Many believers ask, “How long does it take to read the Holy Bible?” Yet engaging with God’s Word is far more than completing pages—it is a sacred journey of faith in Christ, spiritual growth, and heart transformation. The time it takes depends on your reading pace, daily devotion, and how deeply you meditate on Scripture, reflect on biblical teachings, and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical Bible reading plans, time estimates, and strategies, with examples from real Christian readers. Whether you want to read for spiritual growth, devotion, or study, this article will help you plan your journey through God’s Word.
Understanding How Long It Takes to Read the Bible
For an average reader, reading the entire Bible can take 70-80 hours. But remember, as Christians, the goal is not just speed—it’s understanding and applying God’s Word in our daily lives.
Several factors affect your reading time:
- Reading speed: Some read quickly; others take time to meditate on each verse.
- Type of reading: Casual reading is different from deep study or devotional reflection.
- Chosen plan: Daily, weekly, or chapter-based reading plans can change completion time.
Real-life example: My friend Sarah, a devoted Christian, read 12 minutes each morning for a year. She finished the Bible slowly but reflected on each verse and prayed through the passages. My cousin David, another Christian, read 1 hour daily and completed the Bible in 2-3 months, highlighting verses that touched his heart.
So when you ask, “How long does it take to read the Bible?” keep in mind it’s about more than time spent—it’s a journey of faith, steady commitment, and spiritual transformation.
How Long Should a Christian Read the Bible Each Day?
Many believers often ask, “How much time should I set aside each day to read the Bible?” Below are several practical, spiritually focused reading approaches to help guide your daily devotion:
- 12 minutes daily: Enough to finish in a year. Perfect for busy believers or beginners.
- 30 minutes daily: Finish in 6–8 months and spend time reflecting on Scripture.
- 1 hour daily: Complete in 2–3 months, ideal for serious devotional reading.
Daily reading helps build a spiritual habit. For instance, I started reading 15 minutes every morning while praying and meditating on each verse. After a few months, I had read several books of the Bible and felt my faith deepen. Consistency matters more than speed; God honors small daily steps.
Tip for Christians: Pair your reading with prayer. Ask God to guide your understanding of His Word and apply it to your life. This makes your reading more meaningful than just finishing chapters.
Reading Both the Old and New Testaments
The Bible has two main parts:
- Old Testament – 929 chapters of history, law, poetry, and prophecy
- New Testament – 260 chapters of the life of Jesus, the apostles, and teachings for the church
Reading both together usually takes 70-80 hours for an average reader. But the Old Testament takes longer because of its length and depth, while the New Testament is shorter and easier to read in a focused devotional session.
Some Christians finish both in weeks, others in months, and some take years when studying deeply. For example, my cousin James read the New Testament in 2 weeks, dedicating an hour every day, and spent several months on the Old Testament, praying and reflecting on each story.
So, how long does it take to read the Bible old and new testament? It depends on your devotional depth and commitment to applying God’s Word.
Is It Possible to Read the Bible in One Sitting?
Some Christians ask: “How long does it take to read the Bible in one sitting?” The truth is: it’s nearly impossible.
- The total reading time is over 70 hours.
- Continuous reading is exhausting and impractical.
Even if you tried reading a full book like Genesis in one day, you would likely forget most of what you read. I once attempted this. I finished the chapters, but I could not remember much because I rushed.
Faith-based insight: God’s Word is meant to be meditated on, prayed over, and applied, not rushed. Reading in small daily portions allows your heart to absorb Scripture, leading to transformation rather than just completion.
Completing the Bible in 30 Days
Some Christians want to finish the Bible in 30 days. While ambitious, it’s possible with prayerful planning:
- Daily reading: 1–2 hours depending on your pace
- Divide chapters: Assign daily goals to maintain consistency
My friend Emma dedicated 90 minutes each evening. By the end of 30 days, she had completed the Bible and reflected on key lessons, journaling insights for each passage.
Tip: If attempting a 30-day plan, focus on quality over quantity. Pray before and after reading, asking God to speak to your heart. This ensures spiritual growth, not just a completed reading.
Reading the Bible 30 Minutes a Day
Reading 30 minutes a day is effective and manageable for most Christians:
- Total completion time: ~6–8 months
- Allows reflection, journaling, and prayer
I started with 20 minutes daily, gradually increasing to 30. After 6 months, I had read the Bible and could recall key stories and teachings. Habit formation and spiritual reflection are more important than rushing.
