I have a theory. It goes like this?the people who knew God?s word better than anyone else were probably those monks who used to copy the Bible by hand back in medieval times.
Writing scripture by longhand was basically all those monks did all day, everyday. And they had to go super slowly, because can you imagine making a mistake? Plus, they were writing with quills and ink on parchment in poorly lit monasteries.
Those monks defined what it meant to dedicate their lives to God.
To put that theory into (limited) practice, I decided to do something similar. No, I didn?t take a vow of silence or start wearing sackcloths and shave my head. I did something else.
The Handwritten Bible
Last year, I started copying the Bible out by hand during my daily devotional time. Granted, it was with a ballpoint pen on a notepad while sitting comfortably in my air-conditioned home. But it?s still as close to I?ll ever be to a Franciscan monk.
Not surprisingly, I?m not the first person to do this. Back in 2013, a guy in New York wrote out the King James translation by hand. It took him more than four years of 14-hour-per-day work to complete this endeavor. Impressive.
Today, the Bible is available for free and always available online?which is a great thing. However, with this accessibility, it?s easier to take God?s word for granted.
Those old-school monks wrote the scriptures by hand because that was the only real way to spread God?s word back then. Literacy was limited and paper was expensive, so it was a real sacrifice to mark it down on paper.
I?m not going in order, because those first few books of the Old Testament aren?t the most riveting, to say the least. Instead, I?ve selected specific books, alternating between the Old & New Testaments.
And I?m not finished yet, because it takes a long time to write the Bible by hand. But here are the biblical books I?ve copied so far and some things I?ve learned along the way.
- James
- Ecclesiastes
- Philippians
- Jonah
- Jude
- Ruth
- Galatians
- Obadiah
- Titus
- Nahum
1. Handwriting is Slow
It took me about two years to read the entire Bible. But writing it out by hand is even slower. While reading, I could get through about three or four chapters per day. But it takes me an average of about three or four days to finish writing out one chapter by hand.
I pride myself on my legible handwriting and I?ve intentionally kept a slow pace to ensure that my penmanship isn?t compromised.
My hand also starts cramping up after about 20-30 minutes of writing. Because so much of my other writing is done digitally, my hands aren?t used to this kind of strain.
This slow pace has also helped to remind me how long the Bible is. Although it varies by translation, most Bibles have about 800,000 words. Most books are about 50,000 to 100,000 words. By comparison, the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy had about 450,000 words combined. Either way, that?s a lot of words.
2. The Time Makes You Think
When reading the Bible, it?s easier to glaze over certain words or phrases. I read fairly quickly and have certainly missed the finer points while reading through scripture. That?s less of a concern while copying every word down by hand. I don?t miss nearly as much.
In fact, I?ve started having the opposite issue. Writing the Bible by hand has caused me to focus more on the individual words and sentences, rather than understanding the overall message of each book. I?ve started to lose the forest for the trees.
And I?ll admit that my mind starts to wander from time to time?especially while copying down those long lists of hard-to-pronounce names and places. There are certain parts of the Bible that are more captivating than others. Staying focused takes discipline.
3. Biblical Grammar is Weird
Part of my day job is as an editor. Plus, I graduated college with degrees in journalism and English. Words are kind of my thing. As such, some of the strange phrasing and sentence structure of the Bible has begun to stick out to me.
For instance, there are a lot of run-on sentences in the Bible. This probably has something to do with the text being over two millennia old and translated from a few different ancient languages. My proverbial hat is off to the modern day translators?but the sentences are still a little long winded.
Part of the issue is also probably that I?m used to writing short, to-the-point blog posts. While the Bible is a lengthy religious text written in a time before public education. It?s a different kind of writing than a modern audience (myself included) is accustomed to.
So I?m probably reading too much into it. But I now better understand Eugene Peterson?s motivation for updating something phrasing with his Message translation.
4. Inspiration Isn?t Automatic
To be honest, this practice hasn?t yielded the results I expected. I was hoping to grow intimately closer with God as a result of writing out his words. But there are times that I treat this time more like a homework assignment?something to get finished a move on with my life.
There is certainly something to be said of the discipline that it takes to sit down and write that long by hand on a daily basis. It?s a habit that?s helped to keep my mind focused on God and remind me of the Bible?s daily relevance. But that?s clearer some days than others.
You can?t expect to do anything spiritual and expect that it will automatically connect you with God. That includes prayer, church attendance, and tithing. God deserves our time and attention.
In other words, just acting like a monk does not make you as holy as one.
38 replies on “What I’ve Learned By Writing Books of the Bible By Hand”
Hello Robert,
Thank you for sharing your endeavor! It is encouraging to read, and reinforces what I had started a couple of years ago.
