The Value of Hand-Writing Scripture

A couple weeks ago, I got home from work to find a new leather journal on my bed. It was from my mom, and she explained how her friend had shared with her the idea to copy the book of Ephesians over the course of six weeks. I shrugged and thought, ok, sounds cool but I probably won’t be able to keep up with it. I’d tried copying a proverb every day about a year ago but forgot about it after a while and hadn’t ever gotten back to it. So I thought I’d give Ephesians a try.

Three verses seemed like a lot the first couple days, but I was surprised to find out that copying the passage instead of just reading it forced me to spend more time with each verse and seek out deeper meaning in these words inspired by God.

As I faithfully continued to read and copy (I’ve only missed one day so far), it became less and less of an obligation, and this small habit has quickly developed into something I look forward to doing every day. I have learned so many things I never would have thought of had I not taken the time to write out each word. Now it’s been not quite two weeks and I’m already thinking about which book to do next!

The value of hand-writing scripture is the slowing down and consideration of each word, so instead of just reading the verse or passage, you should be able to make more observations and meditate on it. As 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” The Bible is God’s Word, and shouldn’t be taken for granted! By spending quality time with each passage, you can learn more about God and grow closer to Him through this simple act of worship.

Hand-writing scripture is a lost art. This used to be how the Bible was reproduced - before the printing press, monks would devote years of their lives to copying the Bible to get it into the hands of others.

So I encourage you to give copying scripture a try! Go find a Bible and a journal and just write down a favorite verse or two. Write it in plain pencil, or write it in calligraphy, any way you want. Try it for a few days, and see how much you can learn!