Tip: Use a Bible reading app or devotional guide to stay on track and deepen your understanding.
Reading 2 Chapters a Day
Reading 2 chapters a day is a simple, sustainable plan:
- Total chapters: ~1,189
- Reading 2 chapters daily = ~1.5 years to complete
My friend Michael followed this plan. By the end of 1.5 years, he had completed the Bible and written reflections on every chapter. This approach is perfect for Christians who want to balance reading and prayerful study.
Deepening Your Bible Reading Journey
Reading the Bible is more than finishing chapters—it’s about growing in faith, reflecting on God’s Word, and applying its teachings in daily life. This guide will help Christians understand the structure of the Bible, key teachings like the 10 Commandments, authorship, translations, and practical tips to read efficiently while deepening spiritual growth.
By following these strategies, you can read with purpose, retain God’s Word, and allow it to transform your heart and actions.
How Many Books Are in the Bible?
The Bible is a collection of 66 books for most Protestant Christians:
- Old Testament: 39 books
- New Testament: 27 books
Each book has a purpose: history, prophecy, poetry, law, or teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
- Old Testament examples: Genesis (creation), Psalms (worship), Isaiah (prophecy)
- New Testament examples: Matthew (life of Jesus), Acts (early church), Revelation (vision of the future)
Knowing the number of books helps Christians plan reading schedules. For instance, if you read one book per week, you could finish in over a year while reflecting on each book’s message.
Understanding the 10 Commandments and Bible Content
The 10 Commandments are central to Christian life, found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. They guide moral behavior and spiritual growth:
- Love God above all
- Do not worship idols
- Do not misuse God’s name
- Remember the Sabbath
- Honor your parents
- Do not murder
- Do not commit adultery
- Do not steal
- Do not lie
- Do not covet
Reading and meditating on these commandments helps Christians internalize God’s guidance. Many readers find that focusing on key themes like the Ten Commandments makes daily reading more meaningful and helps retain Scripture better.
Bible content varies: some chapters tell stories, others teach principles, and some are poetic. Understanding the content type can help determine how long to spend on each section.
Example: Reading Psalms may take less time than studying Leviticus because Psalms are shorter, while Leviticus contains detailed laws requiring reflection.
Who Wrote the Bible and the Importance of Translation
Many believers often ask, “Who authored the Bible?” The Holy Scriptures came together over many centuries, written by more than 40 dedicated individuals, including prophets, kings, and apostles. Although human hands physically recorded the words, Christians trust that every sentence is God-breathed, divinely inspired, and grounded in the sovereign authority of God, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16.
Translations affect reading speed:
- Simple translations like the NIV (New International Version) are easier to read.
- Older or literal translations like the KJV (King James Version) can take longer to understand.
Real-life insight: I once read Proverbs in the NIV and could finish a chapter in minutes while reflecting on its meaning. Later, I read the same chapter in the KJV and spent more time pondering every word, gaining deeper insight.
Choosing the right translation helps Christians read consistently and comprehend God’s Word, which also affects how long it takes to read the Bible.
Tips for Efficient Bible Reading and Daily Habit Formation
- Set manageable goals: Start with 12–30 minutes daily or 1–2 chapters. Gradually increase your time as you build a habit.
- Use a reading plan: Daily, weekly, or chapter-based plans keep you on track. Plans help answer:
- How long will it take to read the Bible if I read 2 chapters a day?
- How long does it take to read the Bible in 30 days?
- How long will it take to read the Bible if I read 2 chapters a day?
- Combine reading with prayer: Ask God for understanding and guidance. Reading without reflection can feel rushed.
- Journal your reflections: Write down lessons, prayers, and insights from passages.
- Mix reading with listening: Use Bible online free apps or audio versions for variety and deeper retention.
- Include devotional content: Short devotionals after reading each chapter can help internalize Scripture.
Example: My friend Daniel reads 2 chapters each morning with prayer, journals his thoughts, and listens to the same chapters at night. After 1.5 years, he completed the Bible and deepened his faith significantly.
Integrating the Bible into Daily Life
Reading the Bible is not only about finishing it—it’s about applying it. Here’s how Christians can integrate Scripture:
- Daily devotion: Reflect on one verse and pray over it.
