Justin Hale Supporter

The Bible describes divine wisdom as being made up of two special 'gifts' that GOD gives to everyone when we receive the Holy Spirit. These two fundamental gifts are the shared basis for all of the more specific gifts given out "individually just as He wills," (1 Corinthians 12:11). 

Those two fundamental gifts are called 'synesis,' (Greek koine: 'puzzle solving,' usually translated 'understanding'), and 'phronesis,' (Greek koine: 'wise insight,' usually translated 'prudence'). 

The best way to 'memorize' scripture is through a combined use of these gifts, both of which are highly emotion-based while stimulating our conscious intellect in new ways. In fact, simply exercising these gifts can actually make you considerably more intelligent in all other ways, because you start to view the world in wiser and more realistic contexts, including having better imagination and contemplation skills, (Proverbs 24:5, 1 Corinthians 1:25). 

One excellent way to develop 'synesis' skills is to study the Bible in its original languages, or at least stop and remember where the same cultural language words are used in every other place in scripture. You can look up a word and see all of the places in the Bible where that word or its root words are used. Each context reveals something new about its full meaning. You will find that these related verses will 'stick' naturally in your mind. When you encounter one, you will then start to recall them all like a big puzzle. You will visibly notice the Holy Spirit 'helping' this process.

That will enable you to not only memorize scripture, but memorize it in a way that will confirm doctrines and express truths that appear repeatedly throughout the Bible. As this skill grows, you will also come to sudden and deeper conclusions or observations. This is the beginning of 'phronesis.' Phronesis enables us to look deeply into meanings of words and doctrines and perceive what the Holy Spirit is really trying to say and why. 

We begin to see everything around us as part of something larger and deeper. We also begin to see clear connections between things based on their source, whether this source is human or spiritual. This gift makes memorizing the Bible even easier. That is because having this kind of applied wisdom is very exciting, and the only thing then standing in our way is remembering exactly how words and phrases are constructed in the Bible.

With all of that motivation, memorization becomes more fun than a chore, which is exactly as Yahweh GOD intended it to be, (Matthew 11:30).

April 17 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

How can I memorize Bible verses? The tactile technique works best for me. I print the verses out on a little memo pad that fits in my back pocket (of my pants). Sometimes I will write them out, too.

A study conducted in 2021 at the University of Tokyo concluded that the increased spatial processing the brain undertakes for writing is likely the cause of faster and more accurate recall. Students were asked to take notes from a shared calendar. One group took handwritten notes, while another group took electronic notes. When asked to write what they recalled, the students who wrote the schedule electronically remembered the information and finished the test in 14-16 minutes, while those who wrote the schedule by hand finished in only 11 minutes!

I memorize many of my verses from the English Standard Version (ESV) because that is the version ebible.com uses. 

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (ESV):
"And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel."

Tactile Memorization Ideas for Deuteronomy 17:18-20:

Write It Out Like a King

Just as the verse instructs the king to write a copy of the law, you can do the same!
Write it neatly in a special notebook dedicated to Scripture memory.
Try writing it once per day until memorized.
Use Index Cards

Write each phrase on a separate index card.
Shuffle them and try to put them in order.
Gradually remove some cards as you recall more of the verse.
Hand Gestures & Movement

Act out key phrases:
“Write for himself” (pretend to write).
“Read it all the days” (motion opening a book).
“That he may learn to fear the Lord” (hands in prayer).
“Not turn aside” (move hands side to side).
Touch & Read

Place sticky notes in spots you visit daily (desk, fridge, bathroom mirror).
Each time you touch one, read the verse aloud.
Stone or Clay Tablet Exercise

Write the verse on a small wooden board or press it into soft clay.
The act of engraving or pressing words will help cement it in your memory.
Step-by-Step Writing

Write the full verse on a whiteboard.
Erase one word at a time while repeating it until nothing is left and you can say it from memory.
This passage is powerful for reminding us of the importance of God’s Word in leadership and daily life.

So we're already using excellent tactile techniques! Here are a few more that might work well for you:

Sensory Writing Techniques
Sand or Rice Writing – Pour sand or rice onto a tray and use your finger to write out the verse.
Textured Paper – Write the verse on rough-textured paper with a marker to engage touch memory.
Chalk or Dry-Erase Board – Writing on a different surface adds variety and reinforces retention.
Interactive Memorization
Puzzle Pieces – Write phrases on puzzle pieces and assemble them in order.
Sticky Note Trail – Place parts of the verse on sticky notes around your room and recite as you walk from one to another.
Physical Engagement
Write and Walk – Walk while reciting and writing a verse in a pocket notebook.
Verse on a Ball – Write the verse on a small ball; toss it in the air while saying the next word.
Jump or Clap Per Word – Engage rhythm to lock in the wording.
Object Association
Tactile Objects – Hold a small item (e.g., a stone for "rock of salvation") while reciting a related verse.
String Knots – Tie a knot in a string for each key phrase and feel the knots as you recall the verse.

9 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report