How Long Should It Take to Read Each Book of the Bible- A Comprehensive Guide

How Long to Read Each Book of the Bible?

Reading the Bible is a profound and enriching experience for many individuals. However, determining how long it takes to read each book of the Bible can be a challenging task. The duration can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the reader’s speed, comprehension level, and the specific version of the Bible being used. In this article, we will explore the estimated time required to read each book of the Bible and provide some insights into how to make the most of this spiritual journey.

Estimated Reading Time for Each Book of the Bible

The estimated reading time for each book of the Bible can be categorized into three main sections: the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Apocrypha. The Old Testament is the larger part of the Bible, consisting of 39 books, while the New Testament contains 27 books. The Apocrypha, which is not considered canonical in all Christian denominations, includes additional texts that are part of the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles.

Old Testament

1. Genesis: 1-2 hours
2. Exodus: 2-3 hours
3. Leviticus: 1-2 hours
4. Numbers: 2-3 hours
5. Deuteronomy: 1-2 hours
6. Joshua: 1-2 hours
7. Judges: 1-2 hours
8. Ruth: 30 minutes
9. 1 Samuel: 2-3 hours
10. 2 Samuel: 2-3 hours
11. 1 Kings: 2-3 hours
12. 2 Kings: 2-3 hours
13. 1 Chronicles: 2-3 hours
14. 2 Chronicles: 2-3 hours
15. Ezra: 1-2 hours
16. Nehemiah: 1-2 hours
17. Esther: 1-2 hours
18. Job: 2-3 hours
19. Psalms: 3-5 hours
20. Proverbs: 1-2 hours
21. Ecclesiastes: 1-2 hours
22. Song of Solomon: 30 minutes
23. Isaiah: 2-3 hours
24. Jeremiah: 2-3 hours
25. Lamentations: 30 minutes
26. Ezekiel: 2-3 hours
27. Daniel: 1-2 hours
28. Hosea: 1-2 hours
29. Joel: 30 minutes
30. Amos: 1-2 hours
31. Obadiah: 15 minutes
32. Jonah: 30 minutes
33. Micah: 1-2 hours
34. Nahum: 30 minutes
35. Habakkuk: 30 minutes
36. Zephaniah: 30 minutes
37. Haggai: 30 minutes
38. Zechariah: 1-2 hours
39. Malachi: 1-2 hours

New Testament

1. Matthew: 1-2 hours
2. Mark: 1-2 hours
3. Luke: 2-3 hours
4. John: 2-3 hours
5. Acts: 2-3 hours
6. Romans: 1-2 hours
7. 1 Corinthians: 2-3 hours
8. 2 Corinthians: 1-2 hours
9. Galatians: 30 minutes
10. Ephesians: 1-2 hours
11. Philippians: 30 minutes
12. Colossians: 30 minutes
13. 1 Thessalonians: 30 minutes
14. 2 Thessalonians: 30 minutes
15. 1 Timothy: 1-2 hours
16. 2 Timothy: 1-2 hours
17. Titus: 30 minutes
18. Philemon: 15 minutes
19. Hebrews: 1-2 hours
20. James: 30 minutes
21. 1 Peter: 1-2 hours
22. 2 Peter: 1-2 hours
23. 1 John: 1-2 hours
24. 2 John: 15 minutes
25. 3 John: 15 minutes
26. Jude: 30 minutes
27. Revelation: 2-3 hours

Apocrypha

1. Tobit: 1-2 hours
2. Judith: 1-2 hours
3. 1 Maccabees: 2-3 hours
4. 2 Maccabees: 2-3 hours
5. Wisdom of Solomon: 1-2 hours
6. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach): 1-2 hours
7. Baruch: 1-2 hours
8. Letter of Jeremiah: 15 minutes
9. Prayer of Manasseh: 30 minutes
10. 1 Esdras: 1-2 hours
11. 2 Esdras: 1-2 hours

Conclusion

Reading the Bible is a personal journey that can take as little as a few hours or as much as several months, depending on the reader’s dedication and pace. By understanding the estimated reading time for each book, readers can better plan their study and reflection time. As they delve into the sacred texts, they may find that the time spent is well worth the spiritual growth and knowledge gained.