Most Popular Plan

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Read the entire Bible in 365 days with just 3 chapters per day. Build a lasting Scripture reading habit that transforms your spiritual life.

365

Days

3

Chapters/Day

15-20

Minutes Daily

1189

Total Chapters

Consistent daily reading habitComplete Bible in 12 monthsPerfect for beginnersTime for reflection each day

Complete the Bible in One Year: Your Ultimate Reading Guide

The one year Bible reading plan is the gold standard for systematic Scripture reading. Trusted by millions of Christians worldwide, this proven approach breaks down all 1,189 chapters of the Bible into 365 manageable daily readings. With just 3 chapters per day—taking only 15-20 minutes—you'll journey from Genesis to Revelation in exactly one year, experiencing the complete narrative of God's redemptive plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Daily commitment: Just 15-20 minutes per day keeps you on track
  • Complete coverage: Read all 66 books from Genesis to Revelation
  • Perfect for beginners: Manageable pace that builds lasting habits
  • Flexible start date: Begin anytime—no need to wait for January 1st
  • Free printable: Download, print, and track your progress daily
  • Proven method: Millions have successfully completed the Bible using this plan

Why Choose a One Year Bible Reading Plan?

Reading the Bible cover-to-cover transforms your faith journey. Unlike jumping between favorite passages, a one year reading plan ensures you encounter the full breadth of Scripture—including challenging books like Leviticus and prophetic works like Ezekiel that are often neglected. You'll discover connections between Old and New Testaments, understand biblical context, and witness how God's story unfolds from creation to the new creation.

Benefits of the One Year Approach:

  • Sustainable pace: 3 chapters daily is achievable even with busy schedules
  • Build consistency: Daily reading becomes a natural habit by week 3-4
  • Complete perspective: Understand the Bible's overarching narrative and themes
  • Spiritual growth: Regular Scripture reading deepens your relationship with God
  • Accountability: Share your journey with friends or a Bible study group
  • Achievement: Celebrate completing all 1,189 chapters after 365 days

How the One Year Bible Reading Plan Works

Our printable Bible reading plan divides the 1,189 chapters into 365 daily portions of approximately 3 chapters each. The plan follows the traditional book order—starting with Genesis and concluding with Revelation—allowing you to experience Scripture as it's organized in your Bible. Each day's reading is clearly marked with the date, making it easy to stay on track or catch up if you fall behind.

What to Expect in Your Year of Bible Reading

Months 1-3: Foundation

Genesis through Numbers—creation, patriarchs, exodus, and the law. Building your reading habit.

Months 4-6: History

Joshua through Esther—conquest, judges, kings, and exile. Israel's dramatic history unfolds.

Months 7-9: Wisdom & Prophecy

Job through Malachi—poetry, wisdom, and prophets calling Israel back to God.

Months 10-12: New Testament

Matthew through Revelation—Jesus' life, early church, epistles, and the glorious finale.

Tips for Successfully Completing Your One Year Bible Plan

  1. Choose a consistent time: Morning devotions, lunch breaks, or bedtime—pick what works for your schedule and stick with it.
  2. Use a readable translation: NIV, ESV, NLT, or KJV—choose one you understand easily. Bible Gateway offers multiple translations for comparison.
  3. Print and display your plan: Keep it visible in your Bible, on your nightstand, or on your refrigerator as a daily reminder.
  4. Check off each day: The satisfaction of marking completed readings provides powerful motivation to continue.
  5. Don't skip the hard parts: Genealogies and laws may seem tedious, but they're part of God's complete story. Push through!
  6. Catch up, don't skip: Missed a few days? Read double portions to get back on schedule rather than abandoning readings.
  7. Join a community: Share your journey with friends, family, or an online community for encouragement and accountability.
  8. Take notes: Jot down insights, questions, and favorite verses. Refer to Bible Hub commentaries for deeper understanding.
  9. Pray before reading: Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture and speak to your heart.
  10. Apply what you learn: Let God's Word transform your daily life, relationships, and decisions.

