In Deuteronomy God instructs the children of Israel to teach His words to their children. Sometimes this comes easily and other times we are at a bit of a loss. How about we start with short Bible verses for kids?

These are wonderful for memorization, family devotions, notes scribbled in lunch boxes, or copied for a penmanship lesson.

I should put a disclaimer here, not all of these verses are short! I tried to keep to the less lengthy ones, but some of these are so important to study with our children, such as those in the “life verses for children” category, that I included them as well.

Plus, short for a preschooler and short for a sixth grader are quite different. You will find verses for all of your kids here.

What is a Good Bible Verse for a Child?

So, what is a good Bible verse for a child? I always begin Bible study with verses about God’s love. I do this for several reasons.

First, God is love and it is the main theme running through scripture. Secondly, I want my children to first feel secure and at peace in God’s love. As adults we often complicate faith.

Thirdly, I have a very specific memory of singing “Jesus Loves Me” in Sunday school. I was about 4 years old and my teacher was playing guitar. I truly, with all of my heart, believed those words. That belief has seen me through some very difficult times in life. I want that for my kids.

Here are a few Bible verses to help your children understand how much God loves them.

“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 36:7)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

For more verses check out “Inspirational Bible Verses for Kids about God’s Love”.

We also want Bible verses that teach about trusting God. Life is hard. Your kids will experience difficult and painful seasons. Short Bible verses for kids about relying on a God that is the great, all powerful, and yet personal and active in our lives will help them as they navigate life’s ups and downs.

Here are short Bible verses for kids to grow their faith and teach them to trust God to help them.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1)

Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice. (Psalm 55:17)

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Short Bible Verses about Kindness

These short Bible verses about kindness are pretty much guides for how we should treat each other. There is no denying that we fight our sinful nature from day one and we need to teach these concepts.

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)

Judge not, that you be not judged. (Matthew 7:1)

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. (Luke 6:31)

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1)

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; (Romans 3:8)

You might also be interested in “Bible Verses about Brothers to Encourage Love and Peace in Your Family”

Easy Bible Verses to Memorize

Since our goal here is hiding God’s word in the hearts of our young people, let’s talk about easy Bible verses to memorize. Reading and reciting scripture together every day may be enough to help them remember these short verses, but you can also play games or use the verses as penmanship practice.

My favorite game to play to help my kids memorize scripture is done on a chalkboard or dry erase board. I write the verse on the board and we read it together. I erase one or two words and we read the verses again inserting the missing words. We continue this until the board is blank and we are still “reading” the verse.

Here are some short Bible verses for kids that are perfect for memorization.

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (Psalm 1:22)

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. (Psalm 119:9)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5)

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. (1 John 5:3)

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Life Verses for Children

The word of God is our standard. In a world that is full of sin and a society that accepts wickedness, it is our role as parents to teach our children what is right and wrong. The only true measure of right and wrong is the Bible.

These life verses for children are important pillars of our faith and well, life in general.

God created the world.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

God created you.

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)

We all sin and need salvation through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

Keep God first.

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  (Matthew 22:37)

Choose your friends wisely.

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)

Our actions have consequences.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7)

Very Short Bible Verses

The shortest Bible verse is “Jesus wept” from the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11. It may be only two words long, but it teaches us of Jesus’s love and compassion as well as his humanness.

Other very short Bible verses are…

Rejoice always, (1Thessalonians 5:16)

Pray without ceasing,  (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Remember Lot’s wife. (Luke 17:32)

You shall not murder. (Exodus 20:13)

You shall not steal. (Exodus 20:15)

Bible Verse Coloring Pages for Kids

Bible verse coloring pages can help kids remember scripture and keep little hands busy while reading Bible stories. Because we have a nine year age difference between my oldest and my youngest, I find coloring pages really useful. The younger kids color while I have a deeper discussion with the older kids. They still hear the lesson, but don’t get bored.

Another great thing about Bible verse coloring pages for kids is it gives kids a visual connection to an often abstract concept.

Here at Lessons from Home, we have several free Bible coloring pages for kids. Check out these posts (the printables are in the body of the post).

Religious Easter Coloring Pages

Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Book

More great Bible verses coloring Pages for Kids!

10 Lepers Bible Workbook by Mindy Jones Blog

Thanksgiving Coloring Pages with Bible Verses by Mindy Jones Blog

Birth of Jesus Coloring Book by Savoring Each Moment

Moses Coloring Pages by Savoring Each Moment

Free Bible Coloring Pages by Gentle Christian Parenting

I hope this round up of short Bible verses for kids helps your children grow in faith and form a life long love of studying scripture.