Greetings in the great name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It is a real blessing to have you here. It is great that you are asking such a good and key question. If you are wondering how many hours to read the bible, you are at the start of a life-changing walk with God. This journey of reading God’s Holy Word from start to finish can make your faith deeper. It can draw you closer to the Father’s heart in ways you can’t yet see.
To think about reading the whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a truly great goal. This is not just about finishing a book. It is about spending real time with God Himself. It is about listening to His voice and learning from His wisdom. It is about holding on to His love letter to you.
In this guide, we will look at this question together. We will not focus on speed. We will focus on the faithful and happy process of getting closer to God. We will look at the hours it takes to read both the Old and New Testaments. We will look at different reading speeds. We will also share simple, spirit-led tips to make this journey the great blessing it is meant to be. Let us start this path together with open hearts.
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Why Should a Christian Read the Entire Bible?
Before we talk about hours and minutes, let’s take a moment to think about “why.” In our busy American lives, it can seem like a huge job to read such a large book. But the spiritual gifts that are waiting for you are so valuable and will last forever.
First, the Bible is the Word of God. It is the main way He has chosen to show Himself to us, His children. In its pages, we see the big story of His plan to save people. We meet a God who is perfectly holy, always fair, full of mercy, and has a love that never fails. Reading the whole story helps you to know His full character. You will see more clearly the deep love that led His only Son, Jesus, to the cross for us.
Also, God’s Word is our main guide for how to live. As the Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed.” It is useful for teaching, correcting, and training in doing what is right. This way, the servant of God has what they need for every good work.
In the end, this journey is all about your personal walk with God. You spend time with a loved one to know them better. In the same way, spending time in the Bible brings you closer to your Heavenly Father. It truly changes your heart. It renews your mind. It helps line up your will with His perfect plans for your life. It is a path with rewards that last forever.
So, How Many Hours to Read the Bible in Total?
Let’s get right to the simple answer you are looking for. Every person reads at a different speed. But we can make a very good guess based on the average reader.
For most people, the answer to the question of how many hours to read the bible is about 75 hours for the whole book.
Seventy-five hours might sound like a very long time. But let’s break that number down into a simple daily task. When you see it this way, the goal becomes very easy to reach and inspiring!
How Many Hours to Read the Bible in a Year?
This is the most popular goal for many believers. It creates a good and life-giving daily habit of being in God’s Word.
- Time per day: To read the whole Bible in 365 days, you only need to set aside about 12 to 15 minutes each day.
- A Little Perspective: That’s less time than a single TV show. It is likely less time than you spend on the news or a coffee break. This small daily choice will bring great spiritual good to your life.
How Many Hours to Read the Bible in 90 Days?
Some people have more free time. Others may want a very deep “spiritual bootcamp.” For them, reading the Bible in three months is a powerful and life-changing experience.
- Time per day: This takes about 45 to 50 minutes of reading each day.
- A Little Perspective: This strong focus helps the big themes of the Bible come alive in a special and powerful way. It is a sprint, but it is one that can really refocus your heart and mind on God.
How Many Hours to Read the Bible: Old Testament Breakdown
The Old Testament is much bigger than the New Testament. It makes up about 77% of the whole Bible. It is full of history, prophecy, poems, and wisdom. It all points to the coming of our Savior, Jesus.
The average reading time for the Old Testament by itself is about 55 to 60 hours.
Let’s look at the daily time needed if you wanted to focus just on the Old Testament:
- To read in one year: You would need to read for about 10 minutes per day.
- To read in six months: This would take about 20 minutes per day.
The Old Testament gives the foundation for all we believe as Christians. It shows us why we need a Savior. It shows God’s patient, faithful love for His people, even when they sinned. Taking the time to read it is a very good thing to do.
How Many Hours to Read the Bible: New Testament Breakdown
The New Testament is where we meet Jesus in the Gospels. It is where we learn about the start of the early church. We also read letters that teach us how to live as followers of Christ.
The average reading time for the New Testament by itself is about 18 to 20 hours.
Here is the daily time needed if you wanted to focus just on the New Testament:
- To read in 90 days: You would only need to read for about 12-15 minutes per day.
- To read in 30 days: This would be a great one-month goal, needing about 35-40 minutes per day.
Reading the New Testament is a good way to focus your heart on the life of Jesus. It helps you see the main truths of the Gospel. It is a shorter but very powerful part of God’s Word.
What Factors Change How Many Hours to Read the Bible?
These hour numbers are a great guide. But some personal things can change your real reading time. It is good to think about these as you set your own goals.
How Does My Personal Reading Speed Affect the Time?
This is the clearest factor. Some of us are fast readers. We can take in words very quickly. Others are slower readers. They prefer to go slowly and enjoy each word. There is no “better” way to read. The goal is always to understand and connect with God, not to be fast. God will meet you at your own personal speed.
How Much Longer Does It Take to Read the Bible Aloud?
Have you ever tried reading the Bible out loud, even when you are by yourself? It is a powerful and old spiritual habit. Hearing the Word spoken uses your senses in a new way. It can help you focus and remember things better. But we all speak more slowly than we read in our heads.
