How to Read the Bible: A Step-by-Step Guide for Anyone

You want to read the Bible, but you're not sure how to start. Maybe you've tried before and got lost in unfamiliar names and ancient laws. Maybe you've never opened a Bible at all and the whole thing feels intimidating.

Here's the truth: learning how to read the Bible isn't complicated. You don't need a theology degree or years of church attendance. You just need a simple approach and the willingness to begin.

This guide walks you through everything—from picking a translation to building a sustainable reading habit.

Step 1: Choose a Bible Translation

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Every English Bible is a translation, and translations vary in their approach.

Translation Spectrum

For beginners, we recommend:

• NIV (New International Version) — The most popular English translation. Clear, accurate, and widely used.
• NLT (New Living Translation) — Very readable, great for first-time readers.
• ESV (English Standard Version) — Slightly more formal, excellent for study.

Don't overthink this choice. Any reputable translation will serve you well. You can always try a different one later.

Step 2: Decide on Format

Physical Bible

Pros:

• No distractions
• Easy to highlight and take notes
• Doesn't need charging

Cons:

• Not always with you
• Harder to search

Bible App

Pros:

• Always in your pocket
• Multiple translations available
• Search functionality
• Audio option

Cons:

• Notifications can distract
• Screen fatigue

Our Recommendation

Use both. Read from a physical Bible at home for focused study. Use an app like BibleMate when you're on the go or want to listen during commutes.

Step 3: How to Read the Bible — Pick a Starting Point

The biggest mistake new readers make: starting at Genesis 1:1 and trying to read straight through. If you're unsure where to start reading the Bible, the short answer is: not from page one.

Here's why that doesn't work: You'll hit Leviticus (book 3) within a few weeks—a book of ancient laws that's genuinely difficult to read. Most people quit there.

Better Starting Points

Option 1: The Gospel of John

Start with the story of Jesus. John's Gospel is accessible, profound, and gives you the heart of Christian faith in 21 chapters.

Best for: Understanding who Jesus is and why He matters.

Option 2: The Gospel of Mark

The shortest Gospel at just 16 chapters. Fast-paced, action-oriented, and readable in a few hours.

Best for: Getting the Jesus story quickly.

Option 3: A Reading Plan

Let someone else solve the "where do I start" problem. Our 365-day reading plan mixes Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs daily so you're never stuck in difficult sections for long.

Best for: Comprehensive coverage without getting lost.

View the full reading plan →

Step 4: Set a Realistic Time Commitment

Be honest about what you can sustain. A 10-minute daily habit beats an ambitious 60-minute plan you abandon after a week.

Time Guidelines

Start small. You can always add more time once the habit sticks.

Step 5: Create Your Reading Routine

Habits form through consistency. The easiest way to read the Bible daily is to attach it to an existing routine.

Habit Stacking Examples

• "After I pour my morning coffee, I read one chapter."
• "Before I check my phone in the morning, I read for 10 minutes."
• "After dinner, I read one psalm before watching TV."

The trigger (coffee, phone, dinner) reminds you to read. No willpower required once the habit forms.

Choose Your Time

• Morning — Your mind is fresh, fewer interruptions
• Lunch — Midday mental break
• Evening — Wind down before sleep

There's no "best" time. The best time is whenever you'll actually do it.

Step 6: Read with Purpose

Reading the Bible isn't like reading a novel. You're not trying to finish quickly—you're trying to understand and apply what you read.

Simple Reading Method: SOAP

S — Scripture: Read the passage slowly.

O — Observation: What stands out? What's happening?

A — Application: How does this apply to my life?

P — Prayer: Talk to God about what you read.

You don't need to journal every day, but occasionally writing your observations deepens understanding.

Questions to Ask While Reading

• What does this passage teach about God?
• What does it teach about people?
• Is there a command to obey?
• Is there a promise to claim?
• Is there an example to follow or avoid?

Step 7: Handle Difficult Passages

You will encounter parts of the Bible that confuse, disturb, or bore you. This is normal.

When You Don't Understand

1. Keep reading. Context often clarifies meaning.
2. Check cross-references. Many Bibles list related passages.
3. Use a study Bible. Notes explain difficult verses.
4. Ask someone. A pastor, Bible study group, or online community can help.
5. Accept mystery. Some passages require years of study. It's okay not to understand everything immediately.

When It's Boring

Leviticus. Numbers. Chronicles. Some books are harder to engage with—and that's okay.

Options:

• Skim the genealogies. They mattered to original readers; you can move through them quickly.
• Focus on narrative sections. The stories are often more accessible.
• Use a reading plan that intersperses difficult books with engaging ones.

When It's Disturbing

The Bible contains violence, injustice, and difficult commands—especially in the Old Testament. These passages are challenging for everyone.

Approach them by:

• Reading in historical context
• Distinguishing between description and prescription
• Understanding progressive revelation
• Discussing with mature believers
• Trusting that difficulty isn't a reason to dismiss

Step 8: Build in Accountability

Reading alone is harder than reading with others. Consider:

• Tell someone your goal. Simple accountability helps.
• Join a reading group. Many churches offer Bible reading challenges.
• Use an app with tracking. Seeing your streak motivates consistency.
• Find a reading partner. Text each other when you've completed daily reading.

Step 9: Track Your Progress

Progress tracking serves two purposes: motivation and habit reinforcement.

Tracking Methods

• Checkbox calendar — Physical or digital
• App tracking — BibleMate tracks your completed days
• Bible highlighting — Mark read chapters
• Reading journal — Date entries show progress

Our 365-day reading grid shows all 365 days at a glance. Watching boxes fill in creates momentum. You can also use our reading calendar to see the full schedule at once.

Step 10: Extend Grace to Yourself

You will miss days. You will fall behind. You will read without understanding. You will feel like quitting.

This is part of the journey—not evidence of failure.

The goal isn't perfection. It's persistence. Every time you pick the Bible back up after missing days, you're succeeding.

Common Questions About Bible Reading

Do I have to read every day?

No. But consistency matters more than perfection. Reading 5 days a week for a year beats reading every day for two weeks then stopping.

Should I read Old Testament or New Testament first?

For beginners, start with the New Testament—specifically a Gospel. The Old Testament makes more sense after you understand Jesus.

How do I know if I'm understanding correctly?

Compare your understanding with trusted resources: study Bibles, commentaries, sermons from established churches. If your interpretation contradicts historic Christian teaching, dig deeper.

Is listening as good as reading?

Listening is legitimate—the Bible was originally heard, not read. But reading allows for slower processing and easier note-taking. Consider doing both.

What if I have questions nobody can answer?

Welcome to the club. Christians have wrestled with difficult questions for 2,000 years. Some things remain mysterious this side of eternity. Hold questions loosely and keep reading.

Your First Step

Don't let this guide overwhelm you. Here's all you need to do today:

1. Open to John chapter 1 (New Testament, fourth book)
2. Read for 5 minutes
3. Note one thing that stands out

That's it. You've started.

Tomorrow, read John chapter 2. The next day, chapter 3. Before you know it, you'll have finished an entire book of the Bible.

Or, if you want a complete plan that removes all decision-making, start our 365-day reading plan. Day 1 takes about 15 minutes and covers Genesis 1-3, Matthew 1, Psalm 1, and Proverbs 1.

The Bible has shaped civilizations, inspired billions, and transformed countless lives. The only way to experience it yourself is to open it and begin.

Start Day 1 of the reading plan →

Download BibleMate

Track your progress and get daily reminders with our free app:

• Read any day's passage offline
• Mark completed readings
• Set daily reminders
• Simple, distraction-free interface

Get BibleMate →