Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Why Read the Whole Bible?

Most Christians have favorite books and passages they return to again and again — Psalms for comfort, Proverbs for wisdom, the Gospels for the words of Jesus. But reading only familiar portions means missing the vast majority of what God has revealed. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable" (2 Timothy 3:16) — all of it, not just the popular parts.

Reading the Bible cover to cover gives you something you cannot get any other way: the big picture. You see how the story of salvation unfolds from creation to consummation, how themes like faith, forgiveness, and covenant develop across centuries, and how every part of Scripture connects to every other part. Isolated verses become richer when you know the full context.

Reading through the entire Bible is one of the most transformative spiritual disciplines available. It is also entirely achievable — at just 12-15 minutes per day, any person with a Bible and a plan can complete the entire Scripture in one year.

How Much Reading Per Day?

The Bible contains 1,189 chapters. Divided by 365 days, that's approximately 3.3 chapters per day. At an average reading speed, that translates to about 12-15 minutes of reading. Many plans round up to 4 chapters on some days and fewer on others to keep the daily readings at a manageable length.

The Old Testament is significantly longer than the New Testament — 929 chapters versus 260. This is why most balanced reading plans include both Old and New Testament readings each day, so you don't spend nine months in the Old Testament before ever reaching the Gospels.

Four Popular Reading Plans

There is no single "right" way to read through the Bible. The best plan is the one you will actually follow. Here are four proven approaches:

1. Canonical (Cover to Cover) — Start at Genesis 1:1 and read straight through to Revelation 22:21. This is the simplest plan to follow, and it lets you experience each book as a complete unit. The downside is that you may hit challenging stretches (like Leviticus or the minor prophets) that test your persistence. Push through — the reward is worth it.

2. Chronological — This plan rearranges the biblical books into the order events occurred historically. You read Job during the patriarchal period, the Psalms during David's reign, and the prophets alongside the Kings they addressed. This approach is excellent for understanding the historical flow, but it can split individual books across different reading days.

3. Blended (OT + NT Daily) — The most popular approach. Each day you read 2-3 chapters from the Old Testament, 1 chapter from the New Testament, and often a Psalm or a section of Proverbs. This keeps your daily reading varied and ensures you are always reading from multiple genres. Visit our Reading Plans page for a detailed schedule.

4. Thematic — Group the books by genre and read through each genre in sequence: all narrative books first, then poetry and wisdom, then the prophets, then the New Testament. This approach helps you see how similar types of literature relate to each other.

Building a Sustainable Daily Habit

What to Do When You Fall Behind

Almost everyone who attempts to read the Bible in a year falls behind at some point. This is normal and not a reason to quit. Here are strategies for getting back on track:

  • 1.Do not try to catch up in one sitting. Reading eight chapters to "make up" for missed days turns reading into a chore. It is better to stay behind than to burn out.
  • 2.Skip ahead to today's reading. Many plans are date-based. Jump to the current date and fill in the gaps later — or not at all. You will still read the vast majority of the Bible.
  • 3.Extend your timeline. There is nothing sacred about 365 days. Give yourself 15 or 18 months. Reading the whole Bible in 18 months is still a tremendous accomplishment.
  • 4.Use weekends to catch up gently. If you miss a weekday, read an extra chapter on Saturday. Keep it manageable.
  • 5.Remember the goal. The point is not to check a box — it is to know God through His Word. Any amount of reading brings you closer to that goal.

Making the Most of Your Reading

Reading through the Bible is about more than page count. Here are ways to engage more deeply even when reading at pace:

Tips for Engaged Reading

  • Pray before you read: Ask God to open your understanding. Even a brief "Lord, speak to me through Your Word" sets your heart in the right posture.
  • Keep a one-line journal: After each reading, write one sentence about what stood out. This takes 30 seconds and creates a valuable record of your journey through Scripture.
  • Mark passages for deeper study: When something grabs your attention but you don't have time to dive in, mark it. Come back later with the inductive method.
  • Read aloud when possible: Hearing the words engages a different part of your brain. The KJV was designed to be read aloud, and its cadence comes alive when spoken.
  • Share what you're reading: Tell your family at dinner what you read today. A brief summary helps you process and remember, and it may spark meaningful conversations.

Family Discussion & Activity

Discussion Questions

  1. ? Has anyone in our family ever read the entire Bible? What was the experience like?
  2. ? Which reading plan style appeals to you most — cover-to-cover, chronological, or blended?
  3. ? What time of day would work best for our family to read the Bible together?

Family Activity

As a family, commit to starting a reading plan together this week. Choose the blended plan (OT + NT daily) and read the assigned passages individually, then discuss one highlight at dinner each evening. Use a shared checklist on the refrigerator to track your family's progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to read the Bible in a year?

The average person reads the Bible at about 200-250 words per minute. At that pace, you can read the entire Bible in approximately 70-80 hours. Spread over 365 days, that works out to roughly 12-15 minutes per day — less time than most people spend on social media each morning.

What if I miss a day or fall behind?

Do not try to catch up all at once — that leads to burnout. Simply pick up where you left off or skip ahead to the current day in your plan. The goal is to develop a habit of daily Bible reading, not to check a box. If you fall significantly behind, consider extending your timeline to 15 or 18 months.

Should I read every word including the genealogies?

Yes, read everything at least once. The genealogies and lists that seem tedious actually served important purposes — establishing legal rights, tribal identities, and the lineage of the Messiah. You may read these sections faster, but do not skip them entirely.

Is it better to read or to study when doing a one-year plan?

During a one-year reading plan, your primary goal is breadth — getting the big picture of the entire Bible. Read for understanding, but do not stop for deep study on every passage. Keep a notebook for questions and passages you want to return to later for deeper study using tools like the inductive method.

Can I listen to an audio Bible instead of reading?

Yes, listening to the Bible is a perfectly valid way to take in Scripture and can be especially helpful during commutes or while exercising. Many people find a combination of reading and listening works best — reading during dedicated study time and listening during the day for reinforcement.

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