A Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible

If the thought of reading the Bible overwhelms you, you’re not alone. Even those who consider themselves mature in their faith can struggle at times with reading the Bible regularly. Perhaps you’re new to reading the Bible and don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’ve stopped reading the Bible over the last few years and would like to start reading it again. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, we’ve all got to start somewhere.

Begin by understanding that you don’t have to have a seminary degree. Nor do you even have to be a Christian. It does not matter if you have your life together or are falling apart.

You may not know anything about the Bible. That’s okay. God will show you each step along the way.

Psalm 105:14 (NLT) says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

Start. Right where you are.

Here are a few suggestions for how to read the Bible and get started.

1. Read a User-Friendly Bible Version
Although the Bible was originally written primarily in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, there are now a wide variety of Bible versions available in thousands of different languages. Some use more formal language, while others are easier to follow. One Bible version that stays especially close to the original languages is the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

Another option is the New Living Translation (NLT). Want to carry the Bible around everywhere you go? Download a Bible app, such as YouVersion, on your smartphone. It’s free and easy to use!

2. Ask God to Help You Understand the Bible
Before you start reading, ask the Lord to help you understand. Simply pray:

“Dear Lord, please help me understand. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me and illuminate Your Word so that I can apply it to my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.”

One reason God sent the Holy Spirit is to show us the truth. John 16:13 (NLT) says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”

Then, after you read the Bible, ask the Lord to show you how to live out what you just read. You might pray:
“Heavenly Father, may I live out what I just read. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”

3. Start by Reading the Gospel of John
The Bible is not just a book that you sit down and read cover to cover like a novel. In fact, it’s different because it contains 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. A good place to start reading the Bible is the Gospel of John because it does not simply give you a history lesson but focuses on a relationship with God.

For example, John 20:31 (NLT) says, “But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”

By reading John, you will be introduced to Jesus. You will learn about who Jesus is, what He said, how He lived, and the ways in which He interacted with individuals.

You can even read one chapter from John each day. Since there are 21 chapters in John, reading one chapter a day will take you just 21 days!

4. Read the Bible for Five Minutes a Day
Have you been urged to read through the Bible in a year or to read the Bible for an hour each day? There’s nothing wrong with that. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that it’s all-or-nothing. It may seem as if you have to read the Bible for a lengthy amount of time each day for it to make a difference. But nothing could be further from the truth! The important thing is not how long you read but that you read God’s Word and apply it to your life.

Research shows a connection between Bible reading and human flourishing. In the American Bible Society’s 2025 State of the Bible study, those who reported reading the Bible daily had higher average scores on a measure of human flourishing than those who reported never reading the Bible.^1

So, if you’re not currently reading the Bible, start by reading for just five minutes a day. And if you miss a day, no worries! Pick right up where you left off. Don’t read the Bible as if it were something to check off on your to-do list. Instead, read it as a way to get to know the Lord more.

5. Reflect on What You’ve Read
We all struggle at times with forgetting something we just read, especially the Bible! Take your time while reading. You may even want to go back and reread the passage slowly.

Here’s an activity you can try that will help you remember what you just read in the Bible. Read for five minutes. In a journal, write down OIA:

• • Observation: What does the passage say?
  • Interpretation: What does the passage mean?
  • Application: How can I apply it to my life?

Be sure to write more in your journal. This shouldn’t take long, just a few minutes. Are there any verses that you like? Write them down. Do you feel God leading you to do anything differently in your life? Record it. Did God answer a prayer? Is there anything you’re thankful for? Jot it down! Months or even years down the line, you can look back in your journal and see how you’ve grown!

6. Go to a Good Bible Study
While you don’t have to go to a Bible study to read the Bible, it’ll certainly help you learn more about the Bible. There are a lot of Bible studies out there. Whether you’re a man or woman, young or old, married or single, you can find a good Bible study to meet your needs. Check to see if there are any Bible studies at local churches or nonprofit organizations in your area.

New Life Recovery Groups are available online and in person. Many New Life Recovery Groups go through the Bible, a Bible study, or a 12-Step study. Find a New Life Recovery Group.

