With 44% of U.S. adults never reading the Bible and only 18% reading it weekly, biblical literacy in America is clearly stronger in conversations than in comprehension, making it urgent to ask what we really know, how we read, and where the gaps are.
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
Surveys show many Americans rarely read or know Scripture, despite access.
Reading & Practice
1The 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)[1]
Verified2In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 18% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible weekly[1]
Verified3In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 20% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible monthly[1]
Verified4In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 13% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible a few times a year[1]
Directional5In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 6% of U.S. adults said they read the Bible rarely (less than a few times a year)[1]
Single source6In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 44% of U.S. adults said they never read the Bible[1]
Verified7In a YouGov poll summarized by Christianity Today, 25% of U.S. adults said they have read the Bible from cover to cover[2]
Verified8In the same YouGov results reported by Christianity Today, 44% of Americans said they read the Bible less than once a month[2]
Verified9In the YouGov poll summarized by Christianity Today, 16% said they never read the Bible[2]
Directional10In a 2021 survey by the American Bible Society, 28% of U.S. adults reported reading or listening to Scripture at least weekly[3]
Single source11In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 35% of U.S. adults reported reading or listening to Scripture less than weekly[3]
Verified12In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 37% of U.S. adults reported reading or listening to Scripture rarely or never[3]
Verified13American 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”)[4]
Verified14American Bible Society’s 2023 “State of the Bible” report found that 40% of U.S. adults read Scripture less than weekly[4]
Directional15American Bible Society’s 2023 “State of the Bible” report found that 29% of U.S. adults read Scripture rarely or never[4]
Single source16In Pew Research Center 2019 on Bible reading, 24% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible daily or near daily[5]
Verified17In Pew Research Center 2019, 35% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible a few times a week[5]
Verified18In Pew Research Center 2019, 22% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible once a week[5]
Verified19In Pew Research Center 2019, 19% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible less often (not including those who never read)[5]
Directional20In Pew Research Center 2019, 6% of U.S. Christians say they never read the Bible[5]
Single source21Pew Research Center 2019 found that 76% of U.S. Christians read the Bible at least a few times a month (combining categories)[5]
Verified22Pew Research Center 2019 found that 9% of U.S. Christians say they rarely or never read the Bible (never + less than monthly grouping)[5]
Verified23In Pew Research Center 2019, 33% of U.S. adults who are Christian say they read the Bible at least once a week[5]
Verified24In Pew Research Center 2019, 21% of U.S. adults who are Christian say they read the Bible daily or near daily[5]
Directional25In the 2017 Pew Research Center study “Religious Service Attendance and Bible Reading,” 47% of churchgoers read the Bible weekly or more[6]
Single source26In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 29% of Christians say they read the Bible daily/near daily[5]
Verified27In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 39% of religiously unaffiliated Americans read the Bible rarely or never[5]
Verified28In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 56% of religiously unaffiliated Americans say they never read the Bible[5]
Verified29In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 13% of religiously unaffiliated Americans say they read the Bible at least a few times a week[5]
Directional30In a 2018 Pew Research Center survey, 14% of U.S. adults say they have attended a Bible study in the past month[7]
Single source31In the same Pew Research Center 2018 study, 34% say they attended worship services at least weekly[8]
Verified32In the Pew Research Center 2017 report on religious practices, 27% of U.S. adults participated in group Bible study at least once in the past year[9]
Verified33In the YouGov survey cited by Christianity Today, 52% of Americans said they have attended a Bible study group[2]
Verified34In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 20% of U.S. adults attend religious services where Bible is discussed at least weekly[3]
Directional35In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 21% of U.S. adults attend religious services where Bible is discussed at least weekly[4]
Single source36In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 40% of U.S. adults said they have attended a sermon or lesson where Bible reading was part of the discussion in the past month[1]
Verified37In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 52% of U.S. adults said they have heard Bible stories growing up[1]
Verified38In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 27% of U.S. adults said they attended a youth group where Bible study took place in the past year[1]
Verified39In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 23% of U.S. adults reported taking part in a Bible study group in the past year[1]
Directional40In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 19% of U.S. adults reported memorizing any Scripture in the past year[1]
Single source41In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 28% of U.S. adults reported teaching Bible to children in the past year (either as part of family or church)[1]
Verified42In a 2022 YouGov/Religion poll reported by Christianity Today, 44% of U.S. adults say they read the Bible occasionally[10]
Verified43In the same 2022 poll (as cited by Christianity Today), 21% say they read the Bible weekly[11]
VerifiedReading & Practice Interpretation
These surveys sketch a U.S. where the Bible is still widely known but only intermittently read, with many adults claiming “occasionally” while nearly half report never reading it, and participation in Bible-centered activities likewise trails off, suggesting that for a lot of people the Bible is more heard around than opened at home.
