How to Read the Bible: A Beginner’s Guide to Reading and Studying God’s Word

The goal isn’t simply to finish the Bible. The goal is to let the Bible form you into someone who looks more like Jesus.

Introduction: How to Read and Study the Bible

If you’re wondering how to read the Bible, where to start reading the Bible, or how to study the Bible for yourself, you’re not alone.

Opening the Bible for the first time can feel overwhelming.

Where do you start? Do you begin on page one? Which Bible translation should you use? How much should you read each day? And what do you do when you read something you don’t understand?

The good news is that you don’t need to be a pastor, theologian, or Bible scholar to begin reading and understanding God’s Word.

You just need to start.

The Bible isn’t simply a collection of religious rules. It is the story of God’s relationship with humanity and ultimately points us to Jesus.

This beginner’s guide will walk you through how to start reading the Bible, where to begin, how to understand what you’re reading, and how to build a consistent Bible reading habit.

What Is the Bible?

Before learning how to read the Bible, it helps to understand what you’re actually reading.

The Bible isn’t one book written by one human author at one point in history. It is a collection of 66 books written by many different authors across many centuries.

These books include history, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, biographies of Jesus, and letters written to early Christians and churches.

Christians believe that while the Bible was written by human authors, Scripture was inspired by God.

2 Timothy 3:16 says:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

The Bible has two major sections:

The Old Testament

The Old Testament tells the story of creation, humanity’s fall into sin, God’s covenant relationship with Israel, and His unfolding plan of redemption.

The New Testament

The New Testament centers on Jesus—His life, death, resurrection, the beginning of the Church, and what it means to follow Him.

The Bible contains many different books and genres, but together they tell one overarching story of God redeeming humanity through Jesus.

How to Read the Bible for Beginners

If you’re reading the Bible for the first time, keep it simple. You don’t need an elaborate system.

Here are seven practical steps to get started.

1. Choose a Bible Translation You Can Understand

The Bible was originally written primarily in Hebrew and Greek, with portions in Aramaic. That means the English Bible you read is a translation.

Some translations emphasize staying close to the wording and structure of the original languages, while others emphasize communicating the meaning in natural, readable English.

For someone beginning to read the Bible, some popular options include:

• NIV — New International Version

• NLT — New Living Translation

• ESV — English Standard Version

• CSB — Christian Standard Bible

• NKJV — New King James Version

Don’t get paralyzed trying to choose the perfect translation. Choose a trustworthy translation you can understand and begin reading. You can always compare translations later as you grow.

2. Don’t Feel Like You Have to Start on Page One

One of the most common questions beginners ask is:

“Where should I start reading the Bible?”

You can certainly begin with Genesis, but you don’t have to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation like a novel.

Remember, the Bible is a collection of books.

If you are new to Christianity or the Bible, we recommend beginning with one of the Gospels—the books that tell us about the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

A great place to start is the Gospel of John.

John tells us why he wrote his Gospel:

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
— John 20:31

If you want to understand Christianity, start by getting to know Jesus.

3. Start Small

You don’t need to read ten chapters every morning.

When you’re beginning, reading less and understanding more can be far more valuable than rushing through large amounts of Scripture.

Try reading one chapter a day or spend 10–15 minutes reading slowly.

Consistency matters more than volume.

You’re not trying to finish the Bible as quickly as possible. You’re learning to know God through His Word.

4. Pray Before You Read

Before opening your Bible, take a moment to pray.

You can pray something as simple as:

“Holy Spirit, help me understand Your Word. Show me who You are, what is true, and how You want me to respond.”

Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would guide His followers into truth (John 16:13).

Bible reading isn’t merely an academic exercise. We read Scripture with our minds engaged while also depending on the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth and transform our lives.

5. Read Slowly and Pay Attention

Don’t rush.

Ask questions while you read:

• What is happening?

• Who is speaking?

• Who are they speaking to?

• What stands out?

• Is something repeated?

• What does this teach me about God?

• What does this teach me about people?

• Is there something I need to believe or obey?

Sometimes one paragraph is worth sitting with for a while.

6. Read the Bible in Context

One of the most important principles for understanding the Bible is context.

A single Bible verse can easily be misunderstood when removed from the paragraph, chapter, book, or historical situation in which it appears.

When a verse stands out, ask:

• What comes before and after it?

• Who wrote this?

• Who was the original audience?

• What issue is being addressed?

• How does this fit into the larger message of the book?

A helpful rule is this:

Never build your understanding of Scripture on a verse without considering its context.

7. Apply What You Read

The goal of Bible reading isn’t simply knowing more information. It’s becoming more like Jesus.

James 1:22 says:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

As you read, ask:

What should change in my life because of what I just read?

God’s Word is meant to shape the way we think, speak, live, love, forgive, lead, work, and follow Jesus.

Where Should I Start Reading the Bible?

If you’re wondering what book of the Bible you should read first, we recommend starting with Jesus.

Here is one simple reading order for beginners:

1. John

Start with the Gospel of John to understand who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to believe in Him.

2. Mark

Mark gives you a fast-moving account of the life and ministry of Jesus.

3. Acts

Acts picks up after Jesus’ resurrection and tells the story of the Holy Spirit empowering the early Church.

4. Romans

Romans provides a deeper explanation of the gospel, salvation, grace, faith, and the Christian life.

5. Psalms

Psalms teaches us how to bring our worship, fears, questions, pain, gratitude, and emotions honestly before God.

6. Proverbs

Proverbs contains practical wisdom about relationships, words, money, work, decision-making, integrity, and everyday life.

7. Genesis

Genesis helps you understand creation, sin, covenant, Abraham, Israel, and many of the foundational stories behind the rest of Scripture.

This isn’t the only good order for reading the Bible. The most important thing is to begin and remain consistent.

What Order Should You Read the Bible In?

There isn’t one required way to read the Bible.

Book by book: Choose one book and read through it from beginning to end. This is one of the best ways to understand its overall message and context.

New Testament first: Beginners may choose to read through the New Testament before working through the Old Testament. This can help you become familiar with Jesus and the early Church first.

Cover to cover: You can begin with Genesis and read through Revelation. There’s nothing wrong with this approach, although some beginners find portions of the Old Testament difficult without first understanding the larger biblical story.

Chronologically: A chronological reading plan organizes Scripture approximately according to when events occurred. This can help you understand how different events, prophets, kings, and books fit together historically.

Using a Bible reading plan: A structured plan can help you stay consistent. You might read through the Bible in one year, two years, chronologically, or follow a plan focused on particular books or themes.

There isn’t one spiritually superior reading plan. Choose something you can consistently follow.

How Much of the Bible Should I Read Every Day?

There isn’t a required amount.

For a beginner, one chapter or 10–15 minutes a day is a great place to start.

Some days you may read several chapters. Other days you may spend your entire time meditating on a few verses.

The goal isn’t checking a box. The goal is consistently spending time in God’s Word and allowing it to shape your life.

And if you miss a day, don’t quit.

Just open your Bible again tomorrow.

Understand the Different Types of Writing in the Bible

You wouldn’t read a poem the same way you read a newspaper article.

In the same way, understanding the type—or genre—of a biblical book helps you understand how to interpret it.

History

Books such as Genesis, Exodus, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, and Acts tell us about people, places, and events in biblical history.

Poetry and Wisdom

Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs frequently use imagery, metaphor, poetry, and wisdom statements.

Prophecy

Books such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Minor Prophets communicate God’s messages to people in particular historical situations while also pointing toward His larger purposes.

Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell us about the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Letters

Much of the New Testament consists of letters written by apostles and church leaders to particular churches or individuals. Understanding who wrote the letter, who received it, and why it was written can dramatically improve your understanding.

Apocalyptic Literature

Books and passages such as Revelation and portions of Daniel use vivid imagery, symbolism, visions, and prophetic language. These passages should be read with particular attention to their genre, original context, and the rest of Scripture.

How to Study the Bible

Reading and studying the Bible overlap, but they aren’t exactly the same thing.

Bible reading helps you become familiar with the story and overall message of Scripture. Bible study slows down and examines a passage more carefully.

A simple approach is Observation → Interpretation → Application.

Observation — What Does the Text Say?

Before deciding what a passage means for you, pay attention to what it actually says.

Look for repeated words, commands, promises, comparisons, contrasts, people, places, questions, and important connecting words such as “therefore,” “but,” and “because.”

Observe before you interpret.

Interpretation — What Does the Text Mean?

Now ask what the biblical author intended to communicate.

Who wrote this? Who received it? Why was it written? What was happening historically? What comes before and after the passage? How does it fit with the rest of the book and the rest of Scripture?

A passage’s meaning for us today should be grounded in what it meant in its original context.

Application — How Should I Respond?

Finally, ask:

What does this mean for my life?

There may be a truth to believe, a command to obey, a sin to repent of, an example to follow, a warning to receive, a promise to trust, or an action God is asking you to take.

Bible study should eventually lead to obedience.

The SOAP Bible Study Method

If you want an even simpler method for daily Bible reading, try SOAP.

SOAP stands for:

S — Scripture
Read a passage and write down a verse or section that stands out.

O — Observation
Write down what you observe. What is happening? What stands out? What does the passage teach?

A — Application
Ask how this truth should affect your life. What do you need to believe, change, begin, stop, or obey?

P — Prayer
Turn what you’ve read into a conversation with God. Thank Him for what He has shown you and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live it out.

SOAP is simple enough for a beginner while still helping you move beyond simply reading words on a page.

What Do I Do When I Don’t Understand the Bible?

You will encounter passages you don’t understand.

That’s normal.

People have spent their entire lives studying Scripture and are still learning.

When you encounter something confusing:

Keep reading. Sometimes the surrounding verses or chapters answer your question.

Read another translation. Comparing several reliable translations can make difficult wording easier to understand.

Check cross-references. Other passages may address the same idea or help clarify what you’re reading.

Use a study Bible or commentary. These can provide historical, cultural, linguistic, and theological context.

Ask someone. Talk with a pastor, group leader, mature Christian, or trusted friend.

And most importantly, keep going.

Don’t allow one difficult verse to stop you from reading Scripture. Write down your question and continue. Some questions will be answered as your understanding of the Bible grows.

Helpful Bible Study Tools

You don’t need a library of resources to understand the Bible, but a few tools can help:

• A study Bible for notes, maps, book introductions, and historical background.

• Multiple Bible translations for comparing difficult wording.

• A Bible dictionary for unfamiliar people, places, customs, and concepts.

• Commentaries for deeper historical and theological insight.

• Bible apps and software for searching Scripture, comparing translations, taking notes, and accessing study resources.

Tools such as Logos Bible Software can be especially useful as you begin studying Scripture more deeply.

But remember: you don’t need advanced software to start.

You need a Bible and a willingness to open it.

How to Build a Daily Bible Reading Habit

Knowing how to read the Bible is one thing. Actually doing it consistently is another.

A few simple habits can help:

Choose a consistent time. Morning, lunch, or evening can all work. Choose a time you can protect.

Choose a consistent place. Find somewhere you can focus without constant interruption.

Remove distractions. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and give God your attention.

Have a plan. Decide what you’re going to read before you sit down.

Keep your Bible visible. Put it somewhere you’ll see it.

Start with a realistic goal. Ten consistent minutes every day is better than an ambitious two-hour plan you abandon after three days.

And don’t let missing a day become missing a month.

Open your Bible again.

Should I Read the Bible on My Phone or Use a Physical Bible?

Both are great options.

A Bible app allows you to carry Scripture everywhere, search quickly, compare translations, listen to audio Scripture, and follow reading plans.

A physical Bible can reduce distractions and make it easier to highlight, underline, write notes, and remember where passages appear.

You don’t have to choose one exclusively.

Use whatever helps you consistently engage with God’s Word.

How Can I Hear God Through the Bible?

Christians believe the Bible is God’s written Word.

That means reading Scripture isn’t simply learning ancient history. God uses His Word to reveal His character, renew our minds, convict us, encourage us, teach us, and lead us into truth.

At the same time, we should be careful not to make every verse mean whatever we personally feel it means.

Read prayerfully. Pay attention. Listen to the Holy Spirit.

But always seek to understand what the biblical text actually means in context.

God’s Word and God’s Spirit work together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading the Bible

What is the best book of the Bible to read first?

For most beginners, we recommend starting with the Gospel of John because it focuses clearly on who Jesus is and why He came. Mark is another excellent starting point if you want a shorter, fast-moving account of Jesus’ life.

Should I read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation?

You can, but you don’t have to. Beginners may find it helpful to start with a Gospel before reading through the entire Bible.

How many chapters of the Bible should I read each day?

There is no required number. One chapter a day is a great starting point. Focus more on consistency and understanding than simply completing a certain number of chapters.

What Bible translation is easiest to understand?

The NLT is particularly accessible for many new readers. The NIV is also widely used and readable. The CSB and ESV are other popular options.

The best translation is a reliable one you will actually read and understand.

Do I need a study Bible?

No. You can begin with a standard Bible or Bible app. However, a study Bible can be very helpful for understanding historical context, unfamiliar concepts, and difficult passages.

What is the SOAP method of Bible study?

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. It is a simple method that helps you engage with a passage, understand what you’re reading, apply it to your life, and respond to God in prayer.

How do I understand difficult Bible verses?

Start with the surrounding context. Compare reliable translations, look at cross-references, consult a study Bible or commentary, and ask trusted Christian leaders for help.

Don’t be discouraged when you don’t understand everything immediately. Understanding Scripture grows over a lifetime.

Can I listen to the Bible instead of reading it?

Yes. An audio Bible can be a great way to engage with Scripture while driving, exercising, walking, or doing everyday tasks. You may find that combining listening and reading helps you understand and remember Scripture even better.

You Can Learn How to Read and Study the Bible

If you’ve ever thought:

“I don’t know how to read the Bible.”

“I don’t understand the Bible.”

“I don’t know where to start.”

You’re not alone.

But you can learn.

You don’t need special training before you begin.

Start with Jesus. Choose a book of the Bible. Read a little each day. Pray before you read. Pay attention to context. Ask questions. Apply what you learn.

And keep going.

You won’t understand everything the first time you read it—and that’s okay. The Bible is something you can continue discovering for the rest of your life.

The goal isn’t simply to finish the Bible. The goal is to let the Bible form you into someone who looks more like Jesus.

Don’t Read the Bible Alone

Personal Bible reading is incredibly important, but Christianity was never intended to be lived in isolation.

Read Scripture with other Christians. Join a Bible study or community group. Ask questions. Learn from pastors and leaders. Talk about what God is teaching you.

Sometimes another person will notice something you missed, help you understand a difficult passage, or encourage you to apply what you’ve learned.

At Elan Church, we believe spiritual growth happens best in community.

Looking for a Church Near Naperville, Illinois?

If you live in Naperville, Aurora, or the greater Chicago area and are looking for a church where you can grow in your understanding of the Bible and your relationship with Jesus, we’d love to invite you to Elan Church.

Elan Church is a Holy Spirit-led, Bible-immersed church in the Naperville area passionate about raising up passionate disciples of Jesus.

We’d love to have you join us this Sunday.