Practical guidance
Ultimate Guide on How to Read the Bible
for Beginners
Whether you’ve grown up in church or are just beginning your faith journey, we all face a season when reading the Bible feels unfamiliar and overwhelming. Learning how to read the Bible for beginners doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be a meaningful and transformative experience.
For a long time, I thought I was engaging with God’s Word enough simply by hearing it at church on Sundays and Wednesdays. But something changed when I realized that the Bible isn’t just an ancient text to listen to—it’s God’s living Word meant to speak directly to our hearts.
Through its pages, God guides us, teaches us, and comforts us. Scripture equips us to face life’s challenges and helps us grow closer to Him. As 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
Opening the Bible for the first time might feel overwhelming, but even beginners can discover its life-changing power and grow in their relationship with God by taking small, simple steps.
Where Should a Beginner Start Reading the Bible?
The Bible is a collection of historical texts, containing 66 books and 1,189 chapters. While it may feel natural to read through it as quickly as possible to check it off a reading list, the Bible is unlike any other book. It is the living Word of God, as Hebrews 4:12 reminds us: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”
Starting the Bible for the first time can feel intimidating, but remember this: God desires to dwell among His people and meet us right where we are (2 Corinthians 6:16). This means there’s no “wrong” place to start. You can begin anywhere, and God will guide you through His Word.
The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells the story of God’s relationship with His people before Jesus, laying the foundation for understanding His promises and character. The New Testament introduces Jesus as the fulfillment of those promises and reveals God’s plan of redemption through His life, death, and resurrection.
You can begin anywhere, and God will guide you
through His Word.
While starting at Genesis may seem logical, it’s not the only way to begin. Understanding this structure helps us choose a starting point based on our spiritual needs and curiosity. Here are some suggested starting points that can inspire and encourage you as you begin:
- The Gospel of John: A beautiful introduction to Jesus—His life, teachings, and love for humanity.
- Psalms: Perfect for prayer and reflection, especially in moments when you seek comfort or connection with God.
- Proverbs: Packed with practical wisdom for daily living.
If your goal is to draw closer to God, focus on passages that reveal His character and love, such as:
- The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John): Explore the life and teachings of Jesus.
- Romans 8: A chapter filled with hope and assurance of God’s love.
- Philippians: Encouragement to find joy and peace even in challenging circumstances.
A good starting point is selecting a Bible translation that’s easy to read and understand. Options like the NIV (New International Version), ESV (English Standard Version), or NLT (New Living Translation) are excellent for beginners. These translations maintain the integrity of Scripture while presenting it in clear, accessible language.
Starting where your heart feels drawn can spark the
discipline to keep reading.
When I first began reading the Bible, I had little understanding of what I held in my hands. At school, the Bible wasn’t discussed, and no one introduced me to Jesus. One day, I picked it up out of curiosity, thinking it might be like the fantasy books I enjoyed.
I started in Genesis, but soon felt lost. Skipping ahead, I stumbled upon 1 Kings 3, where I witnessed King Solomon’s wise ruling. That story captivated me, and my curiosity turned into a desire to know more about God.
Looking back, I realize that starting where your heart feels drawn can spark the discipline to keep reading. Whether it’s seeking wisdom, hope, or simply understanding Jesus, let your first steps into the Bible fuel your journey to grow closer to God.
Some things I would have loved to know when I was trying to figure out how to read the Bible as a beginner include:
- Start Small: Instead of trying to read large sections, focus on a chapter or even a few verses at a time.
- Reflect: Ask yourself, “What is God showing me through this passage?” Take time to pray and meditate on its meaning.
- Take Notes: Keep a notebook or journal to write down insights, questions, or prayers that arise as you read.
Before opening your Bible, take a moment to pray. Invite God to guide you and give you understanding.
Even a simple prayer like, “Lord, help me focus on You as I read today,” can make a big difference in how you connect with the Word.
How Should a Beginner Understand the Bible?
Understanding the Bible takes time and practice. When I was learning to play the acoustic guitar, one of my mentors told me something I’ll never forget: “Your ears will improve before your hands can keep up.” At first, I thought I was getting worse because I started noticing mistakes I didn’t even hear before. But in reality, I was growing.
Studying and understanding the Bible is a lot like that. Changes happen beneath the surface before we see outward growth. As you spend time in God’s Word, your spiritual “ears” will sharpen, and you’ll begin to grasp truths you may have missed before.
Approaching the Bible with a humble attitude and a desire to seek God is the key to deeper understanding. Thankfully, there are many tools and tips that can help along the way:
Use Simple Tools
- Concordances: These help you find verses on specific topics or words.
- Commentaries: Gain insights and explanations from Bible scholars.
- Bible Apps: Apps like YouVersion offer multiple translations, audio options, and even reading plans to guide you.
