Bible sales surge in 2024
Despite growing secularization, over 13.7 million Bibles were sold in the first 10 months of 2024.
A recent study highlighted a significant increase in Bible purchases in the United States during 2024. According to data from Circana BookScan, Bible sales increased by 22% through October compared to the same period in the previous year. Here are some key findings from the study:
Sales Volume: Over 13.7 million Bibles were sold in the first 10 months of 2024, marking a 41% increase from 2019 when sales totaled 9.7 million.
First-Time Buyers: A notable aspect of this year’s surge is the increase in first-time Bible buyers, suggesting a renewed interest or curiosity in faith among individuals who previously might not have engaged with religious texts.
Anxiety and Uncertainty: The increase in sales has been linked to heightened anxiety caused by various global issues, including economic instability, political elections, and international conflicts. People seem to be turning to the Bible for comfort, guidance, or a sense of assurance.
Demographic Trends: There's an observed increase among younger demographics, especially Gen Z, who are reportedly more inclined towards exploring or deepening their faith through Bible study.
Cultural and Social Influence: Well-known people openly discussing their faith on social media platforms may have contributed to this trend, alongside a cultural backdrop where traditional print sales are generally flat or only marginally up.
This trend in Bible sales comes at a time when overall U.S. print book sales were up by less than 1%, making the Bible's sales increase particularly notable. The study suggests a complex interplay between cultural anxiety, marketing strategies, and a search for spiritual or existential answers in a time of global uncertainty.
Did you purchase a Bible this year? If so, which translation(s)?