Catholic Bible for Beginners: How to Read It and Where to Start

If you’re new to the Catholic Bible, don’t start at page one and try to read straight through. Start with a Gospel, read a little each day, and keep a simple map of how the 73 books fit together. That approach gives beginners a sense of the big story first, so the harder books make sense later. Here’s what makes a Catholic Bible different, how to choose one, and a reading plan you can actually finish.

What makes a Catholic Bible different

A Catholic Bible has 73 books: 46 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Most Protestant Bibles have 66. The difference is seven Old Testament books Catholics call the deuterocanonical books:

• Tobit
• Judith
• 1 Maccabees
• 2 Maccabees
• Wisdom
• Sirach
• Baruch

Catholic Bibles also include longer versions of Esther and Daniel. These books were part of the Greek Old Testament widely used by early Christians, and the Church affirmed them as Scripture. You’ll hear readings from them at Mass, so they’re worth knowing.

The books aren’t arranged by date. They’re grouped by type: law, history, wisdom and poetry, prophets, Gospels, letters. That’s why reading cover to cover can feel confusing. You jump from the story of the Israelites to a book of poems to a prophet speaking centuries later.

Choosing a Catholic Bible for beginners

Look for “Catholic Edition” on the cover or title page, and an imprimatur, a note that a bishop has approved that edition. Common translations Catholics use in the US:

Translation	Feel	Good to know
New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)	Modern, clear American English	The readings at Mass in the US are based on the New American Bible
Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE)	More traditional, formal	Popular for study
New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE)	Modern, readable	Make sure the cover says Catholic Edition
Douay-Rheims	Older, formal English	A classic, harder for beginners

A study Bible with footnotes and short introductions to each book is a big help when you’re starting out. Pick the one you’ll actually open.

Where to start reading the Bible

Here’s a beginner-friendly order that tells the big story without bogging you down:

1. The Gospel of Mark. The shortest Gospel, fast-moving, and readable in a week or two.
2. The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Written by the same author, they follow Jesus and then the early Church.
3. Genesis. Creation, the fall, and the families of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.
4. Exodus, chapters 1 to 20. Moses, the Passover and the covenant at Sinai.
5. The Psalms. Read one a day alongside everything else. They’re prayers.
6. The Gospel of John. Slower and deeper, best after you know the other Gospels.
7. A short letter, like Philippians or James. Practical and encouraging.

After that, branch out to 1 and 2 Samuel (King David), Ruth, Tobit, Isaiah and Romans.

Where people get stuck: Leviticus and Numbers are full of law and lists. They matter, but they’re not where to begin. If you get bogged down anywhere, skip ahead and come back later.

A simple Catholic Bible reading plan

Consistency matters more than speed. Try this rhythm:

• 10 to 15 minutes a day. One chapter of your current book plus one psalm.
• Same time, same place. Morning coffee, lunch break or before bed.
• Read the Sunday Gospel ahead of Mass. Your parish bulletin or the USCCB website lists the readings. It’s the easiest way to connect Scripture with the liturgy.
• Keep a tracker. Checking off books is surprisingly motivating.
• Read with others. Many parishes host Bible studies; ask at the parish office.

How to pray with Scripture: lectio divina

Reading the Bible as a Catholic isn’t only study; it’s prayer. The Church encourages lectio divina, an ancient way of praying with a short passage. It has four simple steps:

1. Read (lectio). Read a short passage slowly, maybe twice.
2. Reflect (meditatio). Notice a word or phrase that stands out. Why that one?
3. Respond (oratio). Talk to God about it, in your own words.
4. Rest (contemplatio). Sit quietly with God for a minute or two.

The Sunday Gospel is a perfect passage for lectio divina. Ten minutes is enough.

Reading the Bible with the Church

Catholics read Scripture within the living tradition of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 101 to 141) explains how. When a passage confuses or troubles you, a study Bible’s footnotes, the Catechism, or your pastor can help you understand it in context. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

If you’re in OCIA, your sessions will likely follow the Sunday readings. Our guide to what to expect in OCIA explains how that works. Parents who want to share Bible stories with kids might start with the Jesse Tree for Advent, which walks through salvation history one ornament at a time.

A map to keep beside your Bible

Our Catholic Bible Made Simple guide is a printable map for beginners. Every one of the 73 books gets its own entry (chapter count, approximate reading time, where it fits in salvation history, a one-line summary, three things to notice and a question for prayer). It explains the deuterocanonical books, includes a full-page salvation history timeline, four reading paths (90 days, one year, Gospels first and Lent), a tracker for all 73 books and a lectio divina worksheet. It doesn’t print any Bible text, so it works with whatever Catholic translation you own. Find it and other faith resources in the Printables Library.

FAQ

What is the best Catholic Bible for beginners?

Any approved Catholic edition you’ll read. Many beginners like the NABRE or a Catholic study Bible with footnotes and book introductions.

Where should a Catholic start reading the Bible?

With a Gospel, usually Mark or Luke. Then Acts, Genesis and the Psalms. Save Leviticus and Numbers for later.

Why does the Catholic Bible have more books?

It includes seven deuterocanonical books (Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach and Baruch) plus longer Esther and Daniel. These were part of the Old Testament used by early Christians.

How long does it take to read the whole Bible?

At a few chapters a day, about a year. There’s no rush. Reading a little every day matters more than finishing fast.