How to Memorize Scripture Using Word Associations
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I remember the first time I saw this idea presented. I thought it was silly, juvenile, and I felt really, really silly even participating in it.
But here’s the thing.
It worked!!!
The presentation I saw took place over 20 years ago and showed us how to memorized the 10 Commandments in order using word associations.
And after 20 years, I still use that method and know them all in order by heart.
While this may seem really silly to you, I promise you it works.
If you have trouble memorizing Scripture, particularly larger portions of Scripture, I encourage you to give this a try, because it works so well.
Here’s how I learned how I learned the 10 Commandments in order using word associations:
1 – Bun: “You shall have no other God’s before me”. Envision a hamburger bun with an idol in it.
2 – Shoe: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image.” Envision a shoe kicking a hammer and chisel while crushing a carved image.
3 – Key: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” Envision a key locking your mouth.
4 – Door: “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” This one made me laugh because SabBATH. Envision door in a bathtub. You wont forget this one.
5 – Hive: “Honor your father and your mother…” Envision little baby bees around a beehive.
6 – Sticks: “You shall not murder”. Envision two sticks in the shape of guns.
7 – Heaven: “You shall not commit adultery.” Envision a married couple entering heaven together.
8 – Gate: “You shall not steal.” Envision a jail cell if you break this commandment.
9 – Vine: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Envision a snake on a vine.
10 – Hen: “You shall not covet.” Envision a hen laying golden eggs.
This format is easy for other lists in the Bible: such as in the Proverbs, Gospels, Pauline Epistles, and more.
Do you find it hard to memorize? What have you found works for you to help you memorize God’s Word?
More Resources on memorizing, meditation on Scripture and Fasting:
I’m not sure your word play would work with me (those specific words/images I mean) but I sometimes use words or themes to help. I’m currently learning Philippians 4:8, part of which (in one version) goes:
Whatever is true, whatever is noble
whatever is right, whatever is pure…
To remember which two go with each other I picture a man dressed like a knight who is holding a sword. He is true to his “side” and noble in a fight. Then I picture a woman who is wearing a chastity belt who is right in her choice of chastity till marriage and therefore pure.
IT sounds weird but it works for me.
I love it!! Those kinds of word associations work so well to help us remember. At the end of the day, whatever works to help us hide God’s Word in our heart. 🙂
Love this! I have always struggled with the order of that scripture. Thank you for sharing ?
Yes – this helped me so much, too!