Reading guides
Where to start reading the Bible: a beginner’s guide
Start with a short Gospel such as Mark, which tells the life of Jesus directly in 16 chapters. Then read some Psalms and Proverbs, and only then Genesis and the other books. One chapter a day is a good start.
Do I have to read the Bible from beginning to end?
No. The Bible is not a single book: it is a library of 66 books in the Protestant canon and 73 in the Catholic one, written over more than a thousand years, with history, poetry, laws, prophecy and letters. People who start with Genesis often get stuck in Leviticus, a book of ritual laws that makes little sense without context.
Which book should I read first?
For most people, the best starting point is a Gospel. Mark is the shortest (16 chapters) and the most direct: it tells the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus without many detours. If you want something more reflective, John (21 chapters) is a good second read.
What order should I follow next?
- Mark, to get to know Jesus.
- Acts, which tells how the first Christian communities began.
- Genesis, with creation and the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.
- Exodus up to chapter 20, where the Ten Commandments are.
- Psalms, a little at a time: start with Psalm 23, Psalm 91 and Psalm 121.
- Proverbs, one chapter a day: there are 31, one for each day of the month.
- Romans or James, to get into the New Testament letters.
- Isaiah 40–55, the chapters of comfort, where you’ll find Isaiah 41:10.
How much should I read a day?
A chapter takes about five minutes. To read the whole Bible in a year you need three to four chapters a day, since the Protestant Bible has 1,189 chapters. When you are starting out, consistency matters more than quantity: one chapter every day goes further than weekend marathons.
A plan for your first four weeks
- Days 1–16: Mark, one chapter a day.
- Days 17–21: Psalms 1, 23, 91, 121 and 139.
- Days 22–28: Proverbs 1 to 7.
After that, follow the order above or pick a book that caught your curiosity.
Which translation should I choose?
To begin, choose a translation in modern language that you can understand without effort. Older, more literal translations are great for study but can be tiring at first. Remember that Catholic Bibles have seven more books in the Old Testament.
How can I understand what I’m reading?
Read the whole chapter, not just isolated verses. Ask: who is speaking, to whom, and in what situation? A little historical context changes the reading a lot. On VersePath, each study gives you the text, a plain-language version, the context and how each tradition reads it — see the example of Psalm 91.
What about the Jewish tradition?
The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) is divided into Torah, Prophets and Writings. In the synagogue, the Torah is read in weekly portions over the year, starting with Genesis. Following the weekly portion is a traditional way to begin.
And for Catholics?
The Mass follows a cycle of readings. Reading Sunday’s Gospel ahead of time is a simple way to build the habit and come to Mass already knowing the text.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best book to start reading the Bible?
The Gospel of Mark: it is short, direct and presents the life of Jesus in 16 chapters.
Can I start with Revelation?
It is not ideal. Revelation uses symbolic language that depends on many Old Testament books. It is worth leaving it for later.
How long does it take to read the whole Bible?
About a year, reading three to four chapters a day.
Do I have to read the Bible in order?
No. The books can be read separately, and a thematic order usually works better for beginners.