Start with Context
Understanding the Bible starts with understanding its context. Before diving into a passage, consider:
- Who wrote it?
- Who was the intended audience?
- What was the cultural and historical setting at the time?
Ask Questions
As you read, ask yourself:
- What does this passage teach me about God’s character?
- What does it reveal about humanity or myself?
- Is there a command to follow, a promise to claim, or an example to learn from?
Trust the Process
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand everything right away. Growth takes time, and God honors your effort. With prayer, consistency, and patience, your understanding will deepen.
Remember, the Bible isn’t just a book to be read—it’s the living Word of God meant to transform us. As you dive into Scripture, trust that God is working in your heart, even when you don’t immediately see it. Keep seeking Him, and He will reveal Himself to you in ways you never imagined.
Practical Steps for Reading the Bible
I know from experience that reading the Bible can come with a plethora of emotions including fear, intimidation, overwhelm, excitement, and more. You can do it! After reading this article, I encourage you to open up your Bible (if you don’t have one, then download a free Bible app) and start. Every expert started as a beginner, and every beginner must take the first step.
Now, to reduce some of the overwhelm, here are steps that helped me while working on reading the Bible more consistently:
Choose the Right Bible
Selecting the right Bible is essential. Look for a translation that’s accurate and easy to read:
- Amplified Version (AMP): Includes alternate phrasings and words to help give readers insight into the complex nature of the Hebrew and Greek words that don’t translate into one simple meaning.
- New International Version (NIV): Balanced and beginner-friendly, offering a mix of word-for-word accuracy and the writer's original intention.
- New Living Translation (NLT): Accessible and modern, it focuses on conveying the original meaning of the writers.
- English Standard Version (ESV): A more literal translation focusing on word-for-word accuracy.
If you’re unsure, consider a study Bible, which includes helpful notes and explanations. You can also use several translations to compare verses.
Set Realistic Goals
Start small. Instead of trying to read the entire Bible quickly, focus on a few verses or a chapter daily. Setting manageable goals helps build consistency and prevents burnout.
Pray Before You Start
Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your reading and give you understanding. Prayer also helps us stop, breathe, and direct our focus to God.
“Open my eyes, that I may see wonderful things in your law.” — Psalm 119:18
Use a Reading Plan
A Bible reading plan provides structure. Popular options include:
- Chronological Plans: Reading events in the order they occurred.
- Topical Plans: Exploring specific themes like faith or forgiveness.
- Beginner Plans: Focused on foundational passages.
Take Notes and Reflect
Keep a journal to jot down:
- Verses that stand out.
- Questions you have.
- Insights God reveals.
Apply What You Read
The goal of reading the Bible isn’t just knowledge; it’s transformation. Ask yourself:
- How does this apply to my life?
- What is God teaching me through this passage?
Find Community
Joining a Bible study group or sharing insights with friends can deepen your understanding and provide accountability.
Remember, the journey of reading the Bible is just as important as the destination. Start where you are, use the tools available to you, and let God guide the process. With prayer, patience, and persistence, you’ll find the Bible coming alive in ways you never imagined.
Overcoming Common Challenges
When I first began reading the Bible, I remember feeling completely confused just a few lines into Genesis 1. Each time I returned to passages I didn’t understand, I thought, “Here we go again. If I didn’t get it before, how will I now?”
If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Starting out can feel overwhelming, and even seasoned readers face challenges along the way. Here are some common struggles I’ve encountered—and bite-size tips to help you conquer them:
Feeling Overwhelmed
- Start small with short, daily readings. Focus on a few verses rather than tackling whole chapters at once.
- Remember, it’s okay to take your time. Growth happens little by little.
Distractions
- Create a quiet, dedicated space for reading.
- Turn off your phone or use a physical Bible to minimize interruptions and stay focused.
Lack of Motivation
- Keep in mind that the Bible is God’s love letter to you. Even on the days it feels challenging, stay committed to meeting Him in His Word.
- Remind yourself why you started—whether it’s to grow closer to God, gain wisdom, or find peace.
Challenges are a natural part of any journey worth taking. By addressing these obstacles with prayer and intentionality, you’ll find that reading the Bible becomes more rewarding over time. It’s not about perfect progress but about seeking God faithfully, one step at a time.
Taking small, consistent steps will help you grow in understanding and experience the joy of knowing God more deeply. When I first began reading the Bible, I was focused on what I could gain from it. But after I married my husband, my perspective shifted. Reading the Bible became less about checking a box and more about spending time with God.
It felt like being courted—God was sharing His heart with me, much like my husband had shared his life with me during our relationship. When I realized the Bible is God’s living love letter to me, the stress melted away. It became a time of connection, intimacy, and joy, and I pray it becomes the same for you.
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