Personal Bible study is the most powerful catalyst for growth, yet many Christians don’t know how to even start reading the Bible. I’ve put together some Bible reading tips and Bible resources to help you in your journey. Fewer things are more important than learning how to read the Bible in a way that helps you stick with it long-term.
What the Bible Is
The Bible is unlike any other book. So, before I directly address how to start reading the Bible, it’s helpful to discuss exactly what it is. The Bible is the message (word) of God and the history of how God has acted in the world. It’s the primary way that God communicates with us, and it’s the best way to get to know Him.
In fact, the central purpose of the Bible is to help us know God; it’s a relationship tool. This results in our personal transformation, as it restores the loving character of God in us. The Bible has several secondary purposes, as well, including these:
- Teaching — The Bible is chock full of real-life accounts, object lessons, and wise counsel that teach us how to live. It’s a user’s manual for life.
- Encouragement — Throughout scripture, we’re reminded that God loves us, He created us for a good purpose, and He is always with us.
- Perspective — The Bible presents a sweeping picture of time and space, reminding us that there’s so much more — and so much better — than our current circumstances.
- Hope — God’s word contains promises and prophecies that tell us that each one of us can choose resurrection and eternal life in the New Earth, where “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
How the Bible Is Structured
As you start reading the Bible, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with how it’s structured. The Bible is really a collection of books — 66 books written by over 40 authors over a period of 1,600 years in over a dozen countries on three different continents in at least three different languages by people from all walks of life. Still, it has a unified theme: God is love, and He loves us. He created us to be in relationship with Him that’s built on love and trust.
The Bible is divided into two major parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. When Jesus was on earth, in the first century AD, the only scriptures were what we now call the Old Testament. At that time, they often were referred to as the Law and the Prophets. The New Testament was written in the first century AD, and it includes the Gospels (the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which provide accounts of Jesus on Earth.
Choosing a Bible Version
The Bible has been translated many times, so many versions are available. It can be overwhelming! If you want to get as close to the original as possible without learning ancient Hebrew and Greek, I strongly recommend choosing a version that uses the Majority Text as the basis for the New Testament. The best English translation is the King James Version.
Bible Formats
You can use a physical Bible or a digital Bible on the web or with an app. Each format has its advantages. You can take advantage of both.
- Physical — A physical Bible helps you see where books and passages are in relation to each other, which is quite valuable. Also, you have complete ownership and control over a printed Bible. You won’t be left without a Bible in a power outage or if digital platforms shut down. I recommend owning at least one physical Bible.
- Digital — It’s super easy to have the Bible with you all the time. Finding passages can be quicker and easier. You also have the option to listen to the Bible (more on this later).
Finding Bible Passages
As you learn how to start reading the Bible, another “prerequisite” is figuring out how to find Bible passages. The way to find texts in digital editions varies by app, so we’ll discuss a physical Bible here.
John 3:16 is probably the best-known Bible verse. John is one book in the Bible. As with most books, it’s divided into chapters. Each chapter is divided into verses (usually a sentence or two). Think of it this way: Book > Chapter > Verse. “John 3:16” refers to the book of John, the third chapter, the sixteenth verse.
How can you find John 3:16? Most Bibles include a table of contents near the front that indicates what page each book starts on. Go there to find the page on which the book of John starts. Once you are in John, go forward a bit to find Chapter 3. Once you are in John 3, find Verse 16.
Start Reading the Bible
Once you know what the Bible is, how it’s structured, and how to access it, it’s much easier to get started reading it. Here are some tips on how to start reading the Bible and stick with it for the long haul.
#1: Pray
If you’re comfortable doing so, pray before you read. Remember that prayer is just talking to God. Sample prayer: Dear God, please help me understand what You’re saying to me, to see You in these words, and to know You better.
It’s also a good idea to pray after you read. Sample prayer: Dear God, please help me take what I’ve read to heart and let it shape me. Thank you for spending this time with me.
When you keep in mind that the Bible is God’s primary way of talking to you, it’s easier to “talk back” in prayer — before, during, and after you read. It might not be comfortable for you yet. But, the more you do it, the more comfortable it will feel — and you’ll find that you have more to say.
#2: Have the Right Attitude
As you get started with Bible reading, don’t overlook the importance of attitude. Let’s look at three attitudinal tips for reading the Bible.
Manage Your Expectations
If you expect to get hooked right away, understand everything completely, and have an overnight life-changing experience, you’ll probably be disappointed. Sure, God sometimes works by miracles, but He usually works by principles. Don’t count on miracles, but do expect to learn new things, to be encouraged, to find hope, to know God better, and to become more and more like Him. You also can expect your hunger for and understanding of God’s word to grow over time.
Don’t Read into It
With your Bible reading experience, stay as objective as possible. Keep your mind open to new thoughts and new ways of thinking. Lay aside preconceived notions and what you think it says or what you want it to say. Don’t read into it; get the meaning out of it.
Don’t Get Discouraged
Let’s face it: The Bible is huge. It’s profound. It’s, well, daunting. Scholars spend their whole lives wrestling with scripture. You’re not going to understand it all completely, so don’t get discouraged when something doesn’t make sense to you.
The more you read, the more you’ll understand. The Bible has an amazing way of explaining itself, which is why it’s important to read all of it — eventually. You’re just getting started, so be patient. Give it time.
Be encouraged just by the thought that you’re reading the Bible! Be encouraged when you get anything out of it at all. Don’t compare yourself with others; compare yourself to who you were last year. You’re already ahead.
#3: Make a Plan
You should make a plan for what to read and when to read. Keep in mind that your Bible reading plan must be sustainable — something you can realistically stick to day after day. It’s probably not realistic to plan to read for two hours every day or to read the whole Bible in a month.
