How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible – Complete Guide

Hello, dear friend! It is a blessing to have you here. Are you asking how long does it take to read the Bible? If so, you are starting an amazing journey. This journey can bring you much closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ. Thinking about reading God’s Word from start to finish is a wonderful goal. It is not just about finishing a book. It is about spending time with God Himself.

So, let’s talk about this path. This is not a race. It is a steady, faithful walk with God. We will look at different reading speeds and simple plans. Most of all, we will see how to make this a joyful time that helps you grow in faith. Let’s start this journey together. Let’s open our hearts to what the Holy Spirit wants to show us in His Word.

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Why Should I Even Try to Read the Whole Bible?

That is a great question to ask. Our world is very busy. It can feel hard to make time for the Bible. But the rewards are truly heavenly!

First, the Bible is God’s love letter to us. It is the main way He speaks to His children. From Genesis to Revelation, we see His amazing story of love. We see His plan to save us through His Son, Jesus. Reading the whole story helps us know Him better. We see His justice, His mercy, and His endless grace.

Also, the Word helps us in our daily lives. The Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that all Scripture is from God. It is useful for teaching, for correcting, and for training in how to live right. It gives us everything we need to do good work for God. His Word is our spiritual food. It makes our faith strong. It gives us wisdom and comfort. It lights our path. When you read all of God’s Word, you build a strong foundation for your life.

In the end, it is all about your relationship with God. You read letters from people you love to know them more. In the same way, reading the Bible brings you closer to your Creator. It changes your heart and your mind. It is a journey that changes you, and it is worth every moment.

So, How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible on Average?

Let’s get right to your question. For most people, it takes about 70 to 80 hours to read the whole Bible. This is a common answer to the question of how long does it take to read the Bible.

Now, let’s see what that looks like each day. This makes the goal feel much easier to reach!

• Reading in 3 Months (90 Days): Do you have extra time and feel ready for a challenge? You can read the Bible in 90 days. This means reading for about 45 to 60 minutes each day. It is a deep dive into God’s Word.
• Reading in 6 Months: This is a great pace. It gives you time to read and think about what you read. You would need to read for about 25 to 30 minutes a day.
• Reading in One Year (A Popular Goal): This is a very common and steady goal. To read the Bible in a year, you only need about 12 to 15 minutes a day. Think about that! Just 15 minutes. That is less time than you might spend on social media.

Of course, these are just general times. We all read at our own speed. Some people read fast to see the big story. Others read slowly to think about each word. There is no right or wrong way. The best pace is the one you can stick with. It should be a pace that lets you hear from God.

How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible Out Loud?

Reading the Bible out loud is a wonderful practice. Hearing the words of Scripture is powerful. It can help you focus and understand better. It feels like you are declaring God’s truth.

We speak slower than we read in our heads. So, reading the Bible aloud takes a little longer. A good guess is about 100 hours for the whole Bible.

Here is what that could look like as a daily habit:

• In One Year: Reading aloud for about 15-20 minutes each day will get you through the Bible.
• With Your Family: You could read a chapter or two with your family each night. This is a sweet tradition. It helps you read the Word and builds a legacy of faith for your children.

Do not worry that it takes a bit longer. The good that comes from hearing and speaking God’s Word is huge. It can place the truth deep inside your heart.

Can I Listen to the Bible Instead?

Yes, of course! Audio Bibles are a huge gift in our busy world. They let you listen to the Bible while you drive, work at home, or exercise. You can also listen while you just rest. This is a great way to fill your mind with what is good and true.

The time it takes to listen to the Bible is about 75 hours. This is very close to the time it takes to read it quietly.

Many free apps and websites offer audio Bibles. You can find different versions and voices. Some even have music and sound effects. This can make the stories feel very real.

Using an audio Bible is not cheating. Long ago, most people heard the Bible read to them in church. Listening is a great way to let God’s Word into your heart. If it helps you be consistent, then praise God for it!

What Plans Help Answer How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible?

A plan can help you stay on track. It tells you what to read each day. This makes it easy to move forward. There are many great plans you can choose from.

The Straight-Through Plan

This is the simplest plan. You start at Genesis 1:1 and read straight to the end of Revelation.

• Pros: You follow the Bible’s story in the order it is written. You see the story of creation, the fall, and God’s rescue plan unfold step by step.
• Cons: Some books in the Old Testament have many laws and names. Books like Leviticus can be hard to get through. Some people lose steam here.

The Chronological Plan

This plan puts the readings in the order that the events happened in history. For example, you might read a Psalm by David while you are reading about his life in the book of Samuel.

