The list below ranks the shortest psalms by verse count, shortest first. It starts with Psalm 117 at two verses, then moves through the three-, four-, five-, and six-verse psalms that make good starting points for Scripture memory.
Each passage is shown in the King James Version because the KJV is public domain. Use the memorize link under any psalm to open the add-verse flow with that reference already filled in.
Ranked by verse count
The shortest psalms in order
Psalm 117 — 2 verses
Psalm 117:1-2O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Memorize Psalm 117Psalm 131 — 3 verses
Psalm 131:1-3Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.
Memorize Psalm 131Psalm 133 — 3 verses
Psalm 133:1-3Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Memorize Psalm 133Psalm 134 — 3 verses
Psalm 134:1-3Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. The LORD that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.
Memorize Psalm 134Psalm 123 — 4 verses
Psalm 123:1-4Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud.
Memorize Psalm 123Psalm 100 — 5 verses
Psalm 100:1-5Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Memorize Psalm 100Psalm 125 — 5 verses
Psalm 125:1-5They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.
Memorize Psalm 125Psalm 128 — 6 verses
Psalm 128:1-6Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Memorize Psalm 128Psalm 13 — 6 verses
Psalm 13:1-6How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Memorize Psalm 13
How to use this list
Start with one complete psalm
Short psalms are helpful because they let you memorize a complete thought rather than an isolated line. Read the psalm aloud, practice recalling one verse at a time, then review the whole psalm over the next several days.
Want more short passages?
Browse topical memory verse collections when you are ready to add more short Bible passages to your review plan.
Begin today
Memorize the shortest psalm first
Psalm 117 is only two verses, which makes it a simple first complete psalm to learn and review.
Memorize Psalm 117FAQ
Questions about the shortest psalms
What is the shortest psalm?
Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm. It has two verses, making it the shortest psalm and the shortest chapter in the Bible.
What are the five shortest psalms?
The five shortest psalms by verse count are Psalm 117, Psalm 131, Psalm 133, Psalm 134, and Psalm 123.
What short psalms are good to memorize first?
Psalm 117 is the easiest starting point because it has only two verses. Psalm 131, Psalm 133, Psalm 134, and Psalm 100 are also short psalms to memorize when you want a complete passage instead of a single verse.
How long does it take to memorize a short psalm?
Many people can learn a two- to five-verse psalm in one focused session, but keeping it memorized takes review. Spend a few minutes practicing recall, then review the psalm over the next several days.