Let’s have an honest chat, woman to woman. Have you ever picked up a Bible and felt lost? I know I have. For instance, my first real try was in my early twenties. I sat in my favorite chair with a cup of tea, ready to become a “Bible-reading woman.” I opened to the first page and started. It was fine for a short time, but soon I was lost in long family lists and old laws. Consequently, the book went back on the shelf, and I felt a little bit of guilt. I kept wondering, where should a woman start reading the bible to make it feel like it’s for me?
If you have ever felt that way, you are not alone. In fact, so many women feel the same. We are often pulled in many directions as daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends. We also carry special loads and have special joys. So, it makes sense that we want a personal link when we read this old book. We look for something that speaks to our hearts.
The good news, however, is that the Bible is a living story. It is full of strong women, deep feelings, and wise words for us today. The key is not to read it from front to back. Instead, the key is to know where to open it first. This guide is a talk between us. It is my own advice from finding my story in its pages. We will look at some easy starting points based on where you are in your life right now. So, let’s leave the guilt behind and find your best place to start.
More in Bible Category
What Order Should I Read the Bible
What Book of the Bible Should I Read
Where Is a Good Place to Start Reading the Bible
Where Should a Woman Start Reading the Bible to Know Her Value?
The world tells us who we should be. It also tells us what we should look like. It is easy, therefore, to feel like we are not good enough. We hear things that make us doubt our worth. The Bible, however, can quiet that noise and speak truth to you. Ultimately, it reminds you that God made you with a plan and with great worth. A great answer to where should a woman start reading the bible is where she can learn about her value.
Reading the Psalms to Understand Your God-Given Worth
If you need to feel your value, the book of Psalms is a safe place. It is not a storybook; rather, it is a book of prayers and songs. The words are very old, but they feel new.
A great place to start is Psalm 139. I have read this chapter many times when I felt small. Read it slowly. Let these words sink in:
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)
This is more than a poem. Indeed, it tells you that you are worthy. You are not a mistake; you were made by a master artist. The Psalms are full of these reminders. You do not have to read it in order. Just open it up and let God speak to you. It is a lovely place to begin.
How the Book of Luke Shows Jesus’s Value for Women
Jesus treated women in a way that was new for his time. While others pushed them aside, Jesus saw them. He valued them and included them. The Gospel of Luke is beautiful, for example, because it shows these moments.
- Read about Mary, Jesus’s mother (Luke 1-2): See how God chose a young woman for the most key task in history. Then, read her song of praise and see her strength and faith.
- Read about Anna the Prophetess (Luke 2:36-38): Here is an old widow who lived in the temple. She was not pushed aside but was honored as one of the first to know who Jesus was.
- Read about the woman who anointed Jesus (Luke 7:36-50): This is one of my favorite stories. A woman with a bad name comes to Jesus and shows him great love. The religious men judge her, but Jesus defends her. In short, he sees her heart, not her name.
When you read these stories, you see that Jesus has always valued women. He sees past our mistakes and looks at our hearts. Reading Luke is a strong way to know your great worth in His eyes. This is a good answer for a woman asking where should a woman start reading the bible.
Where Should a Woman Start Reading the Bible for Strength and Courage?
Life is hard and calls for courage. As women, we face our own unique problems. For example, we handle tricky relationships and many duties. In addition, we often have to be strong for others. On some days, we feel our own strength is not enough. On those days, however, the Bible can give us great hope. It shows us stories of normal women who did great things through God’s power.
Finding Courage in the Story of Queen Esther
If you ever feel you have no power, you should read the Bible book of Esther. It is a short, exciting story. Esther is a young Jewish woman who becomes a queen. Then, she finds she is the only one who can save her people from being killed.
She is scared. Her words to her uncle, for instance, show her fear. If she goes to the king without being called, she could die. But her uncle gives her a strong challenge:
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Esther chooses to be brave. She risks her life and, in doing so, saves her people. This story reminds us that God puts us in certain places for a reason. Your life and your place are not by chance. Esther’s story, therefore, will help you be brave. It will also help you trust that God can use you where you are.
Bible Stories of Strong Women Leaders like Deborah and Jael
We need to recall that women have always been leaders in God’s story. For example, the book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5, tells the great story of Deborah. She was a prophet and the leader of Israel and the only female judge in the Bible. In fact, God chose her to be the leader.
She leads with wisdom and courage, guiding the army to a win. The story also has another brave woman, Jael, who beats the enemy leader. This is not a quiet story. It is a story about women taking bold action. Therefore, it breaks the idea that women should only be quiet. Ultimately, reading about Deborah and Jael shows us that God gives women strength to be brave leaders.
A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible for Relationship Advice
Relationships are often at the center of a woman’s life. We care deeply about our friends, families, and towns. The Bible, thankfully, is full of lovely stories and wise advice that can help these key connections.
Where Should a Woman Start Reading the Bible for Friendship? The Book of Ruth
If you want to read a lovely story about friendship and God’s love, you should turn to the book of Ruth. It is a short book with only four chapters. You can read it in one sitting. It tells the story of two women, a mother-in-law (Naomi) and her daughter-in-law (Ruth), who have lost everything.
