Today we will talk about short bible verses for kids. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. We will focus on short, easy-to-remember Bible verses that help children learn important truths like God’s love, trust, kindness, courage, and prayer. Short bible verses for kids help children carry God’s promises in their hearts. They are simple enough to memorize, yet deep enough to shape a young life. As we read together, let us be gentle and encouraging, helping kids enjoy scripture and feel close to God. In this collection, we pick verses that speak clearly to a child’s world—home, school, friends, and play—so that learning Scripture is a joyful habit. We will group these verses by theme to make it easy for families, teachers, and small groups to teach and discuss them. Let us read slowly, repeat often, and let these short bible verses for kids become bright signposts for faith, hope, and love in everyday life.
short bible verses for kids
Most Relevant Verse
We chose a very special verse to start our journey. It shows how Jesus welcomed children and valued their hearts. As we gather these short bible verses for kids, we remember this warm invitation—Jesus wanted children close and loved. This verse helps us feel that the simple, trusting faith of kids is precious to God and that short verses can open the door to a lifetime of faith.
Matthew 19:14
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 19:14
short bible verses for kids
God’s Love for Children
We want our children to know that God loves them deeply. When we teach short bible verses for kids about God’s love, we give them simple treasures to repeat and carry in their hearts. These short bible verses for kids remind us that God’s love is bigger than we can imagine, steady in good times and hard times. In our homes and churches, we can say these verses together, use them at bedtime, or sing them with motions so kids remember both the words and the meaning. When children know God’s love, they grow in confidence and kindness. We can use these short bible verses for kids to show that God is near, God forgives, and God cares about each small thing we face. As we practice these verses with little ones, we also build a routine of turning to Scripture when we need strength, comfort, or joy. Let us teach these verses with smiles and patience, making sure that learning about God’s love is always encouraging and never rushed.
1 John 4:8
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. – 1 John 4:8
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. – John 3:16
Romans 5:8
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Psalm 103:11
“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. – Psalm 103:11
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. – Zephaniah 3:17
short bible verses for kids
Trusting God Everyday
We want our children to learn to trust God in the small things and the big things. Short bible verses for kids about trusting God can be quick reminders when they feel afraid at night, nervous about a test, or worried about a friend. Using short bible verses for kids helps us build a habit: when something worries them, we turn to a verse together and say it out loud. Over time, these short bible verses for kids become confident words in their hearts. We can explain trust as choosing to believe God even when we don’t understand everything. Trust grows when we practice: praying, reading short bible verses for kids, and talking about what they mean. As a family, we can make trust verses part of our morning routine or bedtime, helping children see how God cares for daily life. These short verses are not just memorized lines—they become tools that help us choose courage over fear and faith over worry. We remind each other that God is faithful and that trusting Him is always a good choice.
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5
Psalm 56:3
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. – Psalm 56:3
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. – Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 37:5
“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. – Psalm 37:5
Jeremiah 17:7
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. – Jeremiah 17:7
short bible verses for kids
Kindness and Loving Others
We want to cultivate hearts that choose kindness every day. Short bible verses for kids about kindness make it easy for children to remember how God wants us to treat others. These short bible verses for kids teach that being kind is not just a nice idea—it is a way we show God’s love to others. We can practice by saying a verse before school, or by acting it out: doing a helpful chore, sharing toys, or saying a kind word. When we use short bible verses for kids about loving others, we give simple moral guideposts that are easy to repeat and explain at a child’s level. We also encourage children to ask questions: What does kindness look like today? Who can I help? Over time, these short bible verses for kids help form habits of compassion and patience. We remind children that kindness is a small action with a big effect, and these verses help us choose kindness again and again.
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, – Galatians 5:22
Matthew 7:12
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. – Matthew 7:12
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Luke 6:31
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. – Luke 6:31
short bible verses for kids
Obedience and Respect
We want our children to grow up respecting others and following helpful rules. Short bible verses for kids about obedience explain why listening to parents and teachers is part of loving God and caring for people. These short bible verses for kids are simple reminders: respect is not just doing what you’re told—it is about heart and attitude. When we teach short bible verses for kids about obedience, we help children understand the positive reasons behind rules: safety, love, and learning. We can practice by role-playing, praising obedience, and repeating short bible verses for kids at moments when choices are made. The verses also help us talk about how God guides us through parents and leaders. We don’t want obedience to be fear-based but trust-based: obeying helps us grow in wisdom. By learning these short bible verses for kids together, we create a loving home where respect is practiced, explained, and celebrated.
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. – Ephesians 6:1
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. – Colossians 3:20
Exodus 20:12
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. – Exodus 20:12
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: – Proverbs 6:20
Proverbs 1:8
“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: – Proverbs 1:8
short bible verses for kids
Courage and Being Brave
We want children to be brave, not by ignoring fears but by trusting God’s strength. Short bible verses for kids about courage give simple, bold phrases to say when they feel scared. These short bible verses for kids remind us that God is always with us and gives strength when we need it. We can teach these short bible verses for kids by practicing them before a big event—a test, a move, or a doctor visit—and by telling stories of Bible heroes who trusted God. When kids have short bible verses for kids tucked in their memories, they can say them quietly when afraid and feel God’s presence. We also encourage children to talk about their fears and use these verses as a place to rest their hearts. Courage grows when we take one small step with God’s help, and short bible verses for kids act like friendly reminders that we do not walk alone.