Plan What to Read
God inspired the people who wrote the Bible. He also inspired the people who canonized the Bible — choosing the books to include and determining the order to put them in. So it makes sense to start reading the Bible at the beginning, with Genesis 1. The first three chapters of the Bible are particularly rich, and they set the stage for the rest of scripture. With this foundation, it’s far easier to make sense of what comes later.
Reading the Bible by topic or in piecemeal can be beneficial — but you’ll get the most benefit after you’ve read the whole Bible. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of reading the entire Bible as a foundation for understanding any part of it. The Bible explains and interprets itself. When you have a whole-Bible knowledge and perspective, you’re much better equipped to properly understand any part of it.
Keep in mind how God directed the writing and canonization of the Bible — book by book, and then as an entire collection. Let that inform how you read the Bible — book by book until you reach the last page in Revelation. (Then, start over and do it all again!)
Plan When to Read
The short answer to the “when to read” question is “every day.” I talk about the daily habit of Bible reading in the next point. For now, it’s enough to make a plan for what part of the day you’ll read.
A great way to establish a new daily routine is to anchor it to another daily activity, such as morning tea or bedtime. An audio Bible reading is easy to listen to during your daily commute or exercise. Choose something you already do every day, and anchor Bible reading to it.
You might also make a plan for where to read, which could help you enjoy the experience and make it a habit. Perhaps you could start your day in the window seat or on the patio with a cup of tea and your Bible.
How to Keep Reading the Bible
Once you know how to start reading the Bible, keep it going. Don’t ever stop. Here are some tips to turn Bible reading into a lasting lifestyle.
#1: Make It a Daily Habit
Jesus prayed, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). I believe He was talking about scripture. It’s clear from the Gospels that Jesus, as a human, knew God’s word very well. He recited passages from memory. He must have grown up reading it regularly.
In most parts of the world, it’s easier than ever to read the Bible. We literally have it at our fingertips. We should seize the opportunity and make Bible reading a daily habit.
It’s better to read one verse a day than to read a chapter once a week or a book of the Bible once a month. In fact, as you’re learning how to start reading the Bible, just one verse a day might be your plan, and that’s perfectly fine. The main point is regularity — habit.
When you miss a day (you will), don’t get discouraged. That day is already behind you. You still have today and tomorrow.
#2: Find Valuable Insights (Study)
There’s Bible reading, and there’s Bible study. These activities are related but not the same. You will find value in both practices. Think about the difference between reading a poem and studying it. Consider the distinction between reading a historic letter and studying it. This article is about how to read the Bible, so I’ll direct you to my article on how to study the Bible for more on this point.
#3: Relate to God
Keep in mind that the Bible is the primary way that God communicates with us, and it’s the best way to get to know Him. The central purpose of the Bible is to help us know God; it’s a relationship tool. If we’re merely assimilating information and not personally relating to God, we’re doing it wrong — and we’re missing out!
When you read the Bible, remember that it’s God speaking to you. Respond by asking questions, saying thank you, or whatever is on your mind. Your daily routine of Bible reading is time spent with God. Nothing can take its place, and no one can take it away from you.
#4: Be Transformed by What You Read
Bible reading should be transformational. It should make you more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ. That entails translating knowledge into attitudes and behaviors. This happens naturally when you sincerely seek to know God relationally through His word.
The Bible reveals God — His character, His values, His desires, and His plans. The more you internalize God’s word, the more you become like Him, and the more you become the person He created you to be. The Bible helpfully includes clear commands from God about how we should live and what choices are the wisest to make. Consistently reading the Bible connects us to the power that can make that gradual transformation a reality.
#5: Treasure the Bible
Due to persecution or poverty, not everyone in the world has the luxury of reading the Bible. If you have the opportunity, take full advantage of it. Soak it up. Squeeze every ounce of value out of it. Appreciate the treasure that it is. Don’t assume that you’ll always have access to God’s word. Internalize it now while you can, and know that nothing can take its place in your life. The more you cherish the Bible — and the more you find value in it — the easier it will be to keep reading it.
Bible Reading Resources
You can find countless Bible resources online. I’ll share just a couple that can help you get started with reading the Bible. Just as I’m not including an exhaustive list of tools, I’m not listing all of the features of each resource. I encourage you to explore everything offered over time. Right now, the main thing is to get started with the basics.
Pure Bible Search
I use Pure Bible Search every day to search for passages and words.
KJV Audio Bible
I used to struggle with reading the Bible consistently. Then I found an audio Bible, and everything changed. I found it much easier to make and keep a daily Bible reading habit. For many years, I listened to the Daily Audio Bible. Then I became convicted of a couple of things:
- Not all Bible versions are equal. This is a sad reality. I mentioned earlier that I’ve come to understand that the Majority Text is the original content of the New Testament. The Critical Text (the textual basis for modern translations) has been compromised. So, for my Bible reading and study, I want a translation based on the Majority Text; I use the King James Version.
- The Bible is meant to be read book by book and in its entirety. After years of reading the Bible in a chopped-up fashion (daily bits from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs), I decided to simply read the Bible from beginning to end, over and over.
Because of these convictions, I’m making an audio recording of the King James Version, one chapter at a time. I invite you to join me by listening. If you struggle to be consistent with daily Bible reading, this could be the answer.
Wrapping Up
The fact that you’ve read this article means that your Bible-reading journey is already beginning. Now that you have a handle on how to start reading the Bible, keep in mind these main points to integrate scripture into your life:
- Remember that the Bible is a relationship tool meant to connect you to God personally. If you want God to speak to you, read the Bible.
- Don’t read into it; draw meaning out of it.
- Find a daily rhythm that works for you. Read today, and read again tomorrow.
Get started, and keep going. It will be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
© All rights reserved • Elizabeth Whitworth