Reading the Bible can take around two days to a whole year, depending on how you read it. If your goal is to simply read the Bible from cover to cover and read 200 words per minute, you can finish everything in 65 hours. However, most people who read the Bible often reflect and meditate on what they read. This slow reading pace allows individuals to finish the Bible in a year or less.

For many, reading the Bible is a deeply enriching experience, but it can also feel like a monumental task. With its 66 books, over 1,189 chapters, and more than 31,000 verses, you might wonder: how long does it take to read the entire Bible? The answer varies based on your reading habits, comprehension, and the depth of engagement you want. An alternative method for engaging with the Bible is through an audio bible, which allows individuals to listen to scripture while multitasking, such as driving or working.

In this article, we will be diving into how long it typically takes to read the Bible. We’ll also be exploring five different reading plans that can help you on your journey, as well as Bible study guides to supplement your reading. 

If you’re looking for Bible study guides to help you get started, check out our catalog here at Lay It Flat! We create spiral bound versions of the best Bible study guides and religious books, allowing you to lay your books flat while you meditate, reflect, and study.

Estimating the Time to Read the Bible

The time it takes to read the Bible depends on a few factors:

• Reading Speed: The average reader typically processes around 200 to 250 words per minute. Considering the Bible has around 783,137 words, here’s a rough breakdown:
• At 200 words per minute: About 65 hours total.
• At 250 words per minute: Approximately 52 hours.
• At 300 words per minute: Roughly 44 hours.

If you dedicate an hour each day, you could finish the Bible in about two months at a consistent pace. However, many readers prefer to take their time to reflect, pray, or study more deeply, which can stretch this timeframe to several months or even a year.

5 Bible-Reading Plans to Help You Navigate Through The Bible

To make your journey through the Bible more manageable, here are five reading plans that cater to different needs and lifestyles.

1. The One-Year Bible Plan

Overview: This popular plan breaks the Bible into daily readings designed to be completed in one year. Each day includes a portion from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Reading the entire New Testament as part of this plan ensures a comprehensive understanding of the Scriptures.

Time Commitment: About 15-20 minutes per day.

Why It Works: This plan keeps things varied and engaging. You get a balanced diet of scripture, making it easier to maintain a daily habit without feeling overwhelmed.

How to Implement:

• Find a one-year Bible or download a reading guide.
• Pick a consistent time each day to read—maybe with your morning coffee or before bed.
• Keep a journal to jot down thoughts or questions as you read.

2. The Chronological Reading Plan

Overview: This plan organizes the Bible in the order that events occurred, allowing you to see the bigger picture of the biblical narrative.

Time Commitment: About 20-30 minutes per day.

Benefits: By reading chronologically, you can better understand how different events and stories relate to one another, which can be enlightening.

How to Implement:

• Look for a chronological Bible or online resource that lays out the readings.
• Consider following along with a commentary to enrich your understanding of the context.

3. The 90-Day Challenge

Overview: If you’re up for a challenge, this plan encourages you to read the entire Bible in just three months.

Time Commitment: About 45-60 minutes per day.

Why Choose This?: This fast-paced approach can lead to deeper insights as you immerse yourself in the text. It’s a great way to see themes and connections more quickly.

How to Implement:

• Create a daily schedule that outlines how much you need to read each day.
• Be prepared to read larger sections, and allow yourself to engage with the material as you go.

4. The Thematic Reading Plan

Overview: This plan lets you focus on specific themes or topics within the Bible, like grace, hope, or love.

Time Commitment: Varies, usually around 20-30 minutes per day.

Why It’s Great: By concentrating on themes, you can explore how different parts of scripture speak to those ideas, leading to a richer understanding of your faith.

How to Implement:

• Choose a theme and identify key passages that relate.
• Use a study Bible or devotional to provide context and additional insights.

5. The Two-Year Plan

Overview: This plan spreads your reading over two years, allowing for a more leisurely pace.

Time Commitment: About 10-15 minutes per day.

Benefits: This approach encourages reflection and contemplation, making it ideal for those with busy lives or who prefer to savor their reading.

How to Implement:

• Create a reading schedule that’s easy to stick to.
• Take your time with each passage, and don’t hesitate to revisit sections that resonate with you.

7 Bible Study Guides to Supplement Your Bible-Reading

1. Bible Study Guide for Beginners

This Bible study book serves as a road map for the beginner to develop an appreciation of the Bible and make it a part of their daily living.

