Reading the whole Bible in a year is one of the most rewarding goals you can set, and it’s more doable than it sounds. With a simple plan and a few minutes each day, you can read from Genesis to Revelation in 2027. Here’s how long it really takes, how to choose a plan, a free month-by-month overview, and practical tips to keep going when life gets busy.
How Long Does It Take to Read the Bible in a Year?
The Bible has 1,189 chapters: 929 in the Old Testament and 260 in the New Testament. Spread over 365 days, that’s about 3 to 4 chapters a day. For many readers that takes around 15 to 20 minutes, though some days (like long chapters in Kings or Jeremiah) take longer and others (like Psalms) go quickly.
Choose the Type of Plan That Fits You
- Cover to cover: read the books in the order they appear, from Genesis to Revelation. It’s the simplest plan to follow and the one in the overview below.
- Chronological: read events in the order they happened historically. Helpful for seeing how the story fits together, but you’ll jump between books more often.
- Old and New Testament together: read a portion of each every day. This adds variety and keeps the Gospels in view all year.
There’s no “right” plan. The best Bible reading plan is the one you’ll actually stick with.
Free 2027 Bible in a Year Overview (Cover to Cover)
This month-by-month overview reads the whole Bible in order during 2027, at about 3 chapters a day. Use it to see where you should be each month and to catch up if you fall behind.
| Month (2027) | What you’ll read |
|---|---|
| January | Genesis 1 – Leviticus 10 |
| February | Leviticus 11 – Joshua 5 |
| March | Joshua 6 – 1 Kings 2 |
| April | 1 Kings 3 – 2 Chronicles 23 |
| May | 2 Chronicles 24 – Psalm 13 |
| June | Psalms 14 – 111 |
| July | Psalm 112 – Isaiah 11 |
| August | Isaiah 12 – Jeremiah 46 |
| September | Jeremiah 47 – Obadiah 1 |
| October | Jonah 1 – Luke 17 |
| November | Luke 18 – 2 Corinthians 10 |
| December | 2 Corinthians 11 – Revelation 22 |
Want the day-by-day version? The 2027 Prayer Journal includes the full daily plan with a checkbox for every day of the year, from Genesis 1 on January 1 to Revelation 22 on December 31.
7 Tips to Actually Finish Reading the Bible This Year
- Pick a set time. Attach your reading to something you already do every day, like your morning coffee or the first minutes after the kids are in bed.
- Choose a translation you understand. A readable translation makes a big difference when you’re reading every day. Many people use a modern translation for daily reading and compare a second one when a passage is difficult.
- Use an audio Bible on busy days. Listening during a commute or a walk still counts, and it keeps your momentum going.
- Track your progress. Ticking a box each day is surprisingly motivating, and it shows you exactly where you left off.
- Write down one thing. After each reading, note one thing it shows you about God. A sentence is enough, and it turns reading into reflection.
- Read with a friend. Follow the same plan as a friend or your Bible study group and check in once a week.
- Don’t give up when you fall behind. See below.
What to Do If You Fall Behind
Almost everyone misses days. When it happens, don’t try to cram a week of chapters into one sitting. Instead, pick up with today’s reading and keep going, then catch up on the missed chapters a little at a time on lighter days or weekends. Finishing in 13 months is still a wonderful accomplishment. The goal is a growing relationship with God, not a perfect streak.
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Pair Your Reading with a Simple Journal
Many readers find a Bible study journal helps them slow down and remember what they read. A simple method that fits on one page:
- Scripture: write out one verse that stood out.
- Observation: what does it say?
- Application: how does it apply to your life today?
- Prayer: respond to God in your own words.
For more ideas on what to write, see these 50 prayer journal prompts for women.
Your 2027 Bible in a Year Plan, Ready to Print
The 2027 Prayer Journal for Women includes the complete daily Bible in a Year plan with checkboxes, plus Scripture study, sermon notes, prayer and gratitude pages and 52 weekly reflection prompts. Instant PDF download.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters a day to read the Bible in a year?
About 3 to 4 chapters a day. The Bible has 1,189 chapters, so reading roughly 3.3 chapters a day finishes it in 365 days.
What is the best Bible reading plan for beginners?
A cover-to-cover plan is the easiest to follow because you never have to look up where to jump next. If you’d like more variety, try a plan that combines Old and New Testament readings each day.
Is it okay to listen to the Bible instead of reading it?
Yes. An audio Bible is a great way to keep going on busy days, and many people use a mix of reading and listening throughout the year.
When is the best time to start a Bible in a year plan?
January 1 is a natural starting point, but you can start any day. Just begin with day one of your plan and give yourself 365 days from that date.
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