Jesus welcomed little children (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14). Parents are told to train up a child (Proverbs 22:6) and teach God's words diligently (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Simple verses like Psalm 119:105 ("Thy word is a lamp") and Psalm 127:3 (children as a heritage) are favorites for young hearts.
These twelve King James verses are short enough to memorize and clear enough for kindergarteners and young children—with a little help from a parent or teacher. This page is for Scripture kids can learn, not worksheets or coloring pages (those live on their own pages).
Jesus loves children
1. 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."
Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Kids are welcome with Him.
2. Mark 10:14
"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
When Jesus saw them keeping children away, he was much displeased: "Suffer the little children to come unto me."
3. Luke 18:16
"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
Luke's parallel: Jesus called them unto him and said to let little children come—the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
4. Matthew 18:2-3
"And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Jesus set a little child in the midst and said: except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Teach them God's word
5. Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Early training shapes a lifelong path.
6. Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
These words shall be in thine heart: teach them diligently unto thy children—talk of them at home, on the way, at bedtime and morning.
7. Deuteronomy 11:19
"And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Teach God's words to your children, speaking of them when you sit, walk, lie down, and rise up. Everyday moments are teaching times.
8. 2 Timothy 3:15
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
From a child Timothy knew the holy scriptures, which are able to make wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Simple verses to remember
9. Psalms 119:105
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. A simple picture kids grasp: God's word lights the way.
10. Psalms 127:3
"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Children are a gift from God.
11. Psalms 119:11
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Memorizing Scripture plants God's word inside.
12. Ephesians 6:1
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right."
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. A clear, one-line call kids can understand.
A short prayer
Lord Jesus, You welcomed little children. Help our kids hide Your word in their hearts. Give parents and teachers patience to train them in Your ways. Light their path with Your word. Amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
Download our free SOAP study page · Get the SOAP Bible Study Journal
Frequently asked questions
What are easy Bible verses for kids to memorize?
Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:11, Ephesians 6:1, and Matthew 19:14 are short and clear for young children.
Where does Jesus say let the little children come?
Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14, and Luke 18:16.
What verse says train up a child?
Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Are these verses for kindergarteners?
Yes—the target audience includes kindergarten age. Read them aloud, explain big words simply, and memorize one line at a time.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
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