Biblical literacy isn’t just about reading; it also includes what people can identify, how they interpret the Bible, and what they feel capable of understanding. Across the U.S., survey results show wide variation in Bible access, reading habits, and confidence—along with uncertainty about where to begin. As you read this page, you’ll see how these patterns appear in churches, schools, and everyday public conversations.
Key Takeaways
- The 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey found that 38% of U.S. adults read the Bible at least occasionally (weekly, monthly, or a few times a year)
- In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 18% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible weekly
- In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 20% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible monthly
- In a Barna survey reported by The Washington Post, only 33% of Americans could name the first four books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers)
- In the Barna survey described by The Washington Post, 26% of Americans could name the Ten Commandments
- In the same Barna survey reported by The Washington Post, 37% of Americans could identify Jonah as a book of the Bible
- In the Pew Research Center 2017 Religious Landscape Study (linked tables), 31% of Americans say the Bible is the word of God written by God himself (i.e., “literally true”)
- In Pew Research Center 2017, 32% say the Bible is the word of God but not written word-for-word by God
- In Pew Research Center 2017, 34% say the Bible is an ancient book of fables, legends, history, or moral teaching
- In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 41% of U.S. adults say they feel comfortable with their understanding of the Bible
- In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 30% of U.S. adults say they do not feel comfortable with their understanding of the Bible
- In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 29% of U.S. adults report they are unsure about their understanding of the Bible
- In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 56% of U.S. adults say they have access to a Bible (in home)
- In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 58% of U.S. adults say they have access to a Bible (in home)
- In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 12% of U.S. adults say they do not have access to a Bible
Nearly half of Americans feel unsure or unprepared to understand the Bible, despite 38% reading it at least occasionally.
Related reading
01 · Category
Reading & Practice30 stats
01
The 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey found that 38% of U.S. adults read the Bible at least occasionally (weekly, monthly, or a few times a year)https://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
02
In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 18% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible weeklyhttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
03
In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 20% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible monthlyhttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
04
In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 13% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible a few times a yearhttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
05
In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 6% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible rarely (less than a few times a year)https://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
06
In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 44% of U.S. adults said they never read the Biblehttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
07
In a YouGov poll summarized by Christianity Today, 25% of U.S. adults said they have read the Bible from cover to coverhttps://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/october/bible-reading-habits-americans-yougov-poll.html
08
In the same YouGov results reported by Christianity Today, 44% of Americans said they read the Bible less than once a monthhttps://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/october/bible-reading-habits-americans-yougov-poll.html
09
In the YouGov poll summarized by Christianity Today, 16% said they never read the Biblehttps://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/october/bible-reading-habits-americans-yougov-poll.html
10
In a 2021 survey by the American Bible Society, 28% of U.S. adults reported reading or listening to Scripture at least weeklyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
11
In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 35% of U.S. adults reported reading or listening to Scripture less than weeklyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
12
In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 37% of U.S. adults reported reading or listening to Scripture rarely or neverhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
13
American Bible Society’s 2023 “State of the Bible” report found that 31% of U.S. adults read Scripture at least weekly (as measured by “read or listen to Scripture”)https://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
14
American Bible Society’s 2023 “State of the Bible” report found that 40% of U.S. adults read Scripture less than weeklyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
15
American Bible Society’s 2023 “State of the Bible” report found that 29% of U.S. adults read Scripture rarely or neverhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
16
In Pew Research Center 2019 on Bible reading, 24% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible daily or near dailyhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
17
In Pew Research Center 2019, 35% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible a few times a weekhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
18
In Pew Research Center 2019, 22% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible once a weekhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
19
In Pew Research Center 2019, 19% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible less often (not including those who never read)https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
20
In Pew Research Center 2019, 6% of U.S. Christians say they never read the Biblehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
21
Pew Research Center 2019 found that 76% of U.S. Christians read the Bible at least a few times a month (combining categories)https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
22
Pew Research Center 2019 found that 9% of U.S. Christians say they rarely or never read the Bible (never + less than monthly grouping)https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
23
In Pew Research Center 2019, 33% of U.S. adults who are Christian say they read the Bible at least once a weekhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
24
In Pew Research Center 2019, 21% of U.S. adults who are Christian say they read the Bible daily or near dailyhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
25
In the 2017 Pew Research Center study “Religious Service Attendance and Bible Reading,” 47% of churchgoers read the Bible weekly or morehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2018/11/01/americas-changing-religious-landscape/ (see relevant section on “Bible reading”)
26
In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 29% of Christians say they read the Bible daily/near dailyhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
27
In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 39% of religiously unaffiliated Americans read the Bible rarely or neverhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
28
In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 56% of religiously unaffiliated Americans say they never read the Biblehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
29
In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 13% of religiously unaffiliated Americans say they read the Bible at least a few times a weekhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
30
In a 2018 Pew Research Center survey, 14% of U.S. adults say they have attended a Bible study in the past monthhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2018/12/06/faith-and-practice/ (see “Bible study” practice)
Interpretation
Reading & Practice Interpretation
For the Reading & Practice category, just 18% of U.S. adults read the Bible weekly while 44% say they never read it at all, showing that regular engagement is limited compared with complete nonreading.
