How Many Pages Are in the Bible? A Complete Guide for Curious Readers

May 15, 2025 /

One of the most commonly asked questions by new readers, students, and researchers is: “How many pages are in the Bible?” At first glance, this seems like a straightforward question—but the answer actually depends on a few key factors. In this guide, we’ll break it all down and help you understand what determines the number of pages in the Bible, including translations, formats, and print sizes.

How Many Pages Are in the Bible? A Complete Guide for Curious Readers

How Many Pages Are in the Bible on Average?

The average Bible contains 1,200 to 1,500 pages. However, this number can vary widely based on several factors:

  • Translation (e.g., King James Version vs. New International Version)
  • Font size
  • Page size and layout
  • Inclusion of study notes, commentaries, or concordances

For example:

  • A compact Bible might be around 900 pages.
  • A large print study Bible might exceed 2,000 pages.

Page Count by Popular Bible Versions

Here’s a general idea of how many pages are in different popular Bible editions:

Bible Version Approximate Page Count
King James Version (KJV) 1,200 – 1,400 pages
New International Version (NIV) 1,300 – 1,600 pages
English Standard Version (ESV) 1,300 – 1,500 pages
Catholic Bible (with Apocrypha) 1,500 – 2,000+ pages
Study Bibles (any version) 1,800 – 2,400 pages

Note: These are averages and can vary depending on the publisher and printing style.

Why Does the Bible’s Page Count Vary?

Several factors influence the page count of a Bible:

1. Font Size and Layout

Large-print Bibles require more pages, while pocket-sized Bibles use smaller fonts and tighter spacing to reduce length.

2. Study Tools and Extras

Many modern Bibles include:

  • Commentaries
  • Cross-references
  • Maps and illustrations
  • Concordances

These additions can add hundreds of extra pages.

3. Translation and Language Style

Some translations are more word-for-word (like the NASB or ESV), which tend to use more text, while others are thought-for-thought (like the NLT), potentially using fewer words per passage.

How Many Words Are in the Bible?

While pages may vary, the word count is more consistent:

  • Protestant Bible: Approximately 783,000 words
  • Catholic Bible (with Apocrypha): Over 800,000 words
  • King James Version: Around 783,137 words

This helps explain why the number of pages can fluctuate depending on how those words are presented.

Digital Bibles vs. Printed Bibles

In the digital age, many people now use Bible apps or online versions, which don’t follow traditional page numbers. In apps like YouVersion or Bible Gateway, navigation is based on books, chapters, and verses, not physical pages.

Final Answer: How Many Pages Are in the Bible?

If you’re looking for a quick answer, here’s a simple summary:

✅ The average Bible contains between 1,200 and 1,500 pages, depending on the translation, layout, and extra materials included.

However, remember that page count doesn’t define the depth of the Bible—its true value lies in its spiritual, historical, and literary content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

📖 How many pages are in the King James Bible?

Typically between 1,200 and 1,400 pages, depending on the publisher and print format.

📖 How many chapters and verses are in the Bible?

  • Chapters: 1,189
  • Verses: Over 31,000

📖 How long does it take to read the entire Bible?

It takes about 70 to 80 hours to read the Bible cover to cover at an average reading pace.

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