- Reading Aloud Time: A good guess for reading the whole Bible out loud is closer to 100 hours.
- Daily Time (1 Year): This breaks down to about 16 to 18 minutes a day. It is a beautiful habit. It is great for families to do together to build a faith for their children.
Is Listening to an Audio Bible Faster or Slower?
In our busy American lives, audio Bibles are a great gift from God. You can listen while you drive to work, exercise, or do chores at home. This is a great way to use the time to fill your mind with God’s truth.
- Listening Time: Most standard audio Bibles are about 75 hours long. This is the same as the average silent reading time. Versions with actors and sound effects may be a bit longer.
- Easy to Find: Great apps like YouVersion offer many good audio versions for free. This makes it easy to listen to God’s Word anywhere you go.
Thinking about how many hours to read the bible is less about the clock and more about your connection with God. Choose the way that best helps you connect with God each day.
What Are the Best Reading Plans to Use?
A good plan is like a map for your trip. It removes the daily question of “What should I read?” It gives you a clear and steady path to follow. Praise God, there are many great plans you can choose from!
What Is a Straight-Through Bible Reading Plan?
This is the simplest way. You start with Genesis chapter 1. You read every chapter in order until you reach the end of Revelation. This lets you see the Bible’s big story just as it is laid out.
What Is a Chronological Bible Reading Plan?
This popular plan puts the Bible’s books and parts in the order of history. For example, you will read one of David’s Psalms right next to the story in his life that it came from. This gives great context and helps the whole world of the Bible come alive.
What Is a Blended or Thematic Bible Reading Plan?
Many great plans offer a mix of readings for each day. For example, a daily reading might have a part from the Old Testament, a chapter from the New Testament, a Psalm, and a Proverb. This gives nice variety. It gives you a full spiritual meal each day. A great example is the Bible in One Year plan. It also has daily notes to help you understand what you are reading.
How Can I Stay Motivated on This Journey?
Life is full of distractions. There will be days when you feel tired, busy, or not inspired. That is normal! Here are a few spirit-led tips to help you keep going with joy.
1. Pray Before You Read: This is the most important step you can take. Start each reading time by asking the Holy Spirit to be your teacher. A simple prayer like, “Father, thank you for your Word. Please open my eyes to see you, my ears to hear you, and my heart to receive your truth today. In Jesus’ name, Amen,” can turn your reading from a chore into a real joy.
2. Find a Partner: Share your goal with a trusted friend, your spouse, or someone from your church group. A partner can give you great support, prayer, and friendship as you share what you are learning. It is a joy to not walk the path by yourself.
3. Give Yourself Grace: The enemy of our souls wants you to miss a day, feel bad, and then give up. Do not fall for that! If you get behind, just pick up where you left off. This is a journey of grace, not a set of rules. God’s mercies are new every morning.
4. Keep a Simple Journal: You do not need to be a great writer. Just write down a verse that stood out to you. Or write a question you have, or a way you felt God speaking to your heart. Over time, this journal will become a sweet record of God’s faithfulness in your life. It will be a source of great hope.
How Many Hours to Read the Bible and What Is the Most Important Thing to Remember?
My dear friend, I pray you feel ready and hopeful. The question of how many hours to read the bible is the start of one of the greatest journeys of faith you can ever take. It is a personal invitation from the God of the universe to know Him more.
Please, do not let the numbers or the hours scare you. Instead, let them inspire you! Let the idea of spending just 15 minutes a day with your Creator fill you with excitement and joy. In the end, how many hours to read the bible is up to you and the personal speed that God sets for your heart in this time of your life.
It does not matter if it takes you 90 days or two years. Every single moment you spend in God’s Word is an investment that lasts forever. It will change you, strengthen you, comfort you, and guide you.
So, say a prayer, choose a plan, and open the pages of the greatest book ever written. A beautiful journey with your Savior is waiting. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you seek Him.
FAQ – How Many Hours to Read the Bible
What factors can influence the time it takes me to read the Bible?
Personal reading speed, whether you read aloud, and using audio versions can influence your reading time. Faster readers may spend less time, while reading aloud or listening might increase the time needed.
What is involved in reading the Bible in 90 days, and how much time does it require each day?
Reading the Bible in 90 days requires about 45 to 50 minutes of reading each day. This is a focused pace that helps grasp major themes and renew your spiritual focus quickly.
How much time should I dedicate daily to read the Bible in one year?
To read the entire Bible in one year, you should dedicate about 12 to 15 minutes daily. This consistent habit makes the journey manageable and spiritually fulfilling.
How many hours does it typically take to read the whole Bible?
For most people, it takes about 75 hours to read the entire Bible. This estimate is based on an average reading speed and can vary depending on individual pace.
Why is it important for a Christian to read the entire Bible?
Reading the entire Bible is important because it reveals God’s character, His plan for salvation, and serves as a guide for living a righteous life. It deepens personal faith, renews the heart, and helps believers understand God’s love and mercy.
