How many have read the entire Holy Bible?

Question

I have been trying to read the Bible, King James version. I find it terribly boring & difficult to even get into. I can't even get past Matthew. Can anyone who has actually read the entire Bible offer any advice or should I just forget about it. Am I doing something wrong or do you have to be a believer to read the Bible? I would like to read it I just do not think I am as interested as I thought I would be.

Answer 1

My advice is to switch to Harry Potter. Definitely more pleasant to read. Ancient middle eastern tales and legends can indeed be so boring.

Answer 2

No, you are not doing anything wrong and there is nothing wrong with you either. Its just that we all have a different approach of reading & studying things. And I'm glad you ask this question :-) there was a time when I felt so and unfortunately I didn't have this many people to guide me... though some in my family suggested to change the version (which is ofcourse a definite need) but almost all pointed to follow the same conventional approach that is to start where it starts and then go through it chapter by chapter and end it where it ends. And this formula though not bad can be pretty rigorous for some (if not all).

So all I can say is just start where it starts (that is Genesis ch 1 that talks about creation and how God created everything including us) then follow it for sometime so that you would get a basic sense of sequence and who is who in the Bible and how things have progressed UNTIL you come to a point where you find it a bit boring and let me tell you that, this is not bcog Bible is boring but it simply the way things are documented. for example some chapters in old testament are a bit too detailed, too many facts and information. So there you need to change the approach. Look, I'm not saying to skip this chapters altogether - its just to come back to it in a later stage when you' re more ready. So just follow your heart and go with the flow and read whatever you want to read, whenever you like to read (no fixed time) - just make it a way of life and eventually before you know you would finish the whole thing.

Here we' ve to remember that Bible is not a "Feel Good" book though there're plenty of feel good factors out there but its more like a huge, large "History Book" which could have been even larger if everything that was ever written were included.Bible is a great book and above all could be a great read if you just know how to do this. Its a document of the lives of many great men and women and their "purpose" in life and how they found it through God and through situations. I would say its a very INTRIGUING book which has all the ingredients of a Best Seller - from Passions to Betrayal, from Violence to Philosophy and all.

But don't read it out of "Guilt" just do it for the sake of a "Good Read" or to broden your perspective, to give your thoughts more depth and understanding. I agree, Bible won't make you a better Christian but if you "Allow" it, it will definitely make you a better person. And yes, please be assured, that even if you somehow fail to read the whole thing still God won't take this against you because its YOU who is more important to Him and He loves you no matter what though I think sometimes he would definitely like "you" to know him & understand him a bit more closely through these words.

Here we've so many good tips above and one that I would strongly recommend is to go for a different version which is more easy and enjoyble to read. And yes,I' ve to admit this without causing any offense that Victorian English can be pretty boring. Bible is a book which is relevant for every generation because it has a certain truth about "us" - our purpose in life, our needs,desires and our relationship with God that never actually changes with time. So Bible should speak to the present generation in its present context and language then only it would make more sense and would be more acceptable. And yet, one thing that always fascinates me is that each time you read it, it won't mean the same to you but you would look at it a bit differently...!!

So go ahead & Best Wishes ...

Answer 3

Peace!
I have read the entire Bible many times. Catholics read the Bible every 3 years. Surprised? Because we follow a cycle and every 3 years we complete a cycle. We have no choice because it is in our liturgy. Even if you don't read it you will hear it when you attend mass.
I have a suggestion to make. It is better to read the New Testament first. Why? Because the New Testament is the new covenant, the book of Christians. The Old Testament is the old covenant, the book of the Jewish people. The New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament while the Old Testament is revealed in the New Testament. Christians should be very familiar with the four gospels because it is the story of Jesus Christ. If you have read the New Testament you are okay.

Answer 4

I have, and you are right - most people "cherry pick" the good sections and never refer to the boring stuff.

I'm thinking you started with the New Testament as if you had read all of the Old, when you got to Matthew you'd be saying "finally, some action"-) [and with the King James, you have to ignore how it's all in Victorian English]

It gives you a different perspective after having completed it - like how 4 authors could recount the life of Christ, but differ in the tales: literalists take note - they cannot all be correct;-)

Read it to understand what is actually there so that you can form your own (well guided) beliefs instead of adopting someone else's beliefs.

Answer 5

Yes, I have read the entire Bible. I have read many parts of it several times.
I'd advise you first of all to get a new translation. I prefer the NEW KJV because the language is easier to deal with and it takes into account the Dead Sea Scroll findings, whereas the KJV does not.
You might also try the NIV or American Standard, or Holman-Christian versions, they are all good.

Keep this in mind, the Bible isn't supposed to be EASY to read, and you won't get everything all at once. The more you read, the more will be revealed to you. Good luck and keep it up!

Answer 6

Hopefully you don't belong to one of those religions that like only the KJV bible, if you do belong to them, I would just skip around to differant books, and try to memorize which ones you have read. When I went thru The books of the law, I didn't actually read all the laws, i read the other interesting stuff, like the drama that went on between the laws that were written down. There are 31 proverbs, those you can read every day and pray over someone. If you belong to a church that allows you to read other translations, then get a differant translation, each time you reread the bible, it makes reading the Bible interesting each time you read it.

Answer 7

Within the pages of the Bible it says that the devil blinds people to the truth in the Bible. Once you are a Christian God comes and dwells in your heart and gives you Godly wisdom. He opens up the Bible to you and shows you the truth. So, I would say that Yes, you need to be saved to really get many of the things that are in the Bible. Going to Bible study is also very helpful. Most baptist churches run Bible study groups. You can also go to my churches website and download the preaching....it will help you.

http://www.oldtimebaptist.com/


It is hard even for devout Christians to make a commitment to read their Bibles. I read the entire Bible and the New Testament x 2 this past year. In order to read the entire Bible in a year you need to read about 4 chapters a day. This is not hard if you divide it up. Read one chapter before breakfast, one before lunch, one before dinner and one before bed.

Answer 8

I have read most of it and am still working on it.

I suggest that you:
+ Pray before you start
+ Read just one chapter a day (you are on a lifetime journey and there is no hurry)
+ Reflect for a while what you have read.

One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.' (Matthew 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3)

With love in Christ.

Answer 9

u need to make a scheduale plan.
if u read only 4 chapters a day u will finish reading the entire bible (ot & nt) in one complete year
so that mean by reading 8 chapters a day u will finish it in 6 mnths.
reading the bible has a lot of benefit
u know God's well, God's plan, u get more closer with spending more time to read. but if u study the bible u will know the bible better than just reading

Answer 10

I enjoy reading the NLT (New Living Translation) . It is put in today's language and is very easy and enjoyable to read. I started a 'read the Bible in one year plan' 4 months ago and am 1/3 of the way through.

Answer 11

I have read it more times than I can count,I am Christian and I enjoy it.we are lead by the Holy Spirit to seek The Word of God.
If you do not have faith,I think it would be hard to read,Try starting in the beginning, not the end.