Remember the Words: Why and How to Make Scripture Memory a Way of Life

by Dakota Lynch

Word-perfect accuracy is important when memorizing Scripture,

Don't make Scripture memory even harder by abandoning the translation with which you're most familiar.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God" (2 Tim. 3:16).

Theologians refer to this doctrine as “verbal plenary inspiration.” God didn't just inspire the "big ideas" of Scripture; He chose the exact words! That’s why it’s important to select a literal, word-for-word translation that honors this principle.

While no language can be translated 100% word-for-word, choose a literal translation that honors the way God has “breathed out” Scripture “in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit” (2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Cor. 2:13).

It's much better to translate Scripture word-for-word and leave illumination to the Holy Spirit.

Modern translations can be updated.

Of course, you can’t prevent a copyrighted translation from being updated. You can, however, research a translation's history and see how frequently and extensively it has been updated.