Last updated on August 9th, 2025 at 02:53 pm
Your Bible Reading Journey Starts Here
Simple and effective guidance for reading the Bible
Complete Beginner or Getting Back In? Start Here!
Choose Your Format
Phone app (most convenient, but also potentially most distracting), physical book, or website. Most beginners love the YouVersion app – it’s free and user-friendly.
Pick a Translation
Start with NIV or NLT for easy reading. ESV if you prefer more traditional language. See our guide below!
Set a Realistic Goal
Start with 10-15 minutes daily. You can always increase later. Consistency and faithfulness will build a wonderful lifelong habit.
Begin with a Plan
Try a “New Testament in 90 Days” plan or start with the Gospel of John. Don’t feel pressured to start at Genesis!
Translation Guide for Beginners
Choose based on your reading level and preference:
Beginner Friendly
Balance of accuracy and readability. Great first choice for most people.
Very Easy
Modern, conversational language. Perfect if you want easy comprehension.
Intermediate
More formal, word-for-word translation. Good for deeper study.
Advanced
Very literal translation. Best for serious study and cross-referencing.
Paraphrase
Contemporary paraphrase. Great for fresh perspective.
Intermediate
Newer translation balancing accuracy with readability.
Reading Plans for Different Goals
Goal: Read the entire Bible in 365 days
Best for: Systematic reading, getting the full text
Options: Chronological (events in order), canonical (Genesis to Revelation), or mixed (OT/NT/Psalms daily)
Tip: Don’t worry if you fall behind – just keep going!
Goal: Accelerated overview of the entire Bible
Best for: Getting the big picture quickly
Pros: Less overwhelming, maintains momentum
Examples: “Life of Jesus,” “Psalms in 30 Days,” “Women of the Bible”
Best for: Specific interests or seasonal reading
Great starter topics: The Gospels, Proverbs, or Psalms
Goal: Study individual books deeply before moving on
Start with: John, Romans, or Psalms
Best for: Deep understanding, contextual consistency, new believers
Tip: Take notes and look up background information
️ Bible Reading Resources
Find the perfect tool for your reading style:
Pro Tips from Experienced Readers
Read before checking your phone. Morning reading sets a positive tone for the entire day and helps you focus.
Ask for understanding and wisdom before you read. This isn’t just any book – invite God to speak to you.
Use different colors each year. You’ll be amazed how different verses speak to you over time.
Look up unfamiliar words and concepts. Use cross-references and commentaries for deeper understanding.
Better to read 5 minutes daily than 2 hours once a week. Build the habit first, then increase duration.
Commuting, exercising, walking, or doing chores? Audio can keep you on track when life gets busy. Podcasts are popular and can add to your study.
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The goal isn’t just to finish the Bible in a year – it’s to grow in your relationship with God. We pray that these resources will help in your walk!