How to Read the Bible in 2 Years
To read the whole Bible in 2 years, read about 1½ chapters — roughly 43 verses, or 4 to 6 minutes — a day. It's a realistic, sustainable pace for busy seasons, new readers, and anyone who wants time to slow down and reflect.
A one-year plan asks for 3 to 4 chapters a day. If you've tried that and fallen behind, a two-year plan might be exactly what you need. Consistency matters more than speed: research from the Center for Bible Engagement associates reading the Bible four or more days a week with the greatest life impact, and a shorter daily reading makes that easier to sustain.
How much to read each day
| Daily target | To finish in 2 years (730 days) |
|---|---|
| Chapters | about 1½ a day (about 11 a week) |
| Verses | about 43 a day |
| Time | about 4–6 minutes a day |
Only reading five days a week? Read about 2¼ chapters (60 verses) on each reading day, and you'll still finish in two years.
A sample 2-year schedule
This schedule reads through the Bible in order, alternating between Old and New Testament sections so you reach the Gospels early.
| Months | Read | Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew and Mark | 44 |
| 1–5 | Genesis – Deuteronomy | 187 |
| 5–7 | Luke, John, and Acts | 73 |
| 7–12 | Joshua – Esther | 249 |
| 12–13 | Romans – Galatians | 51 |
| 13–18 | Job – Song of Songs | 243 |
| 18 | Ephesians – Philemon | 36 |
| 18–23 | Isaiah – Malachi | 250 |
| 23–24 | Hebrews – Revelation | 56 |
At about 50 chapters a month, each section flows into the next. It doesn't need to be exact — adjust as you go.
Why a 2-year plan works
- More time to reflect. At about 5 minutes a day, you have time to re-read a verse, write a note, or pray about what you read.
- Easier to catch up. Falling a day or two behind costs just a few minutes to make up.
- Builds a lasting habit. A small, repeatable action done in a consistent context is how habits form. Read more in How to Build a Strong Bible Reading Habit.
Tips for reading the Bible in 2 years
- Pair it with study. With a shorter daily reading, it's easy to add a question, a cross-reference, or a note. See 7 Ways to Organize Your Personal Bible Study.
- Mark milestones. Celebrate finishing each book. My Bible Log awards a star for every book you complete.
- Speed up when you can. On days with more time, read ahead. You might finish early.
Want a faster pace?
- Read the Bible in a year: about 3 to 4 chapters a day.
- Read the Bible in 6 months: about 6½ chapters a day.
- How long does it take to read the Bible?: reading time for all 66 books.
Track your 2-year Bible reading
My Bible Log is a free Bible reading tracker that works at any pace. Set a daily verse goal on the Settings page, log your reading on the Today page, and see your progress on the Bible Books page.
Go to My Bible Log overview