02 · Category
Knowledge & Recall30 stats
01
In a Barna survey reported by The Washington Post, only 33% of Americans could name the first four books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers)https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/12/17/most-americans-cant-answer-bible-quiz-questions-like-what-book-comes-first/
02
In the Barna survey described by The Washington Post, 26% of Americans could name the Ten Commandmentshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/12/17/most-americans-cant-answer-bible-quiz-questions-like-what-book-comes-first/
03
In the same Barna survey reported by The Washington Post, 37% of Americans could identify Jonah as a book of the Biblehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/12/17/most-americans-cant-answer-bible-quiz-questions-like-what-book-comes-first/
04
In a 2018 Barna report on biblical knowledge, 47% of born-again Christians could identify who wrote the Ten Commandmentshttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see “Ten Commandments” results within the report)
05
In the same Barna “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 33% of born-again Christians could correctly answer how many books are in the Old Testamenthttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Old Testament books count item)
06
In the Barna “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 58% of born-again Christians could correctly identify what “Gospel” means (good news)https://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Gospel meaning item)
07
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 43% of U.S. born-again Christians can identify the author of the Book of Psalms as Davidhttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Psalms author item)
08
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 55% of born-again Christians correctly placed when the Ten Commandments were received (on Mount Sinai)https://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Sinai item)
09
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 62% of born-again Christians could correctly answer who was swallowed by a large fish in the Book of Jonahhttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Jonah question)
10
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 49% of born-again Christians correctly identified the meaning of “blessed” in the Beatitudeshttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Beatitudes meaning item)
11
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 39% of born-again Christians could correctly identify who betrayed Jesushttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see betrayal item)
12
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 46% of born-again Christians could correctly identify what “Lazarus” is known for (raised from the dead)https://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Lazarus item)
13
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 41% of born-again Christians could correctly identify where Jesus was bornhttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Jesus birth location item)
14
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 57% of born-again Christians could correctly identify what the phrase “born again” refers tohttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see born again item)
15
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 30% of born-again Christians could correctly identify how many disciples Jesus hadhttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see disciple count item)
16
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 44% of born-again Christians could correctly identify who wrote the Book of Proverbshttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Proverbs authorship item)
17
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 48% of born-again Christians correctly answered which gospel contains the story of the Good Samaritanhttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Good Samaritan item)
18
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 52% of born-again Christians could correctly identify who helped Jesus carry the crosshttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see carrying cross item)
19
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 40% of born-again Christians correctly identified the number of Beatitudes in Matthew 5https://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Beatitudes count item)
20
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 45% of born-again Christians could correctly identify the name of the first woman in the Bible (Eve)https://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see first woman item)
21
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 34% of born-again Christians correctly answered which patriarch had twelve sons that became tribes of Israelhttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Joseph/Israel tribes item)
22
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 53% of born-again Christians correctly identified the purpose of circumcision in Genesis (covenant sign)https://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see circumcision item)
23
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 28% of born-again Christians correctly identified the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes (traditionally Solomon)https://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Ecclesiastes item)
24
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 42% of born-again Christians correctly identified the book of the Bible where “love your neighbor” appearshttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see love your neighbor item)
25
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 47% of born-again Christians could correctly identify which prophet is associated with the story of Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel)https://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see lions’ den item)
26
In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 38% of born-again Christians could correctly identify which book includes the story of Jesus walking on waterhttps://www.barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see walking on water item)
27
In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 38% of respondents answered correctly on a basic knowledge test question about Bible book order (within the survey’s summary)https://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
28
In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 25% correctly answered a question about a New Testament figure’s identity (as reported in the survey’s knowledge summary)https://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