All 66 books of the Bible are covered in detail, including:

• The author of each book and the time frame in which it was written
• Key themes for each book
• Summary of the message in each book
• A devotion to contemplation and further exploration

Immerse yourself in the stories, prophecies, and messages of the Bible and discover the awe-inspiring force, mercy, and healing power of God and Jesus Christ. 

Graceful and inspiring, Bible Study for Beginners brings the reader back to the basics and opens the way to a direct relationship with the living Word of God.

2. The Beginner's Bible Study Guide

Studying Scripture can help you see God's love for all creation and apply God's wisdom to your life. This Bible study guide for adults simplifies the process of learning the Bible with clear breakdowns of each of its 66 books, from Genesis to Revelations.

This book includes:

• Tools for Bible study: Discover synopses, important themes, and key verses to help you understand the context and essence of each book of the Bible.
• Reflection questions: Use this book alone or as part of a Bible study group, with thought-provoking questions to guide further study and group discussion.
• Inclusive guidance: Written by a woman pastor who is proud of her leadership in the United Church of Christ, this study guide welcomes all Christians who want to connect with God's Word.

Learn the Bible and deepen your understanding and your faith with this Bible study book for beginners

3. The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Tara-Leigh Cobble, host of the popular podcast The Bible Recap, walks readers through a one-year chronological Bible reading plan and explains each day's passage in an easy-to-understand way.

Emphasizing how God's character can be seen throughout Scripture, the recaps are simple and short yet deep enough to help you understand the hard parts and press into knowing God better.

As Cobble says, The primary role of Scripture is to “show me who God is, and if I behold God, my life will naturally conform to what I learn about him.” The Bible Recap will not only help you grasp the entire narrative of the Bible, but it will also fortify your faith.

4. The Bible in 52 Weeks for Men: A Yearlong Bible Study

Using the Bible to apply God’s lessons to everyday life is an integral part of being a Christian man. With The Bible in 52 Weeks for Men, you can develop a rewarding and lasting relationship with God. With in-depth lessons and practical applications tailored to men’s lives, you will cultivate a richer connection with God and His teachings for a year. Get closer to Him with exercises and reading guides that walk you through each part of the Scripture.

Use this Bible study guide for:

• Manageable readings―With lessons that take just 15 to 20 minutes daily, you can create a routine for embracing God’s Word no matter how busy your schedule gets.
• Practical prompts―Contemplate God’s teachings and reinforce your commitment to Him with journal exercises that inspire reflection on relevant topics, like relationships, family, work, and health.
• Group discussion tools―Deepen your faith with your fellow Christians with prompts and thought-starters designed for larger groups.

Strengthen your connection with God and bring His Word into your life with The Bible in 52 Weeks for Men.

5. The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women

This inspiring approach to Bible study for women combines a daily reading plan with weekly opportunities to reflect, discuss, and explore how God’s wisdom can be applied to your daily life. Published in a spiral bound format for easier access and portability.

• Go beyond other Christian books for women with:
• Themed readings: All verses for a given week tie together with themes that relate to modern women, like persevering through challenges, moving on from mistakes, and more.
• Your favorite translation: The included reading plans work with any translation, allowing you to use your favorite Bible to connect with God more deeply.
• Ways to study: Explore the interactive questions, Bible journaling prompts, and prayers on your own or in a group setting of any denomination.

Get to know the Word in a new light and strengthen your relationship with Christ in this Bible study for women. Also, check out our other listing of the Small Group Workbook that companions well with this book!

6. Couple's Bible Study Activities

This couple’s Bible study draws on the Lord’s lessons to help you grow in your relationship with Him and with each other.

See God’s wisdom in action as you explore passages from Scripture paired with hands-on activities and conversation starters that encourage you to learn and pray together.

• Interactive activities—Connect with your partner through meaningful activities, like creating an at-home escape room that encourages you to work together toward a common goal.
• Themes for couples—Discover devotions that touch on topics important to couples, like communication, faithfulness, patience, and putting God first in your relationship.
• A flexible approach—Flip to a specific devotional or work through the book in chronological order; designate a certain day during the week or change it up based on your schedule—there’s no right or wrong way to do this devotional!

Center your relationship on God’s love and wisdom with Couple’s Bible Study Activities.

7. The Bible Made Easy - for Kids

Dave Strehler's The Bible Made Easy - for Kids takes readers both young and old on a fun-filled, informative journey to understand the Bible and apply it to their lives.

