Many Christians want to read the whole Bible but give up somewhere in Leviticus. The secret is not willpower but a good plan. The Bible has 66 books and 1,189 chapters; reading a little over three chapters a day takes you from Genesis to Revelation in one year — about 15 to 20 minutes daily.
Here are five reading plans, who each one suits, and practical tips to help you finish.
1. Cover to cover
How it works: start at Genesis 1 and read straight through to Revelation 22, about 3–4 chapters a day.
Good for: readers who like simplicity and want to see the Bible in its printed order.
Watch out for: long stretches of law, genealogies and prophecy can feel slow. Keep going — the history and gospels come.
2. Chronological
How it works: read events in the order they happened. For example, Job is read early, the Psalms are placed alongside David’s life, and the prophets are read alongside the kings they spoke to. Paul’s letters are fitted into the story of Acts.
Good for: understanding the big story of the Bible and how books connect.
Tip: a chronological Bible prints the text in this order so you don’t need to jump around.
3. Old and New Testament together
How it works: each day read a passage from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, often with a psalm or proverb as well.
Good for: variety. When an Old Testament section is difficult, the New Testament reading keeps you encouraged.
4. New Testament first
How it works: read the New Testament in about three months (roughly three chapters a day), then the Old Testament.
Good for: new believers, who meet Jesus first and then discover the story that leads up to him.
5. Gospel-first, slow plan
How it works: read one chapter a day, starting with the Gospel of Mark or John, then Acts, then a few letters such as Philippians and James, then Genesis.
Good for: absolute beginners, busy parents and anyone who wants to read deeply rather than quickly. It won’t take you through the whole Bible in a year — and that is fine.
Tips for finishing
- Pick a fixed time. Early morning, lunch break or bedtime — the same time each day builds a habit.
- Choose a readable translation. For a reading plan, an easy-to-read version (NLT, NIV) helps you keep momentum. See our guide to Bible translations.
- Don’t quit when you miss a day. Just carry on from today’s reading; you can catch up on a weekend or skip ahead.
- Read with someone. A friend, spouse or small group following the same plan keeps you accountable.
- Write one line. After each reading, note one thing you learned or one verse to remember.
- Use helpful tools. A study Bible’s book introductions explain the background of each book in a page or two.
- Pray first. Ask God to help you understand and apply what you read.
What about difficult books?
Some parts of the Bible — Leviticus, Numbers, Chronicles, Ezekiel — are harder for modern readers. A study Bible or a one-volume commentary can explain why these books matter. It also helps to remember that every part of the Bible belongs to one story that points to Jesus.
Family reading plans
Families with young children can follow a children’s storybook Bible plan, reading one story each evening, while older children read a chapter themselves. Reading aloud together is a precious habit for the whole household.
Ready to start? A good study Bible or an easy-to-read edition makes the journey easier — browse our Bibles, Bible study books and devotionals, or read how to choose a study Bible.