I have some issues with back pain that has caused some nerve damage in my hands and feet, especially my right (dominant) hand. I was speaking to a fellow that works for a hand specialist who told me some things I could do that may help, and one of those was to write– write anything and everything. The fine motor work will help to slow down or even help recover if I do it in conjunction with my other exercises. When I asked what to write if I come up with writers block, he told me that some folks copy their favorite books or poems. I chose the Bible.
Being concrete/sequential in nature, I started with Genesis with one set of notebooks, and Matthew with the another color. So far I’ve written through most of Joshua in the OT, and just started Luke in the NT. I hope to finish what I started, but even if I don’t, I’ve understood far more than I ever did before.
Thanks for your sharing, and thanks for reading!
Hi Scott, I am so encouraged by your post as I’ve also caught a quick note/ad on tv program of Dr David Jeremiah about writing your Bible and leaving pages for your own reflections/notes . I was searching all over the Internet and are so glad to found your testimony. I long and need to write the Bible in my own hand and in my own time to reflect and imprint God’s Word forever in my heart, soul and mind and if it’s possible to recite long passages spontaneous. Also to add on some of the pages my special dreams, verses and songs that I truly believe were especially from God and my art. I am so excited!!!! Can you or anyone please advice me on which type of longduring good quality books/paper I can use? Do you use special pens/inks and lettering? Please help me?
I am also doing this after hearing Dr Jeremiah speak about writing out Scripture! I am currently in John 9. My plan is to copy Colossians next.
I, too, from hearing Dr. David Jeremiah talk of writing the book of Romans, recently finished just that. I may copy James next, one of my favorites. Thank you! God bless!! Keep on!! XXXOOO
Thank you so much for writing this! I am so glad to find someone else who is trying to accomplish the same thing that I am. I started writing out my copy of the NLT Bible on July 1, 2019 and have now complete Matthew, Mark, Luke, and 5 chapters of John. I decided to start with the gospels and then go back to Genesis and work from there. I’m hoping that it will help with the motivation to keep going during those duller books. And I absolutely can relate to your points in number 4. There are definitely days and weeks that it feels like a chore, but then again there are those little “ah ha!” moments that make it all worth it and keep you going.
So great to hear that other people are also writing out the Bible by hand. I figured there were others, and glad that by sharing this post I could create a sense of community & inspiration. Thanks for sharing Scott & Jordanne!
Motivated by the psalmist in psalm 119, I see a love for God’s word that I can only imagine having. Teaching through psalms i have neglected the New Testament. Therefore I have decided to start with Matthew and continue through the New Testament. I am so thrilled as i ponder and meditate on the words of Jesus. Already exciting and life-changing. Thanks for your inspiration
I was searching to see if others were doing this. Thank you for posting!
Like another who posted a comment here, I heard Dr David Jeremiah mention this practice.
I attend a small women’s Bible study group and, after sharing what I was doing, I was delighted to hear the group leader say that she had also heard Dr Jeremiah, and was also doing this.
I have ADD and have to write as I read! I in the past have written or the books of Romans and Galatians. I thought I would endeavor to do more – maybe all if it so I can focus better.
Thank you for sharing .
I find that praying for God Holy Spirit before reading the bible it helps and if we try and meditate on what we read and really dig deep into It , God does see our heart and he will get close to us .
I’ve thought about doing this numerous times. what type of journal do you use? do you use archival pens or just whatever you have around?
I use composition books from the dollar store. I also use red pens because I read that writing with red ink helps with memorization hope this is helpful.
Hi.. I solute you and everyone else who have done this!! i have attempted this on several occasions but I have not been disciplined enough to complete it. My question is, do you write down your communication / dialog with God in between verses?
Well done with your Dedication, I have copied the Torah by hand, but decided to write it all in reverse text. It was a wonderful endeavour and I can agree with much your wrote, happy to share images of it if you would like to see.
I am about to embark on this journey too….my biggest question is about the paper. I want it to last for generations…but I don’t want it to cost a fortune…and it should have lines on it. Can anyone recommend a suitable paper?
I would also like to know Brad, I want it as a legacy to my grandchildren on GOOD paper. Only problem is I have 4 loving grandchildren, that means I have to write 4 versions??!!
My question is whether you print or write in cursive.
I have the same question.
I’ve started writing out the New Testament as a year spiritual project. I’m beginning with the letters of John. I’m very excited about this. I liken it to dipping in the sea rather than standing on the waters edge. I want to be engaged and connect with the bible again.