- Family reading: Read together as a family or with friends.
- Memorization: Learn key verses for spiritual guidance and comfort.
- Application: Act on teachings, like showing love, forgiveness, and honesty.
This approach ensures the Bible transforms your life rather than just being a book you finish.
Reflecting on Completion Time
By following structured reading plans:
- 12 minutes daily: Finish ~1 year
- 30 minutes daily: Finish ~6–8 months
- 1 hour daily: Finish ~2–3 months
- 2 chapters daily: Finish ~1.5 years
Remember, some may take longer if engaging in deep study, prayer, or devotional reflections. The key is faithfulness, not speed.
Real-life example: My cousin Emily read 15 minutes daily, prayed, and reflected. After 18 months, she completed the Bible and reported a deeper understanding of God’s guidance in her life.
Final Thought: Walking in Faith Through God’s Word
The Bible is God’s gift to Christians. How long it takes to read the Bible depends on your commitment, pace, and approach. Whether you read a few minutes daily or take an intensive 30-day challenge, the goal is spiritual growth.
- Form daily reading habits
- Reflect and pray through passages
- Apply lessons in real life
Remember, it’s not just about completing 1,189 chapters—it’s about letting God’s Word transform your heart, mind, and life. Reading with intention ensures the Bible becomes a source of wisdom, comfort, and guidance for every Christian.
FAQs
Can you read the Bible in 40 days?
Yes, it is possible to read the entire Bible in 40 days, but it requires dedication, discipline, and focus. The average Bible takes about 70–80 hours to read from cover to cover. Dividing this by 40 days means you would need to dedicate roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours each day. While this is a significant time commitment, it can be done by setting aside focused periods in the morning or evening.
For Christians, reading the Bible in 40 days can be a spiritual challenge and a devotional exercise. You can break your daily reading into smaller sessions—perhaps one in the morning and one in the evening—allowing time for prayer and reflection on what you’ve read. Journaling key insights or verses can help deepen your understanding and make the intensive reading schedule spiritually rewarding rather than overwhelming.
Can you read the Bible in 3 months?
Reading the Bible in 3 months is more manageable and realistic for most believers. Three months is about 90 days, which means you would need to read approximately 47–53 minutes daily to complete the Bible in this timeframe. Spending under an hour each day is a practical commitment that fits into busy schedules while still allowing time for reflection.
This plan is excellent for Christians who want to balance reading with prayer and meditation. You can read a few chapters each morning or evening, then spend a few minutes praying about the lessons learned. Using a Bible reading plan can help keep you organized and ensure you progress steadily through both the Old and New Testaments. The 3-month plan is also flexible—you can adjust daily reading time based on how fast you read or how deeply you want to study each passage.
How many hours per day to read the Bible in 30 days?
Completing the Bible in 30 days is an ambitious goal that requires a daily commitment of about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. This is calculated by dividing the total reading time of 70–80 hours by 30 days. To achieve this, it’s helpful to break your reading into two or more sessions during the day, combining reading with prayer and reflection.
This intensive schedule can be spiritually enriching for Christians who want to immerse themselves in God’s Word. You might choose to read in the morning before work, during lunch breaks, and in the evening, taking time to meditate on key passages. Journaling your thoughts, memorizing verses, and praying over what you read can turn this ambitious reading schedule into a powerful spiritual journey rather than a race to finish the chapters. It’s also a great way to stay focused on God’s Word daily, strengthening your faith and understanding of Scripture in a short but meaningful period.
How long would it take to read the Bible in 90 days?
Reading the Bible in 90 days is an achievable and balanced plan for most Christians. To complete the Bible in this time, you would need to spend about 47–53 minutes each day reading and reflecting on Scripture. This pace allows you to maintain a daily habit without feeling rushed, making it easier to understand and internalize the teachings of the Bible.
This schedule is ideal for combining reading with devotional practices. You can read a chapter or two each day, then take time to pray, journal insights, and apply what you’ve learned to your daily life. Many Christians find that a 90-day plan gives them the structure to finish the Bible while still engaging deeply with God’s Word. It’s a balanced approach that encourages consistency, spiritual growth, and reflection, helping you not just finish the Bible but also experience transformation through daily interaction with Scripture.