Beginner’s Guide: How to Read the Bible in 7 Simple Steps

A Step-by-step Guide To Reading The Bible For Beginners – no experience required!

Have you ever picked up a Bible and thought, “Where on earth do I even begin?” Don’t worry, you are not alone! When I first started reading the Bible, I thought I’d just start right at the very beginning.

Sounds logical, right?

And this worked well for me until I got to the end of Exodus, and then the proverbial wheels came off! I tried to push through, but in all honesty, I didn’t even know what I was reading a lot of the time!

I tried. I failed.

I’m not going to lie, it was overwhelming.

The Bible is a big book, and it shouldn’t feel like you need a degree in theology to understand it – or, more importantly, enjoy it! So if you are a Bible reading beginner and you don’t know where to start, then this guide is for you!

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Step 1 – Choose a Bible Translation That You Understand and Enjoy

Before you begin reading the Bible for the first time, choose a Bible translation that is easy to understand – your Bible shouldn’t feel like you are wading through a thick textbook!

The Bible was originally written in languages such as Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, so most of us rely on translations to read it in English. So that’s the good news – you’ve got options!

Why Does The Bible Translation Matter?

Some versions of the Bible use formal, old-fashioned language – think “thee” and “thou” while others use everyday words you’d normally use when you talk to your friends.

For beginners, a simple, easy-to-understand translation can make a world of difference – like the difference between reading Shakespeare and reading your favorite book. Sometimes Shakespeare just isn’t fun!

An Example: One Verse, Different Translations

Let’s take a look at John 3:16, one of the best-known verses in the Bible, in a few different translations:

• King James Version (KJV):
  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
• New King James Version (NKJV):
  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
• New International Version (NIV):
  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
• New Living Translation (NLT):
  “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
• English Standard Version (ESV):
  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

You will notice that the KJV and NKJV use more formal and sometimes older-sounding words like “begotten,” “whosoever,” and “believeth.” Some people love the classic language in these versions, while others find it harder to understand, especially if they’re new to the Bible.

What Is “The Message” Bible Translation?

You might come across a Bible called The Message (sometimes abbreviated as MSG). This version is different from the other translations mentioned above because it isn’t a traditional translation. It is more like a modern novel than a traditional Bible.

For example, this is what John 3:16 looks like in The Message:

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.”

One thing to keep in mind is that The Message is designed for easy reading. It’s designed to make tricky or dense passages much easier for beginners to understand and enjoy.

Because of this, there are a few things I don’t like about this translation.

The Message is a paraphrase rather than a “word-for-word” translation, so it’s not great for in-depth Bible study or for use in church, where you might need to look up verses quickly or flip back and forth between passages. In my copy, the verse numbers also aren’t included for every single verse, which can make it tricky to find specific verses within a chapter.

Why did I mention The Message?

The Message is a great version to read as a devotional or if you want a fresh perspective on traditional scriptures, and many people like to read it alongside more traditional translations for deeper understanding.

Which Bible To Choose

My favorite versions of the Bible are the NIV and NKJV, but each person is different, so you might not enjoy them. So, before committing to a bible right away, you can try out different translations for free online – try a free Bible comparison tool to help you decide.

Alternatively, spend some time at your local bookshop flipping through a few translations to get a feel for how they read. Or ask friends and family for recommendations.

Don’t stress about picking the “perfect” version – the best Bible for you is one you’ll actually want to read. If a translation feels confusing, switch it up. You can always try another one.

Once you’ve found a Bible that feels right, you’re ready for the next step!

Step 2 – Don’t Feel Pressured to Start at the Beginning

Please don’t feel pressurized to read the Bible in order from Genesis to Revelation. If you are anything like me, you might just get confused and bogged down before you even start!

The Bible isn’t like a novel – you won’t miss out if you jump around a bit.

I would recommend starting with a book that introduces Jesus and the core message of Christianity, such as the Book of John.

Or perhaps, if you love a good story with drama, courage, and real people, you can start with a book like Ruth or Esther. These books read almost like storybooks and show how ordinary people made a difference through faith and bravery.

If you need ideas on what to read, then check out our “Bible Verse Of The Day“. Each day, there is a new bible verse that is linked to an in-depth devotional that includes a daily prayer, affirmation, journaling prompts and, reflection questions to help you dive deeper into scripture.

The bottom line?
Start wherever you feel drawn, and don’t worry about getting it wrong. The important thing is to start.

Step 3 – Pick One Book and Read It All the Way Through

Now that you’ve picked a book, commit to reading one chapter each day. For example, if you decide to read the book of John, it will take you about 21 days to finish the book.

Once you’ve finished your first book then it’s time to pick your next one!

Check out our article about the order to read the bible. And when you are ready, check out our article with different Bible study methods that will help you dig deeper into the Bible.

Step 4 – Set a Regular, Manageable Reading Routine That Is Easy To Stick to

Consistency is key when it comes to building any new habit, and reading the Bible is no different. Try to set aside a specific time each day, even if it’s just for 5 to 10 minutes – it’s better to read a little every day rather than trying to do a big chunk and then burn out.

