Although most people are aware that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time, data from printed book sales in the USA in 2023 reveals an upward trajectory. Bible sales in the first 10 months of that year increased by a whopping 22% compared to the previous year. In contrast, printed book sales of all types only went up 1%. More than 14 million Bibles were sold in the US that year, and the numbers may be even higher, as these numbers were provided by Circana BookScan which only covers 85% of US print books sales.
The Wall Street Journal attributed some of the growth to Gen Z and college students, who are looking for something “that feels more solid.” Other reasons they pointed to include a desire for more certainty amidst global uncertainty, and the influence of high-profile leaders, both in social media and politics.
Scripture itself tells us that it isn’t “influencers” who open hearts to God’s Word. Rather, it is His Holy Spirit (for example, see 1 Cor. 2:14). So, the increased Bible sales are more evidence of God’s grace. Thanks be to Him for making hearts thirsty for living water (John 7:37-38).