Bible memorization decks, book by book (KJV)

Genesis

Beginnings: creation, the fall, the flood, and the covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Also learn first: Genesis 1:27, Genesis 12:2, Genesis 50:20

Exodus

Israel delivered from Egypt, the Passover, the crossing of the sea, and the giving of the Law at Sinai.

Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Also learn first: Exodus 14:14, Exodus 20:3, Exodus 34:6

Leviticus

Holiness, sacrifice, and the priesthood: how a holy God is approached and worshiped.

Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Also learn first: Leviticus 20:26, Leviticus 11:44

Numbers

Israel in the wilderness: the census, the wanderings, and the cost of unbelief.

Numbers 6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

Also learn first: Numbers 6:25, Numbers 6:26, Numbers 23:19

Deuteronomy

Moses renews the covenant: love the Lord your God with all your heart, remember, and obey.

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

Also learn first: Deuteronomy 6:5, Deuteronomy 31:6, Deuteronomy 8:3

Joshua

Entering the promised land: courage, conquest, and the faithfulness of God to His word.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Also learn first: Joshua 24:15, Joshua 1:8

Judges

A cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance when everyone did what was right in their own eyes.

Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Also learn first: Judges 6:12

Ruth

Loyalty, redemption, and providence: a Moabite woman grafted into the line of David.

Ruth 1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

Also learn first: Ruth 2:12

1 Samuel

From Samuel to Saul to David: the Lord looks on the heart, not the outward appearance.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Also learn first: 1 Samuel 15:22

2 Samuel

David's reign, his covenant, his fall, and his repentance.

2 Samuel 7:22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Also learn first: 2 Samuel 22:2

1 Kings

Solomon's wisdom and temple, then a kingdom divided and the prophets who confront it.

1 Kings 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Also learn first: 1 Kings 8:23

2 Kings

The decline and exile of Israel and Judah, and the mercy that endured through the prophets.

2 Kings 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

Also learn first: 2 Kings 17:13

1 Chronicles

Israel's history retold through worship and the promises to David.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

Also learn first: 1 Chronicles 29:11

2 Chronicles

The temple, the kings of Judah, and the call to humble prayer and return.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Also learn first: 2 Chronicles 16:9

Ezra

Return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple and the worshiping community.

Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Nehemiah

Rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem through prayer, work, and perseverance under opposition.

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Also learn first: Nehemiah 6:9

Esther

Hidden providence: a queen raised up for such a time as this to save her people.

Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Job

Suffering, faith, and the sovereignty of God when there are no easy answers.

Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Also learn first: Job 19:25, Job 42:2

Psalms

The prayer book of Scripture: praise, lament, trust, and worship for every season of the heart.

Psalms 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Also learn first: Psalms 46:1, Psalms 119:105, Psalms 27:1

Proverbs

Practical wisdom for daily life: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Also learn first: Proverbs 3:6, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 16:3

Ecclesiastes

The search for meaning under the sun, ending in the fear of God and keeping His commandments.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Also learn first: Ecclesiastes 12:13

Song of Solomon

A poem of covenant love and delight between the bride and the beloved.

Song of Solomon 8:7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

Also learn first: Song of Solomon 2:4

Isaiah

Judgment and comfort: the Holy One of Israel and the promised suffering servant.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Also learn first: Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 53:5, Isaiah 9:6

Jeremiah

The weeping prophet, the coming exile, and the promise of a new covenant.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Also learn first: Jeremiah 1:5, Jeremiah 17:7

Lamentations

Grief over a fallen city, and mercies that are new every morning.

Lamentations 3:22 It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Also learn first: Lamentations 3:23

Ezekiel

Visions of glory and judgment, and a promise of a new heart and a new spirit.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Also learn first: Ezekiel 37:5

Daniel

Faithfulness in exile and the sovereignty of God over the kingdoms of men.

Daniel 3:17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

Also learn first: Daniel 12:3

Hosea

God's relentless, redeeming love for an unfaithful people.

Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Also learn first: Hosea 6:3

Joel

The day of the Lord and the promise to pour out His Spirit on all flesh.

Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Also learn first: Joel 2:13

Amos

Justice and righteousness rolling down like waters against empty religion.

Amos 5:24 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Obadiah

Judgment on pride and the certainty that the kingdom belongs to the Lord.

Obadiah 1:15 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

Jonah

A reluctant prophet and the wide mercy of God toward those we would rather forget.

Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

Also learn first: Jonah 4:2

Micah

What the Lord requires: to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Also learn first: Micah 7:18

Nahum

The Lord is good, a stronghold in trouble, and just in judgment.

Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

Habakkuk

Honest questions and settled faith: the just shall live by his faith.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Also learn first: Habakkuk 3:19

Zephaniah

The day of the Lord and the God who rejoices over His people with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Haggai

Consider your ways: put first the house and glory of God.

Haggai 2:9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

Zechariah

Visions of restoration and the coming King, not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.

Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Also learn first: Zechariah 9:9

Malachi

A final call to faithfulness and the promise of the coming messenger.

Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Also learn first: Malachi 3:6

Matthew

Jesus the promised King, the Sermon on the Mount, and the great commission.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Also learn first: Matthew 11:28, Matthew 28:19, Matthew 5:16

Mark

Jesus the servant on the move: fast-paced, action-driven, laying down His life for many.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Also learn first: Mark 12:30

Luke

Jesus the Savior of the lost, told with mercy for the poor, the outsider, and the sinner.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Also learn first: Luke 6:31

John

Jesus the Word made flesh: believe and have life in His name.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Also learn first: John 1:1, John 14:6, John 15:5

Acts

The Spirit-empowered church spreading the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Also learn first: Acts 4:12

Romans

The gospel explained: justified by faith, no condemnation, and nothing can separate us from God's love.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Also learn first: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 12:2

1 Corinthians

Unity, the cross, spiritual gifts, and the greatest of these: love.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Also learn first: 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Corinthians 15:58

2 Corinthians

Strength in weakness and comfort in affliction: My grace is sufficient for thee.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Also learn first: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Galatians

Freedom in Christ and the fruit of the Spirit, not the works of the law.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Also learn first: Galatians 2:20, Galatians 6:9

Ephesians

Grace, unity in Christ, and the whole armor of God.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Also learn first: Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 6:11

Philippians

Joy in every circumstance: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Also learn first: Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:7

Colossians

The supremacy of Christ, in whom dwells all the fulness of the Godhead.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Also learn first: Colossians 3:23

1 Thessalonians

Living to please God while waiting for the Lord's return.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

Also learn first: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

2 Thessalonians

Standing firm in hope, and the faithfulness of the Lord to establish you.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

1 Timothy

Sound doctrine and godly leadership: fight the good fight of faith.

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Also learn first: 1 Timothy 4:12

2 Timothy

A final charge to endure: preach the word and finish the course.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Also learn first: 2 Timothy 3:16

Titus

Sound teaching that produces good works and godly living.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Philemon

A personal appeal for forgiveness and welcome in Christ.

Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews

Jesus, better than everything before Him: hold fast the profession of faith.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Also learn first: Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 12:1, Hebrews 13:8

James

Faith that works: wisdom, the tongue, and doing the word, not hearing only.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Also learn first: James 1:22, James 4:8

1 Peter

Hope and holiness through suffering: casting all your care upon Him.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Also learn first: 1 Peter 2:9

2 Peter

Growing in grace and knowledge, and the certainty of the Lord's promise.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Also learn first: 2 Peter 1:3

1 John

Assurance of eternal life, walking in the light, and God is love.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Also learn first: 1 John 4:19, 1 John 4:8

2 John

Walking in truth and love, and guarding sound teaching.

2 John 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

3 John

Faithfulness, hospitality, and doing good.

3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Jude

Contending for the faith and kept by the One able to keep you from falling.

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Also learn first: Jude 1:3

Revelation

The unveiling of Jesus Christ, the end of the story, and the making of all things new.

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Also learn first: Revelation 3:20, Revelation 22:13