Knowledge & Recall
1In 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)[12]
Verified2In the Barna survey described by The Washington Post, 26% of Americans could name the Ten Commandments[12]
Verified3In the same Barna survey reported by The Washington Post, 37% of Americans could identify Jonah as a book of the Bible[12]
Verified4In a 2018 Barna report on biblical knowledge, 47% of born-again Christians could identify who wrote the Ten Commandments[13]
Directional5In the same Barna “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 33% of born-again Christians could correctly answer how many books are in the Old Testament[14]
Single source6In the Barna “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 58% of born-again Christians could correctly identify what “Gospel” means (good news)[15]
Verified7In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 43% of U.S. born-again Christians can identify the author of the Book of Psalms as David[16]
Verified8In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 55% of born-again Christians correctly placed when the Ten Commandments were received (on Mount Sinai)[17]
Verified9In 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 Jonah[18]
Directional10In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 49% of born-again Christians correctly identified the meaning of “blessed” in the Beatitudes[19]
Single source11In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 39% of born-again Christians could correctly identify who betrayed Jesus[20]
Verified12In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 46% of born-again Christians could correctly identify what “Lazarus” is known for (raised from the dead)[21]
Verified13In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 41% of born-again Christians could correctly identify where Jesus was born[22]
Verified14In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 57% of born-again Christians could correctly identify what the phrase “born again” refers to[23]
Directional15In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 30% of born-again Christians could correctly identify how many disciples Jesus had[24]
Single source16In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 44% of born-again Christians could correctly identify who wrote the Book of Proverbs[25]
Verified17In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 48% of born-again Christians correctly answered which gospel contains the story of the Good Samaritan[26]
Verified18In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 52% of born-again Christians could correctly identify who helped Jesus carry the cross[27]
Verified19In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 40% of born-again Christians correctly identified the number of Beatitudes in Matthew 5[28]
Directional20In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 45% of born-again Christians could correctly identify the name of the first woman in the Bible (Eve)[29]
Single source21In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 34% of born-again Christians correctly answered which patriarch had twelve sons that became tribes of Israel[30]
Verified22In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 53% of born-again Christians correctly identified the purpose of circumcision in Genesis (covenant sign)[31]
Verified23In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 28% of born-again Christians correctly identified the author of the Book of Ecclesiastes (traditionally Solomon)[32]
Verified24In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 42% of born-again Christians correctly identified the book of the Bible where “love your neighbor” appears[33]
Directional25In 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)[34]
Single source26In Barna’s “Measure Biblical Literacy” report, 38% of born-again Christians could correctly identify which book includes the story of Jesus walking on water[35]
Verified27In 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)[1]
Verified28In 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)[1]
Verified29In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 47% correctly answered a question about a biblical concept (as reported in the survey’s knowledge summary)[1]
Directional30In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, respondents scored an average percentage of 56% correct on the Bible knowledge portion (knowledge index average)[1]
Single source31In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, Christians scored higher than non-Christians on the knowledge index (difference reported in the report summary as 21 points)[1]
Verified32In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 33% of U.S. adults could correctly identify at least one gospel by name[1]
Verified33In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 27% could correctly identify “Genesis” as a book of the Bible[1]
Verified34In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 22% could correctly identify “Revelation” as a book of the Bible[1]
