More Americans are expressing interest in increasing their interaction with the Bible, according to the annual State of the Bible 2018 research—commissioned by American Bible Society (@americanbible) and conducted by Barna Group (@barnagroup).

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, The State of the Bible 2018: Five Types of Bible Readers]

The report reveals a majority of Americans, 57%, declare they wish they used the Bible more than they currently do. While 89% of those who are considered Bible Engaged desire to increase their Bible use, 70% of those considered Bible Neutral are also interested in greater time with the Bible.

[Select a Bible Reading Plan that’s right for you from Bible Gateway]

The findings of Americans’ growing desire for more of the Bible are among a number of Bible statistics recently released about Americans’ beliefs and behaviors.

48% of Americans are considered Bible users—meaning they watch, listen, pray, or use Bible content or text in any form outside of a church service three to four times a year

of Americans are considered Bible users—meaning they watch, listen, pray, or use Bible content or text in any form outside of a church service three to four times a year 35% use the Bible every week

use the Bible every week 62% report reading the Bible because it brings them closer to God

report reading the Bible because it brings them closer to God 25% have read the Bible in its entirety

have read the Bible in its entirety 66% express some curiosity to know more about the Bible including 29% who express a strong desire

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, The State of the Bible 2018: Technology and Behavior]

63% say they’re interested in knowing about who Jesus is; 31% are strongly interested.

say they’re interested in knowing about who Jesus is; are strongly interested. 65% say their level of Bible use is the same as it was a year ago.

say their level of Bible use is the same as it was a year ago. 58% say the Bible has impacted the way they live their lives

say the Bible has impacted the way they live their lives 85% believe the Bible has resulted in their willingness to engage in their faith more and show more loving behavior toward others ( 84% )

believe the Bible has resulted in their willingness to engage in their faith more and show more loving behavior toward others ( ) 71% say they’re more generous with their time, energy, or financial resources

say they’re more generous with their time, energy, or financial resources After reading the Bible in the past week, 97% of adults say they gave some or a lot of thought to how it might apply to their lives.

of adults say they gave some or a lot of thought to how it might apply to their lives. Respondents say the Bible encourages: Generosity (81%), Patience (81%), and Serving the poor (78%).

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Latest Bible-Related Research]

An overwhelming majority (82%) of Americans own a Bible in their household. When asked which version of the Bible Americans prefer, the King James Version (KJV) still tops the list at 33%. But, there is growing interest in the New International Version (NIV) as 14% prefer it—up from 10% in 2011. Preference toward the King James Version dropped seven percentage points since 2016 and 12% since 2011.

[Read Bible Gateway Blog posts that Introduce You to the Bible]