"But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
— Psalm 1:2-3
Quick Answer
A good beginner plan often starts in the Gospel of John or Mark to meet Jesus directly, then moves through the rest of the New Testament before tackling Old Testament narrative books like Genesis and Exodus, reading a manageable chapter or two each day (Psalm 1:2). Consistency in a realistic plan matters far more than speed or finishing every book in order.
Where Should a New Reader Actually Begin
Many new readers assume the only proper way to read the Bible is cover to cover, starting at Genesis 1 and pressing straight through to Revelation. That approach often stalls out somewhere in Leviticus or Numbers, buried under detailed laws and genealogies that are hard to understand without context. A gentler and more effective starting point is one of the Gospels, where you meet Jesus directly and see the heart of the whole story first.
A Simple Route Through Scripture
Consider beginning with the Gospel of John, which was written with new believers in mind (John 20:31), then Mark, the shortest and most fast-paced Gospel. From there, move into Acts to see the early church, then a short, encouraging letter like Philippians. Once the New Testament feels familiar, turn to Genesis and Exodus for the Bible's founding story, and sample the Psalms and Proverbs along the way for prayer and daily wisdom. This order builds confidence by starting with the most accessible material and letting the harder Old Testament sections come once you have a framework for understanding them.
Choosing a Readable Translation
A clear, modern translation such as the NIV, ESV, or NLT will serve a beginner far better than an older, more formal translation with unfamiliar vocabulary. A study Bible with brief introductory notes for each book can also be a great investment, offering just enough historical context to keep confusing passages from becoming discouraging roadblocks.
Building a Sustainable Rhythm
Choose a small, realistic daily amount, even ten or fifteen minutes, rather than an ambitious plan you will likely abandon within a week. Reading at the same time and place each day, first thing in the morning or right before bed, helps the habit take root. If you miss a day, simply pick back up rather than feeling you have failed; grace applies here just as much as anywhere else in the Christian life.
What to Do When You Get Confused
You will run into strange laws, long genealogies, and unfamiliar customs. It is fine to skim through the hardest sections on a first read rather than getting stuck. Keep a running list of questions, and consider joining a Bible study or class where others can help you work through the parts that puzzle you. Confusion is not a sign you are unfit to read the Bible; it is simply part of learning any rich and ancient book.
A Few Plan Formats Worth Trying
If you would rather follow a structured plan than build your own, several well-tested formats exist. A New Testament-in-thirty-days plan is a gentle, achievable starting point that builds momentum quickly. A one-year Bible plan divides the whole Bible into daily readings that mix Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms or Proverbs together, giving variety each day rather than long stretches in a single book. A topical plan, tracing a theme like prayer, God's faithfulness, or the life of Jesus across several books, can also be a rewarding way in for a reader who already has some Bible familiarity.
None of these formats is inherently superior to simply reading through books in the order suggested earlier in this article. The right plan is the one whose pace and structure you can realistically sustain, not the one that looks most impressive on paper.
New readers also tend to make far faster, more joyful progress when they are not reading entirely alone. A weekly small group, a friend who checks in on your progress, or even a family member reading the same passages can turn a solitary discipline into a shared, encouraging habit. Hearing someone else's questions and insights about a passage often opens up meaning you would have missed reading in isolation, and having a person to be honest with about a slow week helps far more than private guilt ever does. If a small group is not available, many churches offer a simple reading plan tied to their weekly sermon, letting you build familiarity with a passage before hearing it taught, or revisit it afterward with fresh eyes.
The Goal Is Relationship, Not a Checklist
Above all, remember that the purpose of Bible reading is not to finish a program but to know God more deeply and let his word shape how you live (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Read slowly enough to notice what a passage reveals about God's character and what it asks of you, and let that shape your prayers. A plan is only a tool; the goal is always the relationship it is meant to serve.