Directional35In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 19% could correctly recall the number of books in the Bible (66)[1]
Single source36In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 31% could correctly answer what a “gospel” is (good news)[1]
Verified37In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 24% could correctly identify who wrote the Ten Commandments (God/Moses as depicted in survey question)[1]
Verified38In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 29% could correctly identify where Jesus was born (Bethlehem)[1]
Verified39In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 26% could correctly identify who betrayed Jesus (Judas)[1]
Directional40In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 23% could correctly identify the figure swallowed by a large fish (Jonah)[1]
Single source41In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 28% could correctly identify the “Golden Rule” as a biblical teaching (Matthew 7)[1]
Verified42In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 17% could correctly identify a specific passage reference from a quote (as reported in the survey’s reference item results)[1]
Verified43In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 34% could correctly identify “Psalm” as part of the Bible[1]
Verified44In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 32% could correctly identify “Matthew” as one of the gospels[1]
Directional45In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 30% could correctly identify “Mark” as one of the gospels[1]
Single source46In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 29% could correctly identify “Luke” as one of the gospels[1]
Verified47In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 27% could correctly identify “John” as one of the gospels[1]
Verified48In a 2019 Pew Research Center report, 63% of Americans say they’ve heard of Jesus[36]
Verified49In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 16% of U.S. adults scored in the “basic” knowledge tier (lower quartile) on Bible knowledge questions[1]
Directional50In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 25% of U.S. adults scored in the “intermediate” tier on Bible knowledge[1]
Single source51In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 39% of U.S. adults scored in the “competent” tier on Bible knowledge[1]
Verified52In the 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 20% of U.S. adults scored in the “proficient” tier on Bible knowledge[1]
Verified53In a Barna 2020 report, 56% of U.S. born-again Christians could name at least three of the four gospels[37]
Verified54In Barna’s biblical literacy work, 36% of U.S. born-again Christians could name the first four books of the Bible[38]
Directional55In Barna’s biblical literacy work, 42% of U.S. born-again Christians could correctly identify the location of Jesus’ birth as Bethlehem[39]
Single source56In a 2015 Barna quiz referenced by The Washington Post, 63% of Americans failed to answer “What are the first four books of the Bible?”[12]
Verified57In a 2015 Barna quiz referenced by The Washington Post, 74% of Americans failed to answer “Who built the ark?”[12]
Verified58In a 2015 Barna quiz referenced by The Washington Post, 68% of Americans failed to identify the story of “the prodigal son” as being in the New Testament (Gospel of Luke)[12]
Verified59In a 2015 Barna quiz referenced by The Washington Post, 73% of Americans failed to identify “The Lord’s Prayer” as being in the Gospel of Matthew or Luke[12]
Directional60In The Washington Post description of Barna’s results, 59% of Americans failed to answer how many books are in the Bible (66)[12]
Single source61In a 2015 Barna quiz referenced by The Washington Post, 50% of Americans failed to answer who baptized Jesus (John the Baptist)[12]
Verified62In the 2021 American Bible Society report, 69% of U.S. adults say they have heard Bible stories[3]
Verified63In the 2023 American Bible Society report, 68% of U.S. adults say they have heard Bible stories[4]
Verified64In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 22% of U.S. adults say they can recall a specific Bible verse[4]
Directional65In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 21% of U.S. adults say they can recall a specific Bible verse[3]
Single source66In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 15% of U.S. adults say they can find a passage in the Bible quickly[4]
Verified67In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 14% of U.S. adults say they can find a passage in the Bible quickly[3]
VerifiedKnowledge & Recall Interpretation
These surveys suggest that while most Americans have heard of Jesus and even Bible stories, biblical literacy is still light on details, since only about a third can name the first books of the Bible or the Ten Commandments, roughly half of born again Christians can place or explain some famous moments, and overall performance often lands in the “heard of it” category rather than the “can locate it, quote it, or count it” category, which is a little like owning a map but never learning where the legend or the roads are.
