Scripture Memorization

[ByTheSpirit]

Not sure what forum this should go in, so hopefully it fits here.

When memorizing scripture, is it more important to know verbatim what is written? Or is it more important for the message of the text?

 

[RDKirk]

I think memorizing scripture can be very important. I've heard more than one Vietnam prisoner of war report that having memorized scripture carried them through years of internment hardship.

Moreover, I know that the Holy Spirit often communicates by bringing scripture to mind in moments of spiritual attack (see the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness). If the scripture isn't "in there," the Holy Spirit's means of communication is unnecessarily limited.

Having said that, I personally have an enormously hard time remembering large passages of scripture. Actually, I have always had a hard time remembering my phone number and other things.

But I do have a lot of "message" memorized, and where in scripture those messages are located. That's not a bad thing, but I don't rationalize it as being as good or better than having actually memorized the scripture.

 

[A_Thinker]

Not sure what forum this should go in, so hopefully it fits here.

When memorizing scripture, is it more important to know verbatim what is written? Or is it more important for the message of the text?

The meaning is more important, though the written word helps to keep you on point ...

 

[ByTheSpirit]

The meaning is more important, though the written word helps to keep you on point ...

I think I lean this way as well. I tend to get down on myself when I know I mess up a recital. Try to remind myself that the message is probably more important than how its phrased or remembered. Seems like a fine line between the two

 

[Jonaitis]

Not sure what forum this should go in, so hopefully it fits here.

When memorizing scripture, is it more important to know verbatim what is written? Or is it more important for the message of the text?

I would say it is important first to know the meaning, but it is good to know them verbatim so that the meaning remains restrained by the text instead of wandering into our own personal touch.

 

[St. Helens]

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[JCFantasy23]

I have a horrible memory, but in discussions can recall that scripture does address a topic that someone brings up, and then I can go and seek it out. I remember themes and if something is mentioned, and the point of it, but rarely exact phrasing.