quote the Bible. Keep the words tied to their meaning and do not use a missed word to shame yourself.