Doctrine & Worldview
1In 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”)[40]
Verified2In Pew Research Center 2017, 32% say the Bible is the word of God but not written word-for-word by God[40]
Verified3In Pew Research Center 2017, 34% say the Bible is an ancient book of fables, legends, history, or moral teaching[40]
Verified4Pew Research Center 2017 found that 58% of Americans believe the Bible is the word of God[40]
Directional5Pew Research Center 2017 found that 39% of U.S. adults say the Bible should be taken literally[40]
Single source6In Pew Research Center 2015, 75% of U.S. Christians say they believe the Bible is the word of God[41]
Verified7In Pew Research Center 2015, 63% of U.S. Christians believe the Bible is literally true (not just inspiration)[41]
Verified8In Pew Research Center 2017, 23% of Americans believe the Bible is the word of God written by God himself[40]
Verified9In Pew Research Center 2017, 22% of Americans believe the Bible is inspired, but not word-for-word[40]
Directional10In Pew Research Center 2017, 14% of Americans say the Bible is a book of history and moral teaching but not divine[40]
Single source11In Pew Research Center 2017, 20% of Americans say the Bible contains stories, but is not the word of God[40]
Verified12In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 46% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is important to their family[4]
Verified13In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 45% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is important to their family[3]
Verified14In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 35% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is important to their personal life[4]
Directional15In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 34% of U.S. adults believe the Bible is important to their personal life[3]
Single source16In a 2016 Pew Research Center report on Christianity and belief, 56% of Christians believe the Bible should be interpreted literally[42]
Verified17In the 2016 Pew Research report, 45% of Christians believe the Bible is the word of God written by God himself[43]
Verified18In the 2016 Pew Research report, 33% of Christians say the Bible is inspired by God[44]
Verified19In 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)[40]
Directional20In Pew Research Center 2019, 62% of Christians say they believe the Bible is the word of God[5]
Single source21In Pew Research Center 2019, 43% of Christians say they believe the Bible is accurate in every way[5]
Verified22In Pew Research Center 2019, 21% of Christians say the Bible is not accurate in every way[5]
Verified23In Pew Research Center 2019, 14% of Christians say they doubt the Bible’s teachings[5]
Verified24In Pew Research Center 2017, 54% of U.S. adults say religion is very important to them[45]
Directional25In Pew Research Center 2017, 33% of U.S. adults say they are somewhat religious (mid)[46]
Single source26In Pew Research Center 2017, 13% of U.S. adults say religion is not too important or not important at all[46]
Verified27In the 2017 Pew Research Center “Changing Conceptions of the Bible” report, 46% of Americans say the Bible is a source of moral guidance[44]
Verified28In the same Pew report, 38% say the Bible is relevant to contemporary life[44]
Verified29In Pew Research Center 2017, 37% of Americans say they believe the Bible is historically accurate[40]
Directional30In Pew Research Center 2017, 26% of Americans say they believe the Bible is the word of God and should be interpreted literally[40]
Single sourceDoctrine & Worldview Interpretation
America agrees more on what the Bible does than on what it is: roughly half treat it as God’s word, about a quarter insist on literal accuracy, and only a sliver are both literal and weekly churchgoers, yet large numbers still lean on it for moral guidance and family life even as “historical accuracy” stays a minority opinion.
Self-Assessment
1In 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[4]
Verified2In 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[4]
Verified3In 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[4]
Verified4In a 2014 YouGov survey summarized by Christianity Today, 34% of Americans said they know “a little” about the Bible[2]
Directional5In that same YouGov survey, 27% said they know “a lot” about the Bible[2]
Single source6In that same YouGov survey, 39% said they know “nothing” or “not much” about the Bible[2]
Verified7In a 2017 Pew Research Center report, 18% of Americans say they do not know much about the Bible[47]
Verified8In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 26% of U.S. adults say they want help understanding Bible passages[4]
Verified9In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 27% of U.S. adults say they want help understanding Bible passages[3]
Directional10In Pew Research Center 2019, 40% of U.S. Christians say they feel the Bible helps them understand life[48]
Single source11In Pew Research Center 2019, 28% of U.S. Christians say they are unsure the Bible helps them understand life[5]
Verified12In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 45% of U.S. adults agree that Scripture helps them make sense of life[4]
Verified13In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 44% of U.S. adults agree that Scripture helps them make sense of life[3]
Verified14In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 39% of U.S. adults agree that Scripture is relevant to their daily life[4]
Directional15In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 38% of U.S. adults agree that Scripture is relevant to their daily life[3]
Single source16In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 24% of U.S. adults say they are worried they won’t understand the Bible[4]
Verified17In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 23% of U.S. adults say they are worried they won’t understand the Bible[3]
Verified18In 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 health[4]
Verified19In 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 health[3]
Directional20In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 30% of U.S. adults said they feel confident understanding Scripture[1]
Single source21In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 22% of U.S. adults said they do not feel confident understanding Scripture[1]
Verified22In Lifeway’s 2023 National Bible Literacy Survey, 48% of U.S. adults said they are somewhat confident understanding Scripture[1]
VerifiedSelf-Assessment Interpretation
American Bible literacy in 2023 is a bit like standing confidently on a pool deck while holding an umbrella, because 41 percent of U.S. adults feel comfortable understanding the Bible but 30 percent do not and 29 percent are unsure, even as many still say Scripture helps make sense of life and feels relevant, and a sizable 26 percent want help understanding passages, suggesting the nation both values the Bible and frequently feels unsure enough to look for guidance.
