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New to the Bible?

Welcome. The Bible is the most influential book in human history - 66 books written over 1,500 years that tell one connected story. Here's everything you need to start reading with confidence.

What is the Bible?

Two Parts

Old Testament (39 books) - God creates the world, chooses a people (Israel), and promises a Savior. Written ~1400-400 BC.

New Testament (27 books) - Jesus arrives, lives, dies, rises, and sends his followers to share the message. Written ~AD 45-95.

Why King James?

This site uses the King James Version (1611) - the most influential English Bible translation. Its language is beautiful but sometimes archaic. Don't worry - we highlight unfamiliar words and show their modern meaning when you hover over them.

View KJV Glossary

How to Read

The Bible isn't meant to be read cover-to-cover like a novel. Start with the stories (Genesis, the Gospels), then explore the poetry (Psalms), wisdom (Proverbs), and letters (Romans, James).

Where to Start

These 8 chapters will give you the foundation. Each takes 5-10 minutes to read.

The Bible's Story in 18 Steps

The Bible tells one connected story from creation to new creation. Here's the arc:

1
Creation & Fall

God creates a perfect world. Humans rebel. Everything breaks.

2
The Flood & New Start

Humanity grows so wicked God starts over with Noah's family.

3
Abraham's Promise

God chooses one man and promises his descendants will bless the whole world.

4
Slavery in Egypt

Abraham's descendants end up as slaves in Egypt for 400 years.

5
The Exodus

God rescues His people through Moses with dramatic plagues and parts the sea.

6
The Law at Sinai

God gives His people rules for living - the Ten Commandments and more.

7
Conquering the Promised Land

Under Joshua, Israel enters Canaan - the land God promised Abraham.

8
Cycle of Judges

Without a king, Israel repeatedly falls into sin, suffers, cries out, and is rescued.

9
The Kingdom United

Israel gets kings - Saul fails, David succeeds, Solomon builds the temple.

10
The Kingdom Divides

After Solomon, the nation splits in two. Most kings are terrible.

11
Exile to Babylon

God's patience runs out. Jerusalem is destroyed. The people are deported.

12
Return & Waiting

A remnant returns to rebuild. Then 400 years of silence before the Messiah.

13
Jesus Arrives

God becomes human. Born in a stable. Teaches, heals, loves outcasts.

14
Jesus' Teaching & Miracles

Three years of revolutionary teaching, impossible miracles, and growing conflict.

15
Death & Resurrection

Jesus is executed on a cross. Three days later, He rises from the dead.

16
The Church Begins

Jesus' followers receive the Holy Spirit and spread the message worldwide.

17
Letters to Churches

Apostles write letters explaining what Jesus' death and resurrection mean.

18
The End & New Beginning

A vision of the future: evil defeated, death destroyed, God dwells with humanity forever.

Tips for Reading

Listen along

Every chapter has audio narration. Tap any verse to start playing from that point. Great for commutes or before bed.

Use the tooltips

Hover over dotted-underlined words to see their modern meaning. Gold-underlined names link to character profiles. Green links go to places.

Search anything

Use the search bar or press Ctrl+K to find any verse, character, place, or topic instantly.

Follow a plan

Don't know what to read next? Use a reading plan or tap "What should I read?" for a personalized suggestion.

Save favorites

Bookmark chapters and save them to collections (Favorites, Promises, Comfort, Study Later) for easy access.

Night reading

Toggle dark mode with the moon icon in the top right. Use Sepia mode for a warm parchment feel.

Reading Plans for Beginners

Ready to start?