29
In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 47% correctly answered a question about a biblical concept (as reported in the survey’s knowledge summary)https://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
30
In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, respondents scored an average percentage of 56% correct on the Bible knowledge portion (knowledge index average)https://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
Interpretation
Knowledge & Recall Interpretation
Across the Knowledge and Recall measures, the data show that even in the United States only 33% can name Genesis through Leviticus and just 58% of born again Christians can define “Gospel,” meaning biblical basics are recalled by only a minority at both the general and Christian levels.
03 · Category
Doctrine & Worldview30 stats
01
In the Pew Research Center 2017 Religious Landscape Study (linked tables), 31% of Americans say the Bible is the word of God written by God himself (i.e., “literally true”)https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
02
In Pew Research Center 2017, 32% say the Bible is the word of God but not written word-for-word by Godhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
03
In Pew Research Center 2017, 34% say the Bible is an ancient book of fables, legends, history, or moral teachinghttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
04
Pew Research Center 2017 found that 58% of Americans believe the Bible is the word of Godhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
05
Pew Research Center 2017 found that 39% of U.S. adults say the Bible should be taken literallyhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
06
In Pew Research Center 2015, 75% of U.S. Christians say they believe the Bible is the word of Godhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/08/12/faith-in-america/ (see “Belief in Bible”)
07
In Pew Research Center 2015, 63% of U.S. Christians believe the Bible is literally true (not just inspiration)https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/08/12/faith-in-america/ (see “Belief in Bible”)
08
In Pew Research Center 2017, 23% of Americans believe the Bible is the word of God written by God himselfhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
09
In Pew Research Center 2017, 22% of Americans believe the Bible is inspired, but not word-for-wordhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
10
In Pew Research Center 2017, 14% of Americans say the Bible is a book of history and moral teaching but not divinehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
11
In Pew Research Center 2017, 20% of Americans say the Bible contains stories, but is not the word of Godhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
12
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 46% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is important to their familyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
13
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 45% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is important to their familyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
14
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 35% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is important to their personal lifehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
15
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 34% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is important to their personal lifehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
16
In a 2016 Pew Research Center report on Christianity and belief, 56% of Christians believe the Bible should be interpreted literallyhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2016/09/13/changing-conceptions-of-the-bible/ (see “interpret literally” figure)
17
In the 2016 Pew Research report, 45% of Christians believe the Bible is the word of God written by God himselfhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2016/09/13/changing-conceptions-of-the-bible/ (see “word of God written by God himself”)
18
In the 2016 Pew Research report, 33% of Christians say the Bible is inspired by Godhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2016/09/13/changing-conceptions-of-the-bible/
19
In Pew Research Center 2017, 8% of U.S. adults are Bible-believers who say the Bible is literally true and they also attend religious services weekly (combine reported cross-tabs)https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
20
In Pew Research Center 2019, 62% of Christians say they believe the Bible is the word of Godhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
21
In Pew Research Center 2019, 43% of Christians say they believe the Bible is accurate in every wayhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
22
In Pew Research Center 2019, 21% of Christians say the Bible is not accurate in every wayhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
23
In Pew Research Center 2019, 14% of Christians say they doubt the Bible’s teachingshttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
24
In Pew Research Center 2017, 54% of U.S. adults say religion is very important to themhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/26/how-americans-feel-about-religion/ (see religion importance)
25
In Pew Research Center 2017, 33% of U.S. adults say they are somewhat religious (mid)https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/26/how-americans-feel-about-religion/
26
In Pew Research Center 2017, 13% of U.S. adults say religion is not too important or not important at allhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/26/how-americans-feel-about-religion/
27
In the 2017 Pew Research Center “Changing Conceptions of the Bible” report, 46% of Americans say the Bible is a source of moral guidancehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2016/09/13/changing-conceptions-of-the-bible/
28
In the same Pew report, 38% say the Bible is relevant to contemporary lifehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2016/09/13/changing-conceptions-of-the-bible/
29
In Pew Research Center 2017, 37% of Americans say they believe the Bible is historically accuratehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
30
In Pew Research Center 2017, 26% of Americans say they believe the Bible is the word of God and should be interpreted literallyhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
Interpretation
Doctrine & Worldview Interpretation
Across Doctrine and Worldview perspectives, Pew’s data show that while 58% of Americans believe the Bible is the word of God, only 39% think it should be taken literally and just 31% see it as God’s word written by God word for word.