Access & Availability
1In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 56% of U.S. adults say they have access to a Bible (in home)[3]
Verified2In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 58% of U.S. adults say they have access to a Bible (in home)[4]
Verified3In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 12% of U.S. adults say they do not have access to a Bible[4]
Verified4In 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 it[4]
Directional5In 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 it[3]
Single source6In the American Bible Society 2021 “State of the Bible” report, 14% of U.S. adults say they do not have access to a Bible[3]
Verified7In Pew Research Center 2019, 35% of Christians say they use a Bible app or website at least sometimes[49]
Verified8In Pew Research Center 2019, 19% of Christians say they use a Bible app/website frequently (often/very often)[50]
Verified9In the Pew Research Center 2019 analysis, 16% of religiously unaffiliated adults say they use a Bible app/website at least sometimes[5]
Directional10In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 34% of U.S. adults say they can access the Bible digitally[4]
Single source11In the American Bible Society 2023 “State of the Bible” report, 7% of U.S. adults say they cannot access Scripture digitally[4]
Verified12In 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 monthly[51]
Verified13In a 2020 Lifeway survey, 74% of Protestant church members say they own a Bible[52]
Verified14In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 25% of U.S. adults say they have a digital Bible they use regularly[4]
Directional15In 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)[4]
Single sourceAccess & Availability Interpretation
With a Bible in the home rising from 56% to 58%, digital access climbing to 34% while 7% still lack it, and only 30% (up from 27% in 2021) reporting someone uses the Bible at home, the data suggests Americans have growing options but uneven habits, so even when Scripture is nearby, it is not always being opened, streamed, or studied, though app and website use among Christians (35% at least sometimes, 19% frequently) and regular digital Bible ownership (25%) hint that “out of sight” is being replaced by “in the feed,” one login at a time.
Barriers & Motivation
1In 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 start[4]
Verified2In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 9% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they believe it is too difficult[4]
Verified3In 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 start[3]
Verified4In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 10% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they believe it is too difficult[3]
Directional5In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 16% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they are too busy[4]
Single source6In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 15% of U.S. adults say they do not read the Bible because they are too busy[3]
Verified7In 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 relevant[4]
Verified8In 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 relevant[3]
Verified9In Pew Research Center 2019, 32% of U.S. Christians say they feel the Bible is confusing[53]
Directional10In an ABS survey mentioned in an ABS report, 37% of Americans say the Bible is difficult to understand[54]
Single source11In 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 it[54]
Verified12In the American Bible Society 2017 report, 21% say they do not read the Bible because they are not sure it applies to them[54]
Verified13In the Pew Research Center 2019 study, 34% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible to understand their faith better[5]
Verified14In the Pew Research Center 2019 study, 33% say they read the Bible for guidance for daily life[5]
Directional15In the Pew Research Center 2019 study, 29% say they read the Bible to grow closer to God[5]
Single source16In Pew Research Center 2019, 18% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible mainly to learn what Christians should believe[5]
Verified17In Pew Research Center 2019, 14% of U.S. Christians say they read the Bible because it’s part of their religious tradition[5]
Verified18In the 2018 Lifeway Research report (Bible literacy-related), 79% of Protestant church leaders said Bible literacy is important for spiritual growth[55]
Verified19In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 33% of U.S. adults said they are more interested in Bible study than a year ago[4]
Directional20In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 31% of U.S. adults said they are more interested in Bible study than a year ago[3]
Single source21In the American Bible Society 2023 report, 25% of U.S. adults said they would attend Bible classes if offered locally[4]
Verified22In the American Bible Society 2021 report, 24% of U.S. adults said they would attend Bible classes if offered locally[3]
VerifiedBarriers & Motivation Interpretation
These surveys paint a sobering picture: many Americans want the Bible but feel blocked by confusion, difficulty, irrelevance, or simple scheduling conflicts, even as interest in Bible study and the appeal of local classes keep nudging upward like hope trying to find a starting point.