7. Memorize a Few Favorite Bible Verses
Don’t think you have to start by memorizing dozens of Bible verses in one sitting. You don’t! Start small by memorizing just one verse. After you’ve read the Bible for a few days or a few weeks, look back over what you’ve read to see which Bible verse stands out to you the most. Next, read it a few times and practice saying it until you can recite it without hesitation.

Here are a few easy-to-memorize Bible verses to get you started:

• • John 3:16: God’s love and salvation
  • Psalm 23:1: God’s care and provision
  • Psalm 119:105: God’s Word as our guide
  • Proverbs 3:5–6: Trusting God for direction
  • Philippians 4:13: Finding strength in Christ

8. Meditate on the Bible
Whatever you think about throughout the day is what will seep into your heart and mind. It will eventually influence your life. When you begin to think about, memorize, and ponder the Bible, it will begin to change your whole mindset.

There are a few creative ways to help you get started meditating on God’s Word. A simple way to do this is to write a Bible verse or a quote on a 3×5 card. Then, during the day, take it out and reread it. Another way is to write it on a sticky note and put it on your mirror. Finally, you can also add a note on your phone or computer. You’ll be surprised at how much more peace you have by thinking about God’s Word!

9. Apply the Bible to Your Life
Think that just reading the Bible is enough? Think again! Truth be told, you can’t just read the Bible. You have to do what it says. James 1:22 (NLT) puts it best: “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” If you read the Bible but don’t apply what you’ve learned to your life, there will be no life change.

When you read Scripture, ask yourself: Is God pointing out a truth I should believe? Or does God want me to change something in my life? Then, be sure to find a friend, mentor, counselor, or Bible study leader and share what you’d like to change in your life. Talking about it can also help you determine what steps you can take to reach those goals and make those changes. Ultimately, whatever you learn from reading the Bible can change your life!

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading the Bible

What is the best Bible version for beginners?

The New Living Translation (NLT) is easy to understand and can be a good choice for beginners. Other popular translations include the New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), New King James Version (NKJV), Christian Standard Bible (CSB), and New International Version (NIV). Choose a version that is easy for you to understand and read consistently.

Where should I start reading the Bible as a beginner?

The Gospel of John is a great place to start because it introduces you to Jesus and focuses on His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Try reading one chapter a day, or start with just a few minutes of reading each day.

How long should I read the Bible each day?

There’s no set amount of time you need to spend reading the Bible each day. If you’re just getting started, try reading for five minutes a day. As you develop the habit, you can spend more time reading and studying Scripture.

Is it okay to skip parts of the Bible I don’t understand?

Yes. You don’t have to understand everything the first time you read the Bible. If a passage is confusing, keep reading and come back to it later. Ask God for understanding or use a trusted Bible study resource to learn more.

Do I need to read the Bible in order from Genesis to Revelation?

No. You don’t have to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Since the Bible contains 66 books, you can read them in different orders. If you’re a beginner, starting with the Gospel of John can be a helpful way to begin.

How can I remember and apply what I read?

Take a few minutes to reflect on what you’ve read using the OIA method described above. For example, if you read Proverbs 3:5–6, you might reflect on what it means to trust God rather than relying only on your own understanding. Writing in a journal can help you remember what you’ve learned and put it into practice.

Need Help Applying God’s Word to Your Life?

Reading the Bible can help you grow in your relationship with God, but sometimes we need help understanding how biblical truth applies to what we’re facing. If you’re struggling with a relationship, emotional difficulty, or another area of life, consider connecting with a counselor through the New Life Counseling Network.

Explore The Life Recovery Bible

If you’re walking through recovery or simply looking for a Bible that can help you connect God’s Word with what you’re experiencing in everyday life, The Life Recovery Bible in the New Living Translation (NLT) may be a helpful resource. It’s a Bible you can return to again and again as you seek God’s guidance, healing, and hope.

Footnotes

1. American Bible Society, State of the Bible: USA 2025 (Washington, DC: American Bible Society, 2025), chap. 3, “Human Flourishing.”

by Kimberlee Bousman