More related reading
04 · Category
Self Assessment22 stats
01
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 41% of U.S. adults say they feel comfortable with their understanding of the Biblehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
02
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 30% of U.S. adults say they do not feel comfortable with their understanding of the Biblehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
03
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 29% of U.S. adults report they are unsure about their understanding of the Biblehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
04
In a 2014 YouGov survey summarized by Christianity Today, 34% of Americans said they know “a little” about the Biblehttps://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/october/bible-reading-habits-americans-yougov-poll.html
05
In that same YouGov survey, 27% said they know “a lot” about the Biblehttps://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/october/bible-reading-habits-americans-yougov-poll.html
06
In that same YouGov survey, 39% said they know “nothing” or “not much” about the Biblehttps://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2014/october/bible-reading-habits-americans-yougov-poll.html
07
In a 2017 Pew Research Center report, 18% of Americans say they do not know much about the Biblehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2017/12/06/faith-among-practitioners/ (see “knowledge about Bible” item)
08
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 26% of U.S. adults say they want help understanding Bible passageshttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
09
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 27% of U.S. adults say they want help understanding Bible passageshttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
10
In Pew Research Center 2019, 40% of U.S. Christians say they feel the Bible helps them understand lifehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/ (see “Bible helps” attitudes)
11
In Pew Research Center 2019, 28% of U.S. Christians say they are unsure the Bible helps them understand lifehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
12
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 45% of U.S. adults agree that Scripture helps them make sense of lifehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
13
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 44% of U.S. adults agree that Scripture helps them make sense of lifehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
14
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 39% of U.S. adults agree that Scripture is relevant to their daily lifehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
15
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 38% of U.S. adults agree that Scripture is relevant to their daily lifehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
16
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 24% of U.S. adults say they are worried they won’t understand the Biblehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
17
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 23% of U.S. adults say they are worried they won’t understand the Biblehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
18
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 18% of U.S. adults said they believe Bible study is useful for their mental healthhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
19
In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 17% of U.S. adults said they believe Bible study is useful for their mental healthhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
20
In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 30% of U.S. adults said they feel confident understanding Scripturehttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
21
In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 22% of U.S. adults said they do not feel confident understanding Scripturehttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
22
In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 48% of U.S. adults said they are somewhat confident understanding Scripturehttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
Interpretation
Self Assessment Interpretation
For the self assessment of biblical literacy, only 41% of U.S. adults say they feel comfortable with their understanding while another 30% do not feel comfortable and 29% are unsure, showing that nearly three in ten people lack confidence or clarity about their biblical knowledge.