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. – Joshua 1:9
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. – Philippians 4:13
Psalm 27:1
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? – Psalm 27:1
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. – 2 Timothy 1:7
Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31
short bible verses for kids
Talking to God: Prayer
We want children to know that prayer is simply talking to God. Short bible verses for kids about prayer teach that God listens and cares about even little things. These short bible verses for kids can be said before meals, at bedtime, or whenever worry comes. When we make prayer a simple habit, kids learn to bring both joys and fears to God. We encourage children to use these short bible verses for kids as starters—short lines they can say by themselves until they feel ready to speak from the heart. We also model prayer by praying with them and showing how to thank God, ask for help, and listen quietly. Short bible verses for kids about prayer remind us that God is near, that we can bring our needs, and that prayer builds trust and peace in everyday life.
Philippians 4:6
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. – Philippians 4:6
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. – Matthew 7:7
Psalm 55:22
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. – Psalm 55:22
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. – Mark 11:24
short bible verses for kids
Gratitude and Thankfulness
We want to teach children to notice blessings and say thank you to God. Short bible verses for kids about gratitude are quick ways to remind us to be thankful for both big and little gifts—food, family, friends, and sunsets. Short bible verses for kids help form a habit of thanks that protects hearts from grumbling and grows joy. We can use these verses at mealtime or before bed: a short phrase remembered and repeated helps children pause and name what they are grateful for. Teaching short bible verses for kids about thankfulness also helps children see God as provider and friend. We encourage families to celebrate small thank-you moments and to let kids say why they are thankful out loud. Over time, these short bible verses for kids become steady reminders that God is good and his gifts are many.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Psalm 107:1
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. – Psalm 107:1
Psalm 118:1
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. – Psalm 118:1
Psalm 9:1
“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. – Psalm 9:1
Psalm 95:2
“Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. – Psalm 95:2
short bible verses for kids
Wisdom and Making Good Choices
We want to guide children to make wise choices. Short bible verses for kids about wisdom help them pause, think, and choose well. Wisdom is not only knowing things; it is using God’s truth in our actions. Short bible verses for kids work as gentle reminders at decision points: what to say, how to share, when to be honest. We use simple steps—say a verse, talk it over, and pray for help. When we teach short bible verses for kids about wisdom, we show that asking God for guidance is a daily habit. We can ask children to explain what a verse means in their own words, so the verse becomes personal and practical. Over time, short bible verses for kids help build a pattern of listening to God and choosing what is right.
Proverbs 3:6
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. – Proverbs 3:6
Psalm 119:105
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. – Psalm 119:105
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. – James 1:5
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7
Proverbs 4:7
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. – Proverbs 4:7
short bible verses for kids
Friendship, Sharing, and Helping Others
We want children to learn how to be good friends and helpers. Short bible verses for kids about friendship and sharing give clear ideas about loving others and being generous. These short bible verses for kids can be used to teach empathy: listening, encouraging, and sharing with those in need. We can practice by role-playing or sharing snacks while saying a verse together. Short bible verses for kids break down big ideas into simple lines children can repeat at recess or during playdates. When children memorize these short bible verses for kids, they learn that being a friend is a little act done many times. We also encourage children to think of ways they can help, and to say these verses as a reminder that love is action, not only words.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. – Proverbs 17:17
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. – John 15:12
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. – Hebrews 10:24
Acts 20:35
“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. – Acts 20:35
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; – Romans 12:10
short bible verses for kids
Peace, Rest, and God’s Comfort
We want children to experience calm and trust when life is busy or scary. Short bible verses for kids about peace and rest help them remember that God cares and gives comfort. These short bible verses for kids are short prayers and promises that can be said when a child feels upset or can’t sleep. We teach that turning to God brings quiet strength. We can practice breathing and saying a verse slowly before bed or when worries come. Short bible verses for kids also remind parents and teachers to be patient and calm models. When children memorize these short bible verses for kids, they gain tools to soothe their hearts and to remind themselves that God is near. We keep the practice simple and steady, turning these verses into a safe place they can return to any time.
Matthew 11:28
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7
Psalm 4:8
“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. – Psalm 4:8
Isaiah 26:3
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. – Isaiah 26:3
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. – John 14:27
Final Thoughts
I have loved gathering these short bible verses for kids because they are simple tools that help shape young hearts. We can use them at home, in Sunday school, or during quiet moments to remind children of God’s love, faithfulness, and care. Short verses make Scripture accessible and memorable, and they help us point kids to Jesus in everyday life.
We can make learning fun—say them with motions, sing them, or write them on cards. As we practice these short bible verses for kids together, we build a habit of turning to God in every situation. These little verses can become lifelong anchors that guide choices and comfort hearts.
Let us be patient and creative as we teach these short bible verses for kids. Together we can help the children in our lives grow in trust, kindness, courage, and peace, carrying God’s promises with them as they learn and play.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