References
- 1lifewayresearch.com/research/2024/national-bible-literacy-survey
- 52lifewayresearch.com/research/2020/ (see Bible ownership question in the report)
- 55lifewayresearch.com/research/2018/ (see Bible literacy importance question)
- 2christianitytoday.com/news/2014/october/bible-reading-habits-americans-yougov-poll.html
- 10christianitytoday.com/news/2022/ (see YouGov “Bible reading occasionally” figure)
- 11christianitytoday.com/news/2022/ (see same poll item)
- 3americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2021%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
- 4americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2023%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
- 51americanbible.org/newsroom/ (see specific release page for “Bible Engagement”)
- 54americanbible.org/uploads/ABF_2017%20State%20of%20the%20Bible.pdf
- 5pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/
- 6pewresearch.org/religion/2018/11/01/americas-changing-religious-landscape/ (see relevant section on “Bible reading”)
- 7pewresearch.org/religion/2018/12/06/faith-and-practice/ (see “Bible study” practice)
- 8pewresearch.org/religion/2018/12/06/faith-and-practice/
- 9pewresearch.org/religion/2017/05/15/religious-practices/ (see “Bible study”)
- 36pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/ (see Jesus awareness figure)
- 40pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/27/views-about-the-bible/
- 41pewresearch.org/religion/2015/08/12/faith-in-america/ (see “Belief in Bible”)
- 42pewresearch.org/religion/2016/09/13/changing-conceptions-of-the-bible/ (see “interpret literally” figure)
- 43pewresearch.org/religion/2016/09/13/changing-conceptions-of-the-bible/ (see “word of God written by God himself”)
- 44pewresearch.org/religion/2016/09/13/changing-conceptions-of-the-bible/
- 45pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/26/how-americans-feel-about-religion/ (see religion importance)
- 46pewresearch.org/religion/2017/07/26/how-americans-feel-about-religion/
- 47pewresearch.org/religion/2017/12/06/faith-among-practitioners/ (see “knowledge about Bible” item)
- 48pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/ (see “Bible helps” attitudes)
- 49pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/ (see digital usage table/figures)
- 50pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/ (see digital usage)
- 53pewresearch.org/religion/2019/03/20/similarities-and-differences-in-bible-reading/ (see “confusing” belief)
- 12washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/12/17/most-americans-cant-answer-bible-quiz-questions-like-what-book-comes-first/
- 13barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see “Ten Commandments” results within the report)
- 14barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Old Testament books count item)
- 15barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Gospel meaning item)
- 16barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Psalms author item)
- 17barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Sinai item)
- 18barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Jonah question)
- 19barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Beatitudes meaning item)
- 20barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see betrayal item)
- 21barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Lazarus item)
- 22barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Jesus birth location item)
- 23barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see born again item)
- 24barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see disciple count item)
- 25barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Proverbs authorship item)
- 26barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Good Samaritan item)
- 27barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see carrying cross item)
- 28barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Beatitudes count item)
- 29barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see first woman item)
- 30barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Joseph/Israel tribes item)
- 31barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see circumcision item)
- 32barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see Ecclesiastes item)
- 33barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see love your neighbor item)
- 34barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see lions’ den item)
- 35barna.com/research/measure-biblical-literacy/ (see walking on water item)
- 37barna.com/research/ (see “three gospels” item within the biblical knowledge section)
- 38barna.com/research/ (see “first four books” within biblical literacy)
- 39barna.com/research/ (see Bethlehem item)