Enhance Your Bible Reading Experience

While this printable plan provides structure, the Bible Way app takes your Scripture engagement to the next level. Unlock beautifully illustrated Bible stories, meet heroic biblical characters, earn achievements as you progress, and access daily devotionals that complement your reading plan.

Download Bible Way App

When to Start Your One Year Bible Reading Plan

While January 1st is the most popular start date (it's a natural fresh start!), you can begin your Bible reading journey anytime. Many Christians start on:

  • Your birthday: Celebrate another year by committing to God's Word
  • Easter or Resurrection Sunday: Begin with renewed spiritual energy
  • First day of Lent: Use the 40 days before Easter to build momentum
  • Pentecost Sunday: Let the Holy Spirit empower your reading
  • Start of fall: September brings back-to-school energy for new habits
  • Today: The best time to start is always now!

Other Bible Reading Plans to Consider

While the one year plan is ideal for most readers, we offer several alternatives based on your pace and focus:

Need Help Understanding What You Read?

As you read through Scripture, you'll encounter challenging passages, cultural contexts, and deep theological concepts. These trusted resources provide clarity:

  • Bible Gateway — Compare translations, search verses, and access study tools
  • Bible Hub — In-depth commentaries, interlinear texts, and concordances
  • Got Questions — Answers to thousands of Bible questions from scholars

Ready to Begin Your Bible Reading Journey?

Scroll down to access your personalized one year Bible reading plan. Select your start date, click "Print / Save PDF," and begin the most rewarding journey of your spiritual life. In 365 days, you'll have read every word God has preserved for us—from the majesty of creation to the promise of Christ's return.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." — Psalm 119:105

Frequently Asked Questions About the One Year Bible Plan

How long does the one year Bible reading plan take each day?

The one year Bible reading plan requires approximately 15-20 minutes of daily reading. You'll read about 3 chapters per day, which averages 3-4 pages depending on your Bible's print size. This manageable commitment makes it perfect for busy schedules while ensuring you complete the entire Bible in 365 days.

What if I miss a day in my one year Bible plan?

Don't worry! Missing a day doesn't mean failure. Simply catch up by reading double the next day, or add a few extra days to your plan. The goal is consistent Scripture engagement, not perfection. Many people build in 'catch-up' days on weekends or use vacation time to get back on track.

Should I read the Bible in chronological order or book order?

This one year plan follows the traditional book order (Genesis to Revelation), which helps you understand how the Bible is organized and makes it easy to reference. Chronological plans reorder events by when they occurred historically. Both approaches are valuable—book order is great for first-time readers, while chronological order helps you see the timeline of biblical events.

Can I start the one year Bible plan anytime?

Absolutely! While many people start on January 1st as a New Year's resolution, you can begin your one year Bible reading plan any day of the year. Some popular start times include your birthday, the first day of Lent, Easter, or simply today. The best time to start is whenever you're ready to commit.

How can I stay consistent with my Bible reading plan?

Consistency comes from: 1) Reading at the same time each day (morning devotions or evening wind-down), 2) Keeping your Bible and plan visible, 3) Sharing your commitment with a friend for accountability, 4) Using our printable checklist to track progress, and 5) Praying for God's help to stay faithful. Many users find that checking off each day is deeply satisfying and motivating.

What Bible translation is best for the one year reading plan?

Choose a translation you can understand easily. Popular options include: NIV (New International Version) for balanced readability and accuracy, ESV (English Standard Version) for literal translation, NLT (New Living Translation) for contemporary language, or KJV (King James Version) for traditional language. The best translation is the one you'll actually read daily.

Is reading 3 chapters a day enough to understand the Bible?

Reading 3 chapters daily provides excellent exposure to Scripture's full narrative. While deeper study of individual passages is valuable, completing the entire Bible gives you the big picture of God's story. Many people combine their reading plan with a separate devotional study, Bible commentary from Bible Hub, or verse-by-verse analysis using Bible Gateway for passages that particularly speak to them.

Can children follow the one year Bible reading plan?

The one year plan works well for teenagers and adults. For younger children, consider our Bible Way app with interactive Bible stories, beautiful artwork, and age-appropriate content. Families often adapt the plan by reading together, discussing the passages, or having children read select verses while parents cover the full reading.