Hand Copying Scripture: A Complete Guide to Hand Copying the Bible

Hand copying Scripture is one of the most powerful ways to meditate on God’s Word. Unlike worldly meditation, which empties the mind, Christian meditation fills your heart with God’s truth.

Millennia ago, God commanded Israel’s kings to hand copy Scripture as they began their reign. That command wasn’t just about memorization—it was about transformation. Today, you can receive the same benefits when you follow this practice.

What Is Hand Copying Scripture?

Hand copying Scripture means writing the Bible word-for-word by hand. This spiritual discipline engages your eyes, memory, and hands together in meditation, forcing you to slow down and focus on every word.

The Biblical Foundation: Why God Commanded Kings to Copy the Word

When Israel crowned a new king, he was instructed to write a copy of the Law for himself (Deuteronomy 17:18–19). This wasn’t busywork—it was leadership training from God Himself.

👉 Learn more in the rich meditation of a king »
👉 Watch: God’s leadership school: why kings hand-copied Scripture »

The Spiritual Benefits of Hand Copying the Bible

When you hand copy God’s Word, you engage your mind, heart, and spirit in a unique way. Here are the benefits you’ll experience:

You Will Learn God’s Word Deeply

To copy even one verse, you must read it, remember it, and write it—slowing your thoughts and fixing Scripture in your heart.

You Will Calm and Renew Your Mind

Worldly thoughts are like weeds in an untended garden. Hand copying Scripture uproots them and plants truth instead (Romans 12:2).

You Will Improve Your Focus and Memory

A calm, Scripture-filled mind prays, learns, and thinks with greater clarity.

Additional Benefits for Spiritual Growth

Consistency in hand copying builds discipline, patience, and maturity in Christ.

👉 Explore all seven benefits of hand copying Scripture »
👉 Watch: Does God want to improve your IQ? Try this spiritual practice »

How to Start Hand Copying Scripture

Getting started is simple. Here’s how:

1. Choose a passage – Start with Psalms, Proverbs, or a Gospel.
2. Set a time and place – Pick a quiet space where you can focus.
3. Write slowly and prayerfully – Don’t rush. Listen for the Spirit between the lines.

👉 Watch: Tips for hand copying Scripture »

Tools and Resources for Hand Copying the Bible

You don’t need much to begin—just paper, a pen, and your Bible. But some tools can make the journey smoother:

• Journals and notebooks (lined or unlined)
• Pens designed for comfort during long writing sessions
• Workbooks that guide your writing and meditation

Recommended Resource: Every Bible Verse on Love

One of the best ways to begin is by hand copying verses about love. My book, Every Bible Verse on Love, is a 196-page workbook containing every passage on love in Scripture, plus practical word studies of the 43 original Hebrew and Greek terms.

Each of the 43 word sections includes “You and God” passages written for you to hand copy—a ready-made resource for meditation. You'll copy the verses containing the great Bible words for love: agape, phileo, philadelphia, ahab, hesed, raham, and many more. There's a rich lesson to be learned from each and incredible riches of understanding.

👉 Download: Agape Love verses for hand copying (PDF) »

Hand Copying Scripture in Today’s World

Though it began as an ancient command, hand copying the Bible is still transforming lives today. It’s a forgotten practice that Christians are rediscovering—because it works.

👉 Watch: Hand copying Scripture: a forgotten practice that still changes lives »

Next Steps: Begin Your Hand Copying Journey

Are you ready to experience the transformation God offers through this practice?

• Begin today with one verse.
• Explore the seven benefits of hand copying the Bible »
• Watch the full video series on hand copying Scripture »

As you write, commit to listening. The same God who taught kings to copy His Word is ready to speak to you today.