Psalm 117
King James Version
The shortest chapter in the Bible — just two verses — and a good first copywork text for the youngest writers.
Download the handwriting worksheet (PDF)Printable, ruled for handwriting: copy it by hand, then type it here.
About this text
At two verses, Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the entire Bible, tucked between two much longer psalms (116 and 118) with which it's often read as part of a set. Despite its brevity it covers the same ground as many longer psalms of praise: a call to all nations to praise God, followed by the reason for that praise.
Its brevity makes it a natural place to begin copywork for a young or first-time typist — there's a complete thought, a clear two-part structure (call, then reason), and almost no unfamiliar vocabulary, so the difficulty is entirely in attention and accuracy rather than in decoding hard words.
What to watch for
- 2 colons: a colon points ahead to what explains or completes the first half of the sentence.
- Capital letters in the middle of a sentence: LORD. Ask why each one is capitalized before typing it.
- Old-fashioned words: ye, endureth. These are easy to "correct" by accident into modern spelling, so copy them exactly as written.
- Longest word: "merciful" (8 letters). Try spelling it aloud once before reaching it.
- 2 lines averaging about 17 words each. A comfortable line length for a single sitting.
Full text (reference)
1O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.