The Neuroscience of Writing by Hand

A Case for Hand Lettering and Writing Scripture

Did you know that we forget 70-80% of what we initially learn within 24 hours? In 1880-1885, Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted a limited study on the decline of memory over time. He tested himself by memorizing nonsense syllables, repeatedly testing at different time intervals, and recording the results. He called this the “forgetting curve.”[1] Over time, his observations have been retested.[2]

The Lord instructs his people to write his words on their hearts, share them with their children, and post them on their doorframes, houses, and gates (Deuteronomy 11:18-20). This was given with a blessing that their days will be many from generation to generation. Even the newly appointed Kings of Israel were instructed to write their own personal copy of the law. (See Deuteronomy 17:18). Why would God want them to do that?

Why handwrite the scriptures? Let’s look at neuroscience in order to understand God’s instructions to write his word. In 2025, Giuseppe Marano, et al, did a study called “The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs Typing – Who Wins the Battle?” In a meta-analysis, it showed that “Handwriting involves the complex coordination of fine motor skills, where each letter is individually formed through deliberate hand movements. This engages the sensorimotor cortex, which processes tactile feedback and motor control, as well as visual areas for letter recognition. The act of writing stimulates the brain to connect motor activities with cognitive processes, enhancing neural activity in areas associated with memory and language.

Brain regions associated with handwriting vs. typewriting. From Marano, et al,

Conversely, typing relies on repetitive finger movements over a keyboard. While it activates

motor areas, it does not demand the intricate sensory–motor integration required by handwriting. The neural pathways activated during handwriting overlap significantly with those involved in reading and spelling, supporting literacy development. Studies using fMRI have shown that handwriting engages areas such as Broca’s area, which is critical for language production, as well as the parietal and temporal lobes, which support visual and auditory integration [17]. By comparison, typing activates fewer regions associated with language and relies more on procedural memory for key positioning (Table 4).” To see the full explanation, click here to read the full article.

The significance of these findings is that using pen and paper involves greater multisensory integration, which enhances memory abilities. “Using a pen involves paying attention to motor aspects such as drawing letters legibly, controlling the pressure of the tip on the paper, following lines and spaces on the page, and coordinating thought, action, and vision.”[3] The importance of physically writing God’s word is significant to initial learning and memory retention.

The God of the universe knows how easily we are prone to forget. He called us to meditate on his word (Psalm 1:2), use it to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), put his word on our hearts, speak it to our children, and on our homes (Deuteronomy 11:20) as a way to be guided to do his will and remember that he has not abandoned us. He is continually speaking to us.

The case for handwriting God’s word is two-fold: it will help you memorize it to keep it close to your heart and mind, so in times of need, he will be there to speak to you. Secondly, in the times we forget, we can see it in our homes, a visible reminder of his love and guidance. Join me in writing his word by learning hand lettering and memorizing God’s truths to renew our minds.

[1] “Classics in the History of Psychology -- Ebbinghaus (1885/1913) Chapter 1,” accessed May 22, 2026, https://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Ebbinghaus/memory1.htm.

[2] Jaap M. J. Murre and Joeri Dros, “Replication and Analysis of Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve,” PLoS ONE 10, no. 7 (2015): e0120644, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0120644.

[3][1] Giuseppe Marano et al., “The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing—Who Wins the Battle?,” Life 15, no. 3 (2025): 345, https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030345.