By Michaela Gordoni
A new poll has found that nearly half of Americans believe they have read at least half of the Bible.
“Last year, we saw an uptick in Bible reading in the United States. Bible sales increased. We heard discussions about revival,” said American Bible Society Chief Innovation Officer and State of the Bible series Editor-in-Chief John Farquhar Plake. “But this year Bible Use and Scripture Engagement have generally returned to 2024 levels.”
The study collected data from 2,649 U.S. adults from Jan. 8-27. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, The Christian Post reported.
A combined 48% of Americans said they have read half of the Bible or more. And 17% of those said they’ve read most of the Bible while 14% said they have read “about half.” About 35% said they have only read a “little” bit, and 10% have not ready any.
Related: 2009 Study: Regular Bible Study Reduces Sinful Behavior
Then 7% said they don’t know how much they have read. Many Americans (42%) say they never use the Bible, and 13% say they use it less than once a year. And 7% read it once or twice a year.
“Though Scripture engagement has come back down, the number of Americans who are interested in and open to the Bible has swelled by 9 million people over the last 2 years,” Plake said. “Bible Curious Americans tell us that they would welcome someone to guide them through the complexity of the Bible.”
Last year, Barna research group found that Millennials and Gen Z have caused a surge in Bible reading. Though more Americans are reading the Bible, the study points out that a smaller percentage affirm its authority, which indicates a large gap between curiosity and conviction.
In 2025, 50% of all Christians and 42% of all U.S. adults read the bible weekly, compared to 2000, which was 43% and 39%, respectively.
Lifeway’s data also supports Plake’s comments.
“With other parts of the globe, the American consumer market has been experiencing a significant increase in Bible sales,” said Andy McLean, publisher of Bibles and reference at Lifeway Christian Resources. “Of course, with that increase in sales, one would also hope that Bible engagement is on the rise. In other words, we want people reading their newly purchased Bibles, which I think shows up in the data and my experience as a Bible publisher.”
When asked why they don’t read the Bible more, Lifeway found a quarter say they simply don’t prioritize it. Around 1 in 7 say they don’t have time (15%) or they’ve read enough of it (14%). Some (10%) say they don’t own a copy while 9% don’t read books.
“Some Americans choose not to read the Bible more because they have decided they have had enough of it or rejected its message,” said McConnell. “But more Americans—likely those with positive views of the Bible—read less of it because it does not matter as much to them as other things that compete for their attention.”
While Bible reading may be on the rise, there seems to be a clear need for more engagement and understanding of how scripture is God’s word and guidance for our every day lives.
Read Next: ‘Revival Is Underway’: Bible Sales, Christian Music, Faith Apps on the Rise
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
Share:
– Content: +1