05 · Category
Access & Availability15 stats
01
In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 56% of U.S. adults say they have access to a Bible (in home)https://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
02
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 58% of U.S. adults say they have access to a Bible (in home)https://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
03
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 12% of U.S. adults say they do not have access to a Biblehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
04
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 30% of U.S. adults say they have a Bible in their home and someone uses ithttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
05
In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 27% of U.S. adults say they have a Bible in their home and someone uses ithttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
06
In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 14% of U.S. adults say they do not have access to a Biblehttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
07
In Pew Research Center 2019, 35% of Christians say they use a Bible app or website at least sometimeshttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/ (see digital usage table/figures)
08
In Pew Research Center 2019, 19% of Christians say they use a Bible app/website frequently (often/very often)https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/ (see digital usage)
09
In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 16% of religiously unaffiliated adults say they use a Bible app/website at least sometimeshttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
10
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 34% of U.S. adults say they can access the Bible digitallyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
11
In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 7% of U.S. adults say they cannot access Scripture digitallyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
12
In the Bible Society of North America 2023 “Bible Engagement” results (as reported by ABS), 40% of Americans say they encounter Bible content through services/teaching at least monthlyhttps://www.americanbible.org/newsroom/ (see specific release page for “Bible Engagement”)
13
In a 2020 Lifeway survey, 74% of Protestant church members say they own a Biblehttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2020/ (see Bible ownership question in the report)
14
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 25% of U.S. adults say they have a digital Bible they use regularlyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
15
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 48% of U.S. adults say they have access to Scripture in at least one format they use (print or digital)https://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
Interpretation
Access & Availability Interpretation
Across the two American Bible Society surveys, access to a Bible in the home is high but only slowly rising, increasing from 56% in 2021 to 58% in 2023 while the share of people without access drops from 14% to 12%, showing that most Americans already have availability even as a meaningful minority still lacks it.
06 · Category
Barriers & Motivation22 stats
01
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 12% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they do not know where to starthttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
02
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 9% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they believe it is too difficulthttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
03
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 13% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they do not know where to starthttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
04
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 10% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they believe it is too difficulthttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
05
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 16% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they are too busyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
06
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 15% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they are too busyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
07
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 11% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they do not believe it is relevanthttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
08
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 12% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they do not believe it is relevanthttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
09
In Pew Research Center 2019, 32% of U.S. Christians say they feel the Bible is confusinghttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/ (see “confusing” belief)
10
In an ABS survey mentioned in an ABS report, 37% of Americans say the Bible is difficult to understandhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2017%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
11
In the American Bible Society 2017 “State of the Bible” report, 19% of Americans say they do not read the Bible because they do not know how to understand ithttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2017%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
12
In the American Bible Society 2017 report, 21% say they do not read the Bible because they are not sure it applies to themhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2017%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
13
In the Pew Research Center 2019 study, 34% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible to understand their faith betterhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
14
In the Pew Research Center 2019 study, 33% say they read the Bible for guidance for daily lifehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
15
In the Pew Research Center 2019 study, 29% say they read the Bible to grow closer to Godhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
16
In Pew Research Center 2019, 18% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible mainly to learn what Christians should believehttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
17
In Pew Research Center 2019, 14% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible because it’s part of their religious traditionhttps://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
18
In the 2018 Lifeway Research report (Bible literacy-related), 79% of Protestant church leaders said Bible literacy is important for spiritual growthhttps://www.lifewayresearch.com/research/2018/ (see Bible literacy importance question)
19
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 33% of U.S. adults said they are more interested in Bible study than a year agohttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
20
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 31% of U.S. adults said they are more interested in Bible study than a year agohttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
21
In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 25% of U.S. adults said they would attend Bible classes if offered locallyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
22
In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 24% of U.S. adults said they would attend Bible classes if offered locallyhttps://www.americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
Interpretation
Barriers & Motivation Interpretation
For the Barriers and Motivation category, the biggest hurdle is still practical and motivational, with being too busy rising from 15% in 2021 to 16% in 2023, alongside steady obstacles like not knowing where to start at 13% to 12% and finding the Bible too difficult at 10% to 9%.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
James Okoro. (2026, February 13). Biblical Literacy Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/biblical-literacy-statistics
MLA
James Okoro. "Biblical Literacy Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/biblical-literacy-statistics.
Chicago
James Okoro. 2026. "Biblical Literacy Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/biblical-literacy-statistics.
Sources & references
47 datasets cited across this report
+41 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)