• This book features:
• Line drawings that beg to be colored
• Charts that help explain complex facts and concepts
• Questions that provoke thoughtful reflection
• Prompts that generate rousing discussions.
• Key Biblical topics like faith and salvation are explained in kid-friendly, age-appropriate terms.

Read in conjunction with the Bible, this creative learning tool can help kids discover the exciting connection between Bible stories, their individual lives, and God's redemptive plan for mankind. This book is not a Bible, instead, it is a great guide parents can use to guide their families through devotions along with reading from the Bible, or it can be used by children to supplement their personal Bible study.

Understanding the Task of Reading the Entire Bible

Reading the entire Bible is a significant undertaking that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. The Bible contains 66 books, 1,189 chapters, and 31,102 verses, making it a substantial body of literature to navigate. However, with a clear understanding of the task at hand and a well-planned approach, anyone can successfully read the entire Bible.

The sheer volume of the text can seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable sections can make the process more approachable. Whether you choose to read a few chapters a day or follow a structured reading plan, the key is consistency and commitment. Remember, reading the Bible is not just about finishing a book; it’s about engaging with God’s Word and allowing it to transform your life.

Benefits of Reading the Bible

Reading the Bible offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking to deepen their faith, gain spiritual insight, and develop a stronger relationship with God. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Understanding God’s Plan: Gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan and purpose for humanity.
• Strengthening Faith: Develop a stronger faith and spiritual foundation.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being: Improve mental and emotional well-being through meditation and reflection on scripture.
• Enhancing Relationships: Enhance personal relationships through a greater understanding of God’s love and teachings.
• Gaining Wisdom: Increase knowledge and wisdom through the study of scripture.

By regularly reading the Bible, you can experience personal growth and a closer connection to Jesus Christ, enriching your spiritual journey.

Preparing for Bible Reading

Before embarking on a journey to read the entire Bible, it’s essential to prepare yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically. Here are some steps to take:

• Set Aside Time and Space: Dedicate a specific time and a quiet space for reading and reflection.
• Choose the Right Translation: Select a Bible translation that is easy to understand and suitable for your reading level.
• Develop a Reading Plan: Create a reading plan or schedule to help you stay on track.
• Find Support: Join a Bible study group or find an accountability partner for support and encouragement.
• Pray for Guidance: Pray for wisdom, understanding, and guidance as you read.

By preparing thoughtfully, you can create a conducive environment for daily Bible reading, making it a meaningful and enriching experience.

Bible Reading Basics and Statistics

Here are some interesting facts and statistics about Bible reading:

• Reading Speed: The average person reads at a pace of 200-250 words per minute.
• Word Count: The entire Bible contains approximately 775,000 words.
• Reading Time: Reading the Bible at 225 words per minute for 2 hours per day would take approximately 28.7 days.
• Content Distribution: The Old Testament accounts for about 75% of the Bible’s content, while the New Testament accounts for about 25%.
• The Four Gospels: The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) contain about 20% of the New Testament’s content.

Understanding these basics can help you set realistic goals and appreciate the scope of reading the entire Bible.

What Affects Your Reading Time?

1. Goals: Are you reading for a general understanding, personal reflection, or academic study? Your objectives will influence your pace.
2. Distractions: A quiet environment makes it easier to focus and absorb the material.
3. Familiarity: If you’re already familiar with the stories or themes, you might read more quickly. New concepts may require more time to digest.
4. Reflection: Taking time to reflect or pray about what you read can deepen your understanding but will also extend the time spent reading.

Tips for Successful Bible Reading

Whatever plan you choose, consider these tips to enhance your reading experience:

1. Establish a Routine: Find a time that works for you each day, whether it’s in the morning or right before bed.
2. Create a Comfortable Space: Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where you can focus without interruptions.
3. Utilize Resources: Consider using a study Bible or online resources to help clarify challenging passages.
4. Connect with Others: Join a Bible study group or find a reading partner to share insights and encouragement.
5. Pray for Insight: Before you read, take a moment to pray for understanding and guidance, allowing the text to speak to your heart.

Conclusion

Reading the Bible is a rewarding journey that can profoundly impact your spiritual life. While it may seem daunting at first, understanding how long it might take and selecting the right plan can make the process feel manageable. Whether you choose to read it in a year, dive into a thematic study, or take your time over two years, remember that this journey is about growth, connection, and understanding. Embrace each step, reflect on what you read, and allow the Bible to shape your heart and mind. Happy reading!