Hello! Thank you so much for sharing this. I am in my freshman year of high school and was told that to. be exempt from the exam in May 2021, I could write out Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts. I was actually just told this a few days ago and I figured I would try it. I know- 5 books in less than 5 months! I wanted to look up how long it would take and found this. wonderful website. If you have any other advice, please email me at annavnova3@gmail.com. Wish me luck!
Hello,
Just wondering how many books have you finished by now?
Thanks!
Hi all. I started writing down the bible from beginning to end almost a year ago. One chapter every day takes roughly 30min-1 hour depending on the amount of verses. You will come to understand the joy in writing under 20 verses in a chapter then compared to one with over 20. I’ve begun from Genesis and am now onto 2 Samuel. It’s taken me roughly a year to reach my 10th Apostle at one chapter per day. Its become a daily routine and has given me dreams I remembered each morning. (Be sure to write them down too). At one chapter per day will take roughly 8 years by simple maths. 2 per day will be 4 years. It is good to write one chapter down then have a break before you consider to write another as this is a very long marathon not a 100meter sprint after all. For those who decide to write down the chapters of the bible, The truth is you will have an awakening with visions so be sure to dedicate 1 hour of your time per day and also write your visions down to look back on in future days of your spare time. All the best for your new challenge and I admire everybody and anybody who decide to write the Bible down as it is said to do so in God’s word. Just an ordinary book with bullpoint pens. You will need ALOT but not in one go. I like to believe as you are concentrated in the word of God your having a special encounter of your thoughts being involved in God’s time you have set for him.
Hey Robert,
Glad to know that you are doing this. I have had this thing about writing out the Bible by hand but never got seriously to it till I had an accident, a sort of brush with death that I believe if it weren’t for God preserving me, I would be dead by now.
I now want to write out the Bible word for word but because of the so many translations out there I am opting for an assorted kind of Bible that includes the best renditions in the available translations.
I will be comparing different verses from different translations and if I already wrote a verse I consider revising I would simply pluck out the page and write the whole script.
I have sort of designed a template with lines and margins to include cross references, footnotes and personal info. I also would employ calligraphy using special pens and inks for the headings, the body and other texts.
I know it’s a very tedious business like you said one guy did it in 4 yrs. Given that I have the time, and not so much to do the same in eternity when I go to be with my Lord.
So please pray for me. Thank you
I was encouraged to copy the Bible by a camp speaker at a senior camp. I took it on in June 2009. Since that time to today (September 2021).
I have copied the whole Bible (Genesis to Revelation in the NLT). Have copied the NT twice now. I have make a copy for my two grandchildren as well. It all has made Gods Word alive for me
I really loved all the comments and advise, also the dedication and it warms my heart. I have a deep desire to start (4 copies for I am blessed with 4 grandchildren), but please help me. What type of good quality paper, do you bind your own books, do you just write in your normal handwriting of any other lettering fonts, any special pens/inks that will last for years and years, do you leave blank spaces/pages for personal notes?? Any embellishments? I really want to make these personal handwritten Bibles into an heirloom for my grandchildren. Please help me? Blessings and joy and I’m looking forward to join a community of Christian friends with a passion to handwrite our beloved Bible!! Love from Gerbrecht Nel- le Roux from South Africa
I am a 78 year old man who at the suggestion of a friend began to hand copy the NASB in November 2019 (77 at the time). I finished the entire bible in July 2021. I greatly underestimated the amount of time it would take to accomplish this task. I had allotted myself one year and was disappointed that I had not lived up to my expectations of completion. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had and has given me a greater understanding of God’s Word. I am considering the ESV as my next challenge and applaud others in the process or considering undertaking this challenge.
I, too, have been engaged in copying entire books of the Bible. I have not been doing them in any particular order. I agree that sometimes it becomes another chore to complete, when what I am looking for is a closer connection my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I alternate cursive and manuscript, usually verse by verse rotation. It does slow me down and make me focus on the words. I usually try to go back and reread the words I have copied to get a better feeling for the whole section, often rereading what was written the day before and the verses coming up.
Hi, I have started to do this too. I listened to a sermon on handwriting the bible and was really impressed to start writing. I also started by publishing a set of journals for just this on Amazon. See below and see if you like it.
https://www.amazon.com/Encounter-Galatians-word-word-reflections/dp/B09MZXWT3D/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=3GTGDM4XSGG4V&keywords=an+encounter+with+galatians&qid=1639183164&sprefix=an+envounter+with+galatians%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-2
Enjoy
During the pandemic I have been using the Lectio Divina process. I’ve written a passage, then stopped and ruminated on what the Word said. It has been a “slug” haven’t finished one book yet, however, I have listened to The Word through the Word.
