I’m Handwriting the Entire Bible (And It’s Changing How I Read It)

A friend recently told me about a man who handwrote the entire Bible. I remember thinking…what? I had never heard of that before. I mean, I knew that’s what scribes did before printing presses, but I didn’t realize people were still doing it today. And not only did he write the whole Bible—he wrote it in Korean. Right then, something—maybe Someone—pulled on me. I wanted to do it too.

As I started digging, I realized this isn’t just a random idea. There’s a movement within the Korean church where Christians handwrite Scripture as a form of devotion. It’s a way to slow down and really sit with God’s Word as you write it line by line. I also found other individuals and groups doing this in all kinds of ways—some write a verse a day, some work through a book, and some commit to writing the entire Bible.

Then came the practical questions. What do you even write it in? A giant book? Loose pages? Thin paper like a real Bible that might bleed through?

Some people use loose-leaf paper and bind it later so they can go in any order. Others just grab a journal and keep it simple.

But I knew what I wanted. I wanted to write the whole Bible, in order, as a gift for my kids. It took me almost a month to decide, but I finally ordered a leather-bound, lined journal—because there is no chance I’m writing in straight lines without help. I ordered pens and white-out, fully expecting mistakes along the way.

When the journal arrived this week, I felt both excited and nervous. I sat down to start and immediately realized this isn’t as simple as just writing. Do I add an introduction? A dedication? An index? Do I format it like a Bible or just keep it clean and simple?

In the end, I had to tell myself: just start. So I did. And yes, I’ve already used the white-out. More than once. By day three, my handwriting started to feel a little more natural. It’s not perfect, but that’s not really the point.

There’s something about writing the words that slows me down in the best way. Before the printing press, this is how Scripture was preserved and shared—carefully, by hand. This isn’t a new idea. It’s something people have been doing for a long time.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

— Psalm 119:105

I know this will take time—probably years. And I’m okay with that.

So I’m inviting you to join me—not necessarily in writing the entire Bible unless you feel that pull, but in getting into God’s Word in a deeper way. Maybe that’s writing a verse a day. Maybe it’s a chapter a week. Maybe it’s starting a journal like I did.

There’s no perfect way to do this.

Just start.

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I’d love to hear from you

Let me know how you plan to start writing scripture.

Want the full story?

For a few extra details about my journey to start writing the Bible you can also listen to this week’s podcast episode.

About Make Monday Matter

Make Monday Matter is my weekly devotional where I share reflections on faith, running, and the small ways God shows up in everyday life.