• Pros: This gives you great context. You understand why things were written. This can make the Bible even more meaningful. It helps you see how it all fits together.
• Cons: You need a plan to tell you where to go next. You will be jumping between different books.

The Thematic Plan and How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible?

Some plans give you a mix of readings each day. You might read from the Old Testament, a Psalm, a Proverb, and the New Testament.

• Pros: This keeps things fresh and interesting. You get a little bit of everything each day. The popular Bible in One Year plan is a great example of this.
• Cons: You might not get the same flow of the big story as you would with other plans.

Finding the Right Plan for You and How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible?

The best plan is the one you will use! Pray about it. Ask God to lead you. Bible apps like YouVersion have hundreds of free plans. You can find plans for 90 days, one year, or even two years. Do not be afraid to try a plan and switch if it does not work for you. The goal is to connect with God, not to be perfect.

How Can I Stay Motivated on This Journey?

This is a key question. Life gets busy. Some days you will be tired. Some days you may not feel like reading. That is normal! Here are some tips to help you keep going.

1. Pray Before You Read: Always start with a prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart. A simple prayer like, “Lord, thank you for your Word. Please speak to me and help me understand,” can change your whole mindset. It makes it a talk with God, not a task.

2. Find a Friend to Help: Share your goal with a friend from church or your family. Ask them to check on you and pray for you. It helps to know someone is on the journey with you. You can even read the same plan and talk about it.

3. Don’t Worry if You Fall Behind: This is so important. If you miss a day or two, do not give up! The enemy wants you to feel like a failure. Do not listen to that lie. Just pick up where you left off. This is a journey of grace. God’s mercy is new every morning.

4. Keep a Simple Journal: You do not need to write a lot. Just write down one verse that you liked. Or write one thing you learned about God. Looking back at your notes will show you how God has been speaking to you.

5. Focus on Your Relationship with God: Remember why you started this. You want to know God better. See this time as a chance to sit with Jesus. It will become the best part of your day. It will be more than just an item on a to-do list. This view is key when you think about how long does it take to read the Bible.

What is the Best Bible Translation for Reading Through?

That is a great question! There are many Bible versions, which is a blessing. It means we can read God’s Word in a way that is clear to us. Here are a few popular and trusted choices:

• New International Version (NIV): This is a very popular version. It is easy to read but still very true to the original text. It is a great choice for daily reading.
• English Standard Version (ESV): The ESV is a “word-for-word” version. It stays very close to the original Hebrew and Greek. It is great for deep study but is still easy to read.
• New Living Translation (NLT): The NLT is a “thought-for-thought” version. It shares the main ideas in simple, modern English. It is very easy to read and helps you understand the heart of a passage.
• King James Version (KJV): This version has beautiful, classic language. Many people love it. It can be harder for a modern reader, but it is very special to those who grew up with it.

A Little Tip: Feel free to use more than one! If a verse is confusing in one version, look it up in another. The goal is to understand God’s message.

How Long Does it Take to Read the Bible if I Choose a Harder Translation?

This is a smart thing to think about. A version like the King James Version (KJV) might slow you down a little. The words and sentences are more complex.

But the difference may not be very big. It might just add a few minutes to your daily reading. What matters most is what you are used to. If you have to re-read sentences a lot, maybe try a more modern version first. The journey of how long does it take to read the Bible should be a happy one.

What if I Don’t Understand Everything I Read?

You are not alone! No one understands every single part of the Bible perfectly. It is a book we can study our whole lives and still find new things.

Here is what to do when you feel confused:

• Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 says to ask God for wisdom when we need it. He gives it freely. God wants you to understand.
• Look at the Context: Read the verses before and after the part that is confusing. This often gives you clues.
• Use a Study Bible: Study Bibles have notes at the bottom of the page. These notes can explain history, words, and meaning. They are a great help.
• Ask Someone: Talk to your pastor or a Christian friend you trust. It is wise to ask for help.
• Keep Reading: Sometimes, you will understand things later. Something you read in the New Testament might help you understand the Old Testament. Trust that God is putting it all together for you.

Do not let confusion stop you. Keep your questions, but keep moving forward in your reading.

A Final Word of Encouragement for How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible

My dear friend in Christ, reading the whole Bible is a wonderful journey. It will lead you to a deeper faith and a closer walk with God. He loves you more than you can imagine.

Try not to focus on the time. Do not let the question of how long does it take to read the Bible feel like pressure. Instead, see it as an invitation from God. It is an invitation to spend 15 minutes a day with Him. It is a chance to let His truth change you from the inside out.

It does not matter if it takes you three months or three years. Every moment in His Word is time well spent. So, choose a plan, say a prayer, and open the book. A great adventure with God is waiting for you. May He bless you as you read His Word.

FAQ – How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible