How long does it take to read the Bible in a year?

About 12–15 minutes per day. The entire Bible is roughly 1,189 chapters. At 3–4 chapters a day, you finish in 365 days. The key is consistency, not speed — a short daily rhythm beats a long weekly binge.

What is the best Bible reading plan to read the Bible in a year?

The best plan is the one you actually finish. Beginners often do well with a 'New Testament first' or blended plan (OT and NT together). Straight-through readers like Genesis-to-Revelation momentum. Chronological fans love reading events in historical order. We cover all three below.

In what order should I read the Bible for the first time?

Start with the New Testament — Matthew through Revelation — to meet Jesus first. Then read the Old Testament Genesis through Malachi. This 'NT-first' order helps beginners connect the prophecies and promises to their fulfillment in Christ.

How many chapters of the Bible should I read a day to finish in a year?

3 to 4 chapters per day on average. Some days are heavier (long Psalms, detailed Levitical laws), and some are lighter (short epistles). A good plan balances the load so no single day feels overwhelming.

What do I do if I fall behind on my Bible reading plan?

Skip the missed days and jump to today's reading. The goal is a sustained relationship with Scripture, not a perfect streak. Catching up by reading double for a week is a common reason people quit. Just start again where the calendar is.

All guides

How to Read the Bible in a Year

A 365-day plan that actually works — with 3 tracks, a day-by-day schedule, and a rhythm you can sustain.

Reading the Bible in a year is one of the most rewarding commitments a believer can make — and one of the most abandoned. The problem is rarely desire; it is an unrealistic plan. Most year-long schedules load 5–6 chapters on some days and expect you to catch up on weekends. This guide gives you three balanced tracks, a sensible daily load, and a simple 'what to do when you miss a day' rule.

60-second start

Step 1 of 4

What's the season you're in?

Next step

Pick a track, pick a start date, and get a personalized day-by-day Bible reading schedule.

Generate your 365-day plan

How the 365-day plan works

The Bible has 1,189 chapters. At 3–4 chapters a day, you finish in 365 days.
Each daily reading takes 12–15 minutes at a relaxed pace.
We group chapters into thematic weeks so you feel momentum — not random hopping.
Every seventh day is lighter: a Psalm, a Proverb, and reflection.

Track 1: Beginner — New Testament First

Months 1–3: Matthew through Acts (the life, death, resurrection, and early church).
Months 4–6: Romans through Revelation (letters and prophecy).
Months 7–9: Genesis through Esther (the story of Israel).
Months 10–12: Job through Malachi (poetry, wisdom, and the prophets).
Why it works: You meet Jesus first. When you later read the Old Testament, every promise lights up with meaning.

Track 2: Straight Through — Genesis to Revelation

January–February: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (the Law).
March–April: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles (the history).
May–June: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs (return and wisdom).
July–August: Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations (poetry and major prophets).
September–October: Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea through Malachi, Matthew, Mark (minor prophets and Gospels).
November–December: Luke, John, Acts, Romans through Revelation (Gospels, Acts, and Epistles).
Why it works: It is the simplest structure. You feel the story build from creation to consummation.

Track 3: Chronological — In Historical Order

This plan reorders the Bible so events are read as they happened, not as they appear in canon.
Example: Job is read early (likely patriarchal era), Psalms are woven into David's life, and the prophets are placed next to the kings they addressed.
You will jump between books, but the narrative thread is clearer.
Best for: Readers who have done a straight-through plan and want to see the timeline connect.

The day-by-day rhythm

Morning (10 minutes): Read the day's chapters aloud if possible. Hearing the text engages a different part of your brain.
Underline or note one verse that stands out. Don't study — just notice.
Evening (5 minutes): Return to the verse you marked. Ask: What is God saying? What am I going to do about it?
Sunday: Lighter reading + journaling. Review the week and preview the next.

What to do when you miss a day

The #1 reason people quit a year-long plan is the guilt of falling behind. Here is the rule: skip the missed days and jump to today's reading. Do not double up. Do not restart. The Bible is not a textbook you have to read in order — it is a conversation you pick up each morning. If you miss a week, you have not failed; you have simply paused. Start where the calendar is and keep going.

Reading tips that actually help

Use the same translation all year — consistency builds familiarity. NIV, ESV, CSB, and NLT are all excellent for reading plans.
Read aloud when you can. It slows you down and improves comprehension.
Don't stop to look up every word. Let the story carry you; study comes later.
Find one other person doing the plan. Text each other a highlight from the day's reading. Accountability is the difference between starting and finishing.
Use a digital Bible app with streak tracking if gamification helps you — but don't let a broken streak become a reason to quit.

How Faith Common helps you finish

Our free Bible reading plan generator lets you pick your track, start date, and reading length — then generates a personalized day-by-day schedule.
The daily devotional connects each day's theme to a fresh reflection and prayer.
The prayer journal gives you a place to write what you're noticing — so the reading becomes formation, not just information.