Sometimes, even just reading a few verses instead of a whole chapter can be meaningful and will give you plenty to think about.

Pick a time that works for you, whether it’s first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before going to bed. Choose a time when you will be able to concentrate without unnecessary distractions.

If you find a book that you like, go ahead and read it more than once! The Bible is one of those books where you will learn something new no matter how many times you’ve read it. Plus, the more you read, the more you will understand.

If you miss a day (or even a week!), don’t beat yourself up. Just pick up where you left off, no guilt required! The goal isn’t to rush through the Bible but rather to grow, reflect, and enjoy what you’re reading, one day at a time.

Don’t allow your Bible reading to become a chore that you dread!

If you want to make things even easier, try setting a reminder on your phone, mark your calendar, or download a bible reading plan to help you keep on track.

You can also team up with a friend and read the same book at the same time. This will not only help you to stay focused and on track with your reading plan, but it also gives you someone to chat with about what you’re learning. Win-win!

Step 5 – Begin With Prayer

Before you start reading, you might want to take a moment to quieten down your mind. You can then start with a prayer to help you focus. It doesn’t need to be a long speech with fancy words, and don’t worry about getting the words “right” – just a simple, honest conversation with God is all that you need.

Prayer helps to clear your mind, open your heart, and it sets the stage for meaningful Bible reading. It’s a great way to invite God to be part of your reading time!

Here’s a simple prayer you could use:

“Heavenly Father, Thank You for this time with Your Word. Please open my heart and mind as I read. Help me to understand what You want me to learn today. Give me focus, and let Your words sink deep into my life. Amen.”

Once you’ve finished reading, you might also want to close off with another short prayer. This is a chance to thank God for what you’ve learned, ask for help in understanding what you’ve read, or simply just a way to share your thoughts with Him.

Here’s an example you can try:

“Thank You, God, for speaking to me through Your Word today. Help me remember what I’ve read and put it into practice throughout my day. Please keep teaching me and guiding me. Amen.”

Making prayer a part of both the beginning and end of your Bible time helps you stay connected, centered, and ready to grow. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to pray – just be honest and open, and trust that God loves to hear from you!

Step 6 – Read Slowly and Pay Attention

As you read, take your time, there’s no rush. Sometimes, even a single verse or short passage can give you plenty to think about.

As you read, pay attention to anything that stands out to you. Is there a word or phrase that is repeated? Does something confuse you or surprise you? How do you feel as you read?

Tips To Get The Most Out Of Reading

Here are a few tips to help you get all you can out of your reading time:

• Pause after each section. Take a moment to think about what you’ve just read. Sometimes, rereading a sentence or verse can help it sink in.
• Ask questions. Who is speaking in the verse? Who are they speaking to? What’s happening? Why could this verse be important?
• Take note of any promises, instructions, or examples given.
• Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything. It’s completely normal! Understanding comes with time and practice.
• If something confuses you, make a note of it. Perhaps you could ask someone you trust to explain it to you, or you could look it up in a study guide. But sometimes, all you need is to just sit with a verse and let it unfold over time. Who knows, you might be drinking a cup of morning coffee, and out of the blue, it will just make sense!

And finally, enjoy the process!

Step 7 – Make Notes and Apply What You Learn

As you read, keep a journal, notebook, or even a note-taking app nearby. Write down your thoughts, questions, or anything that stands out to you. This will help you to remember and reflect on what you’ve read. You don’t need to write an essay – just a few lines or words are enough.

Some things you could jot down:

• Verses, phrases, or words that grab your attention.
• Questions that come up (“What does this mean?” or “Why did he say that?”).
• Something you feel challenged, encouraged, or confused by.
• Ideas for putting what you’ve read into practice (even if it’s something small, like being kinder, more patient, or simply trusting God with something that worries you).

After you finish your reading and writing, think about how the scripture you read can be applied to your life. Is there a step you feel nudged to take? Are you starting to see situations or people in a new way? Do you think there is something in your life you need to change?

Make a note of anything you notice. Add a date so you can look back later to see how far you have come.

Also, don’t forget to check out some Christian journaling ideas here!

Try Some Simple Study Aids

If you want a bit more help understanding what you read, there are lots of tools that you can use, like study bibles that have helpful notes and explanations about the scriptures you are reading.

Devotional books or simply Bible studies can also help a lot.

And remember, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own, so don’t be afraid to look for extra help if you’re confused or curious about something.

And don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter. Each issue includes links to all the devotionals we create for that week so that it’s easy to plan your reading for the week!

Final Thoughts

Reading the Bible is a lifelong journey, so take your time, be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand everything right away. Focus on what you do understand and let the rest unfold over time – every time you read, you’re learning and growing, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Also, remember you don’t have to go it alone! Studying your Bible is often easier (and more fun!) when you share it with others. Think about joining a small group at a local church, finding an online bible discussion community, or just rope a friend in to reading together!

Often, getting started is the hardest part, but with an easy-to-understand Bible, a simple reading plan, and a little patience, you’ll soon find that reading the Bible isn’t nearly as intimidating as you once thought. Trust the process! Happy reading!