Thematic Index & Reading Plan — NIV Bible
How to read the Bible: A guide to study the Word of God by themes of faith, obedience, wisdom, prophecy, and the ministry of Christ.
There are many ways to read the bible, depending on the sermon of the day, a devotional, or bible study. Here we present a thematic index and reading plan, but if you prefer to read chronologically, we also include the default index in the tab below. This is for the New International Version (NIV).
Index of the Bible — New International Version (NIV)
OLD TESTAMENT
The Pentateuch (The Law of Moses)
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
Historical Books
- Joshua
- Judges
- Ruth
- 1 Samuel
- 2 Samuel
- 1 Kings
- 2 Kings
- 1 Chronicles
- 2 Chronicles
- Ezra
- Nehemiah
- Esther
Poetry and Wisdom Books
- Job
- Psalms
- Proverbs
- Ecclesiastes
- Song of Songs (Song of Solomon)
Major Prophets
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Lamentations
- Ezekiel
- Daniel
Minor Prophets
- Hosea
- Joel
- Amos
- Obadiah
- Jonah
- Micah
- Nahum
- Habakkuk
- Zephaniah
- Haggai
- Zechariah
- Malachi
NEW TESTAMENT
The Gospels
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
Church History
- Acts of the Apostles
Paul’s Epistles
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
General Epistles
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
Prophecy
- Revelation
🌍 I. The Foundation of Faith — Creation, Covenant, and Obedience
🔹 Genesis
Theme: The beginning of creation, humanity, sin, and God’s covenant through Abraham.
Read to learn: How God designed the world, tested faith, and began His plan of salvation.
Suggested reading: Genesis 1–3 (Creation and the Fall), Genesis 12–22 (Abraham’s calling and faith).
🔹 Exodus
Theme: Deliverance and covenant. God rescues Israel and establishes His law.
Read to learn: The power of redemption and the importance of obedience.
Suggested reading: Exodus 1–20 (From slavery to the Ten Commandments).
🔹 Deuteronomy
Theme: Renewal of God’s covenant and Moses’ final words.
Read to learn: How obedience leads to blessing.
Suggested reading: Deuteronomy 6, 8, 28 (The love of God and His commandments).
🕊️ II. Faith Tested — Trials, Leadership, and Trust in God
🔹 Job
Theme: Testing through suffering.
Read to learn: Perseverance and faith when life seems unfair.
Suggested reading: Job 1–2, 38–42.
🔹 Joshua
Theme: Courage and obedience in conquest.
Read to learn: God’s faithfulness when His people act in faith.
Suggested reading: Joshua 1, 6, 24.
🔹 Judges
Theme: The cycles of sin, repentance, and deliverance.
Read to learn: The danger of forgetting God’s ways.
Suggested reading: Judges 2, 6–7, 13–16.
🔹 Ruth
Theme: Redemption and loyalty.
Read to learn: God’s providence through humble obedience.
Suggested reading: The whole book (only 4 chapters).
👑 III. The Rise and Fall of a Nation — Kings, Prophets, and Promises
🔹 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles
Theme: Leadership, failure, and God’s enduring promise.
Read to learn: How faithfulness or rebellion shapes nations.
Suggested reading: 1 Samuel 16–17 (David’s anointing and battle with Goliath), 2 Samuel 11–12 (David’s fall and repentance), 1 Kings 3 (Solomon’s wisdom).
🔹 Psalms
Theme: Worship, prayer, and trust.
Read to learn: To praise God through every circumstance.
Suggested reading: Psalms 1, 23, 51, 91, 103, 119.
🔹 Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
Theme: Wisdom, purpose, and divine love.
Read to learn: How to walk wisely and find true joy.
Suggested reading: Proverbs 3, Ecclesiastes 3, Song of Solomon 2.
🔥 IV. The Prophets — Calling to Repentance and Hope in the Messiah
🔹 Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
Theme: Warnings, hope, and visions of restoration.
Read to learn: God’s justice and His promise of a coming Savior.
Suggested reading: Isaiah 53 (The suffering Messiah), Jeremiah 31 (The new covenant), Ezekiel 37 (The valley of dry bones), Daniel 6 (Faith under pressure).
🔹 Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi)
Theme: God’s call to return and prepare for redemption.
Read to learn: God’s patience and faithfulness.
Suggested reading: Hosea 2, Joel 2, Micah 6, Malachi 3–4.
✝️ V. The Life and Ministry of Jesus — Salvation and Grace
🔹 The Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
Theme: The birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Read to learn: The love of God revealed in His Son.
Suggested reading:
Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount)
Luke 2 (Birth of Christ)
John 3, 15, 17 (Faith, love, and unity).
⛪ VI. The Early Church and the Gospel to the Nations
🔹 Acts
Theme: The birth of the Church and the spread of the Gospel.
Read to learn: How the Holy Spirit empowers believers.
Suggested reading: Acts 2, 9, 16.
🔹 Paul’s Epistles (Romans to Philemon)
Theme: Faith, grace, and Christian living.
Read to learn: The meaning of salvation and spiritual growth.
Suggested reading: Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 6.
💌 VII. Wisdom for the Church — Letters of Faith and Perseverance
🔹 Hebrews to Jude
Theme: Maturity, endurance, and truth.
Read to learn: How to stay firm in faith and avoid false teaching.
Suggested reading: Hebrews 11, James 1, 1 Peter 1, 1 John 4.
🌅 VIII. The Revelation of Jesus Christ
🔹 Revelation
Theme: The final victory of Christ and the hope of eternity.
Read to learn: God’s triumph over evil and His promise of a new creation.
Suggested reading: Revelation 1, 19–22.
📖 Suggested Reading Plan by Theme (Weekly Focus)
| Week | Theme | Suggested Books / Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Faith & Obedience | Genesis 12–22, Hebrews 11 |
| 2 | Deliverance & Covenant | Exodus 1–20, Deuteronomy 6 |
| 3 | Trials & Perseverance | Job 1–2, 38–42, James 1 |
| 4 | Worship & Praise | Psalms 23, 51, 91, 103 |
| 5 | Wisdom & Understanding | Proverbs 3–4, Ecclesiastes 3 |
| 6 | Prophecy & Promise | Isaiah 53, Micah 6, Jeremiah 31 |
| 7 | The Life of Jesus | Matthew 5–7, John 3, Luke 24 |
| 8 | The Early Church | Acts 2–9, Romans 8 |
| 9 | Christian Living | Ephesians 6, Colossians 3 |
| 10 | Hope & Eternity | Revelation 21–22 |