Anyone can begin
Start with a verse, a topic, or a guided collection. Use support while you learn and move to unaided recall when you are ready.
Free Bible memory for iPhone and iPad
Learn Scripture by heart.
A modern, thoughtfully designed Bible memory app for anyone who wants to know Scripture well. Practice with the support you need, test what you remember, and return to it over time—without ads, subscriptions, or paid feature gates.
- 100% free
- No ads
- iPhone + iPad
- No account required
Practice your waySupport that fits you
N
N
E Known wordingNET · NASB · ESV
N
E Known wordingNET · NASB · ESV
Bible memory for everyone
Start where you are. Grow deeper in the Word.
Practice your way
Use flashcards, phrase practice, first letters, voice testing, and audio reference to learn in the way that fits you.
Learn for the long term
Scheduled recall brings passages back after increasing intervals so familiarity can become lasting memory.
Four ways to work
Four simple ways to learn a passage.
Use one method from start to finish or move between them as you learn. Every tool stays available while you practice.
Flashcard
Flip between reference and passage. Touch the card whenever you want the other side.
Phrase practice
Work through the passage in short phrases, revealing help only when you choose.
First letters
Use an initial-letter skeleton as a lighter cue before moving back to the full text.
Voice test
Speak from memory. On-device transcription compares key words and shows the result without saving your audio.
Audio reference
Hear the passage. Then recall it.
Licensed ESV recordings accompany the 60 Navigator passages, giving you a clear reference before you test yourself from memory.
- Playback speed
- Repeat
- 10-second controls
How it works
A clear path from first read to lasting recall.
Beginner-friendly without forcing anyone through a course. Start with the amount of guidance you want, then move directly into the work of remembering.
- 01Choose a passage
Start with Navigator TMS, a Bible topic, your favorites, or a passage you already know.
- 02Practice with support
Use one of the four methods or listen to the ESV audio reference.
- 03Test from memory
Use the on-device voice test or an honest private self-check when you are ready.
- 04Return on schedule
Recall comes back after 1, 3, 7, 16, and 35 days to strengthen long-term memory.
Inside the app
A clear, modern place to learn Scripture.
Thoughtful hierarchy, restrained color, and readable Scripture at every step.
Screenshots use sample practice data. Scripture shown is from the NET Bible.
Translation-aware
Practice the wording you know.
Navigator passages support NET, ESV, NASB 2020, and NASB 1995. Topics support NET and the available NASB editions, with clear labels and publisher attribution.
NET
ESV
NASB 2020
NASB 1995
Hold the Word is a curated memorization library, not a complete Bible. Translation availability is limited by publisher permissions and catalog scope.
Progress without a performance score
See the work that was actually done.
Started, practiced with hints, tried from memory, and memorized.
Passages return after 1, 3, 7, 16, and 35 days, with progress tracked over time.
Review active days, sessions, and completed passages without a combined “memory score.”
Optional private iCloud progress sync is off by default. The app has no analytics.
Optional community
Practice alongside people you know.
Join a code-based group and compare weekly practice without rankings or a combined score. Sharing comparison totals is private by default and requires a preview before you enable it.
HOLD26
Illustrative group preview
Free forever
Bible memory without a paywall.
Every feature is 100% free and will stay free. There are no ads, subscriptions, or paid feature gates. Hold the Word is in final testing for iPhone and iPad; the TestFlight and App Store links will appear here when available.
Questions
Before you begin.
Is Hold the Word really free?
Yes. Every feature is 100% free and will remain free. There are no ads, subscriptions, or paid feature gates.
Can beginners use it?
Yes. Start with a flashcard, phrase practice, first letters, or audio, then move to voice testing whenever you are ready. There is no required course.
Is Hold the Word a complete Bible?
No. It is a curated memorization library built around Navigator TMS collections and selected Bible topics.
Does the app save my voice recordings?
No. Voice test uses on-device speech recognition and stores the transcribed text needed for the exercise, not your audio.
Do I need an account?
No. Core practice and progress work without an account. CloudKit Groups and private progress sync are optional.