Can you read the Bible in chronological order?

Book order is not the same as time order

The Bible bundles different types of texts. Stories, songs, prophecies and letters are not all lined up according to the moments they describe. Moreover, the time a text covers may differ from the time in which it was written or composed.

The NBG provides background material with a timeline. Such an overview can help to place names and periods, without having to immediately divide each Bible book into small parts.

When does a chronological plan help?

A time-oriented route can be useful if you are looking for an overview: which people live approximately in the same period, and which texts talk about similar events? See if the creator explains why passages were put together and where uncertainty exists.

There is a disadvantage. If you keep switching between books, the structure of an individual story or a complete letter can become lost. If you find this difficult, it is better to first read one book and only then look at the historical connections.

An approach without additional purchase

Take a regular Bible, a bookmark and an outline. Read a book continuously. Then write down a few main characters, places and events and carefully place them on the timeline. Leave unknown dates open instead of coming up with precise years yourself.

If you still want to purchase a chronological edition, check whether it contains the full text, which translation was used and how you can find the original references. Our choice: Use a timeline to complement reading in context. Choose a chronological scheme only if that historical orientation helps you. See also choose a reading schedule and the article about the two parts of the Bible.

Frequently asked questions

Are all events from Genesis in time order?

No. The normal book order is not a continuous chronological arrangement of all texts.

Is every chronological reading plan the same?

No. Makers can make other choices, including where dating or coherence is uncertain.