I started this right before the pandemic. I saw someone elses notebook and heard how she blessed she was writing out the Bible during a hard season. She used a simple 5 section notebook and followed along with a FB group guiding her. She had never read the Bible before. This inspired me to handwritten some of the books we studied during lockdown. Matthew, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thes, Titus, 1 & 2 Peter, Jude, James, Romans, 1,2,3 John, Revelation in NLT. I guess I might as well finish the NT and start on the Old. It’s so true you see words the Word of God and engage with the Word differently. I love to write and started using the ARC notebooks, but I have a small 5×8 and it’s getting bulky. I don’t know anything about what papers or pens to use and it’s not fancy. The reactions I get when someone finds out are interesting. Some ask why do this you have several Bibles. Others think I’m trying to be holier than thou. In fact, I love to write and find this a different way of engaging with the Word of God and with Him. Praying as I write and asking the Holy Spirit questions. I do write down the dates when I start a new page or section. Once I’m done I’ll probably start the ESV version, I like the idea of using the red pen to write Jesus words.
All of you have truly encouraged me to copy the Bible by hand. Since I’ve lived on the computer for so many years, I don’t like to write in longhand. So . . . I’ll be praying a lot for the LORD to encourage me to copy the Bible. I’m taking the suggestion of Robert to copy a book from the New Testament, then the Old. In fact, I’m beginning with the Book of James because of his list and because it’s one of my favorites. I hope you’ll pray for me that I’ll remain faithful to my project. And I’ll pray for y’all (can you tell that I’m Southern?), too. I’m starting by using the Christian Standard Bible, a relatively new translation and one recommended by my former pastor, mainly to see if I want to order it for a friend who is having trouble understanding the Bible. I may change versions as I write. We’ll see as I progress. I’m off to begin copying as much of the Bible as I can before I go to see Jesus. I’m 81, so that day may be sooner for me than for many of you! God bless you as you write/copy!😇💕😇
I’m starting this week!
excited to replace social media with the Word of God and engage into it! it will be a nightly endeavor for me
how’s everyone doing with their writing ?
can i get updates from anyone?
I am learning tons from reading everyone’s comments
God bless you all!
I’m nearly finished handwriting the Holy Bible (KJV.) Started May 1, 2019 and should finish by the end of May 2022. I’m currently handwriting Deuteronomy, which is the final book I have left (I didn’t handwrite the books in order.)
After I finish, I plan to re-handwrite some of my favorite books of the Bible, including the Gospels, Acts, Galatians, Romans, Psalms, Isaiah, Job, etc.
Got me through some difficult times and has been very rewarding. I’ll likely be writing God’s Word every day for the rest of my life.
hi Andrew! how many hours did you spend on this ?
Some years back I came across a book about an author who wrote down his experiences about coping the whole Bible. Can anyone please help me if you happen to come across this book. During the MCO in 2020, my grandson, who is 6 years old at that time, born in 2014, was asked by the parent to write the book of the Bible. Obediently, he began with Psalms and completed the 150 chapters in 5 months. Since then he had finished the book of Deuteronomy, Esther, Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Matthew and is now in Mark 13. I pray that I am able to get hold of a copy of the book and pass it to him. Thanks.
I have been listening to Fr Mike Schmitz Bible in year podcast. I enjoy ever minute of Fathers classes. I came for 2 months holiday and was unable to continue it due to poor wifi/ internet services. So I thought why not start writing small passages from the New Testament. On December 1, 2022 I started writing just two or three verses from St Matthews Gospel. A week later I started writing 3 to 4 Chapters of the Gospel per day and I became very interested to write even more. I completed St Mathew’s and St Marks Gospel by 31 December 2022 and on 1 January 2023 I started writing St Luke’s Gospel.
While on this journey, something inside me prompted to start writing the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and to try and finish it asap.
I however have a lots of doubts – like
1. What do you do when you make a mistake?
2. Can we use lined paper?
3. Do we write the headings?
I would very much like to see someone who has written the Bible before I commence. I am praying to Jesus to help me in this new project.
God bless
I, too, from hearing Dr. David Jeremiah talk of writing the book of Romans, recently finished just that. I may copy James next, one of my favorites. Thank you! God bless!! Keep on!! XXXOOO
I started writing the books of the Bible last January. I started with the New Testament. I finished it in October, so I decided to start on the Old Testament right after, so I am now starting Numbers today, 2/23/2023. I’m hoping to finish by end of year. I’m keeping it in a binder on loose leaf paper,and I’m also keeping each ink pen, just to see how many it takes. With God all things are possible. I’ve read it through 8 times since 2013, so last year I thought I would try something different, hoping it would stay with me more. I’ve seen things that I’ve read before, but I’ve gotten more out of it by writing.