How to Read the Bible (Even If You’re Not Sure Where to Start)

Jonathan Pilgrim
Jul 18
4 min read

Last week, a friend asked me a question that stuck with me:

“I want to start reading the Bible… what version should I use?”

“It’s kind of overwhelming to start.”

That stuck with me - not because I’ve been there (truthfully, I can’t remember my time before I started reading the Bible), but because it instantly made sense. If you’re picking up a Bible for the first time, it can feel incredibly overwhelming.

Sixty-six books. Old and New Testaments. Strange names. Ancient customs. Different translations. Questions about where to start, how to make sense of it, and what to do with what you read.

So today’s post is for the person just getting started - and honestly, for the person who’s been reading for years but still wants to go deeper.

I don’t have it all figured out. But here are some simple, biblical, and practical ways to approach God’s Word with confidence and without getting overwhelmed.

Start With the Story

Before you read for transformation, start by reading to understand the story.

The Bible isn’t a rulebook or a random collection of sayings. It’s one unified story about God’s love for His people and His plan to redeem the world through Jesus.

Here’s a simple way to see the big picture:

Creation – God made everything good (Genesis 1–2)
Fall – Sin entered and broke that goodness (Genesis 3)
Promise – God chose Israel and promised a Savior (Old Testament)
Jesus – The Savior came - He lived, died, rose again (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
Church – His message spreads through the early church (Acts–Jude)
Restoration – Jesus will return to make all things new (Revelation)

If you’re unfamiliar with the Bible, don’t worry about mastering every detail. Just start by reading to see who God is, what He’s doing, and how it all points to Jesus.

When you read the Bible through the lens of this big story, even the confusing parts start to take shape.

Choose a Translation You Can Understand

Let’s clear something up: the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek - so every English version is a translation.

There are lots of good ones, but they fall along a spectrum:

Word-for-word (more literal): ESV, ASB, NASB, KJV, NKJV
Thought-for-thought (more readable): NLT, NIV, CSB
Paraphrase (less formal): The Message, TLB, CEV

Personally, I use and recommend the ESV - it balances faithfulness to the original text with clarity. But if you're just starting out, the NIV is another solid option that’s easier to read. In general, the “best” Bible version is the one you’ll actually read.

Pick a Plan (Here’s One I Recommend)

Don’t just flip it open and read at random. A reading plan can keep you grounded and help you see the bigger story.

Here’s a beginner-friendly plan I would suggest:

Mark – A fast-paced, straightforward introduction to Jesus
Acts – The story of the early church and the spread of the gospel
Genesis – How it all began
John – A deep dive into who Jesus really is
Philippians or James – Practical encouragement and wisdom
Psalms and Proverbs (Optional Parallel Reading) – Great to read alongside any book

There’s no one “right” path, but this simple plan will get you started without getting overwhelmed. From there, the Bible opens up like a landscape, with more to explore as you grow.

Want help with what’s next? There are tons of great free reading plans on apps like YouVersion or BibleGateway to guide you through different books, themes, or the entire Bible over time.

Just pick one and start. Let curiosity and consistency lead the way.

If Possible, Don’t Just Read Alone

One of the best ways to grow is by reading with someone else.

Ask a friend to read a book of the Bible with you. Talk about what you’re learning. Ask each other questions. Pray together. Someone else might notice something you missed, or ask a question you hadn’t thought of. That kind of shared discovery can deepen both your understanding and your faith.

Scripture was meant to be lived and learned in community. Don’t feel like you have to go it alone.

What to Do When You Don’t Understand Something

Here’s the truth: you’re going to get confused sometimes. Everyone does.

When that happens, here’s what I’d suggest:

Don’t panic. Confusion is part of learning.
Keep reading. Let Scripture interpret Scripture - often the meaning becomes clearer as you read more.
Ask questions. Write them down. Talk to a mentor or trusted friend, or even reach out to me. I’d be glad to walk alongside you as you learn.
Pray for clarity. The Holy Spirit helps us understand (John 16:13).
Use resources wisely. Study Bibles, commentaries, or even simple tools like BibleProject videos can bring clarity without overwhelming you.

Understanding takes time. Give yourself permission to be a student.

Read to Be Changed, Not Just Informed

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just knowledge - it’s heart transformation.

Paul wrote:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

The Bible shapes our thoughts, challenges our pride, convicts us of sin, encourages our faith, and teaches us to love like Jesus.

So don’t just read it for trivia - read it to become more like Christ.

So Let Me Ask You…

Have you been intimidated by the Bible instead of engaging with it?
Are you trying to figure it out all on your own?
Do you read just to check a box - or to be transformed?
What would change if you read the Bible like it was written for you and with you in mind?
Who could you invite to read Scripture with you this month?

The Bible Is a Gift — Don’t Miss It

Reading the Bible isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. Don’t miss the gift God is offering you through His Word.

God gave us His Word so we could know Him. So we could hear His voice. So we could be reminded - day after day - that we are loved, called, and never alone.

So start where you are. Take a step. Open the Book.

And let God speak.

Until the journey is complete,

Jonathan Pilgrim

P.S. If you’ve ever wanted to read the Bible but didn’t know how to start - this is your week. Pick a plan, choose a translation, and invite someone to read with you. You don’t have to be an expert. Just start.