They are both widows. Naomi tells Ruth to go back to her own people. But Ruth speaks words of great friendship instead:
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
Their story shows the power of female friendship. They stick together through hard times, and as a result, God honors their love in a beautiful way. It is a sweet story that will make you want to care for the women in your own life.
Where Should a Woman Start Reading the Bible for Marriage and Family?
The Bible gives much good advice for family life. Two great places to look for this wisdom are Proverbs and Ephesians.
- Proverbs 31: A Picture of a Good Woman. Let’s be real. The “Proverbs 31 woman” can seem like a lot! She seems to do everything right. I used to read that and feel tired. However, a wise friend told me to read it as a list of good things to aim for, not a checklist. This woman is strong, wise, kind, and works hard. She also cares for her family and the poor. In short, she is not weak; she is a powerhouse. Reading this chapter in a new way can make you feel strong. It gives us a goal for a life of purpose.
- Ephesians 5: The Heart of Good Relationships. This chapter has famous lines about marriage. They are not always understood. But at their heart, they are about love, respect, and putting others first. This is based on Christ’s love for the church. It asks for a team where both husband and wife serve each other. It is a high and lovely goal. When wondering where should a woman start reading the bible for family life, these books are a great start.
What to Read Next to Understand the Bible’s Big Story
Maybe you have known about the faith for a while. Or perhaps you just love to learn. You want to know the “why” behind the stories. You also want to see how it all fits. This is a great desire, and there is a reading path for you, too. This path helps answer the question of where should a woman start reading the bible for deeper theological understanding.
Why a Woman Should Start with John’s Gospel to Know Jesus
All four Gospels tell the story of Jesus, but the Gospel of John is special. For example, Matthew, Mark, and Luke focus more on what Jesus did. John, on the other hand, focuses on who Jesus is. From the first line, John makes a big claim:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:1, 14)
John wants you to know that Jesus is not just a good teacher. In fact, He is God in human form. Reading John will give you a firm base for everything else. It is a book you can read again and again and always find something new.
How the Book of Romans Explains the Meaning of the Gospel
After you have spent time with Jesus in the Gospels, the book of Romans is a great next step. If John’s Gospel is the portrait of Jesus, Romans explains its meaning. The apostle Paul gives a clear, simple explanation of the Christian faith.
- First, it explains why we all need a savior (Romans 3:23).
- Furthermore, it explains how we are saved—not by being good, but by grace through faith (Romans 5:1).
- Finally, it explains what it means to live a new life, free from sin and led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8).
Reading Romans can feel like a class in the best way. It will connect the dots for you and will also give you confidence in what you believe.
Helpful Tools and Resources for Women Reading the Bible
Starting is the main step. However, having the right tools can make the path easier and more fun.
- Find a Version You Enjoy: Bibles come in many English versions. Some are very exact, while others focus on the main idea in today’s words. My advice? Find one that you can read with ease. The YouVersion Bible App is a great free tool that lets you switch between versions to see which one you like best.
- Use a Study Bible: A good study Bible has notes at the bottom of the page. These notes explain hard verses and give history. There are many great study Bibles made just for women.
- Find a Good Women’s Group: You are not on this journey alone. For instance, groups like Proverbs 31 Ministries offer amazing free tools, daily readings, and online Bible studies. They can link you with other women who are also trying to grow.
- Use Visual Tools: If you learn by seeing, then you will love The Bible Project. They have short, animated videos that explain the ideas of every book of the Bible. Watching a video before you read a book can be a big help.
Final Encouragement for Where Should a Woman Start Reading the Bible
My dear friend, the most key thing you can do is just to begin. Please do not let the question of where should a woman start reading the bible stop you. There is no secret plan or perfect first step. Pick one of the books we’ve talked about. Then, choose the one your heart wants to read right now, and just open it. Read a few lines. Read a chapter. See what happens.
The goal is not to be a Bible expert right away. Instead, the goal is to spend a few moments with the God who made you and loves you very much. He is waiting to meet you in the pages of His story. Your story.
FAQ – Where Should a Woman Start Reading the Bible
What is a recommended starting point for women wanting to understand the core message of the Bible?
Women should consider beginning with the Gospel of John, which focuses on who Jesus is, emphasizing His divine nature. Following that, reading Romans will help deepen understanding of the Christian faith and the meaning of the Gospel.
Where should women begin reading the Bible for relationship advice?
Women interested in relationship guidance should start with the book of Ruth, which tells a beautiful story of friendship and God’s love, and also read Proverbs 31 and Ephesians 5 for practical advice on family and marriage.
What Bible story can inspire women to find strength and courage?
The story of Queen Esther is a powerful example for women seeking strength and courage. Esther’s bravery in risking her life to save her people teaches us that God may place us where we are for a purpose and to trust in His plan.
How can women learn about Jesus’s view of women in the Bible?
Women can learn about Jesus’s high regard for women by reading the Gospel of Luke, which shows how Jesus valued and included women like Mary, Anna the Prophetess, and the woman who anointed Him. These stories highlight His respect and care for women.
Where is a good place for women to start reading the Bible to understand their personal value?
A great starting point for women to understand their worth is the book of Psalms, especially Psalm 139, which reminds us that God created us fearfully and wonderfully. It offers comfort and reassurance of our value as His creation.
