More than 200 people are expected to take part in the four-day, non-stop event at St Peter's Church,Oundle, which was launched by the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Rev Ian Cundy.
Organisers hope the sponsored read of the Today's New International Bible, which contains 750,000 words, will qualify as a world record for having the largest number of people ever to take part in a continuous reading of the holy book.
Church spokesman Steve Cunningham said: "It's strange because the Bible is the world's best selling book and yet it can often be the dustiest book in the house – but everyone knows quotes and bits from it.
"We'll be pleased if we can raise money from the readathon and it would be exciting to get into the Guinness Book of World Records but we really hope this event makes people more aware of the Bible and brings people in the community together.
"We've got about 220 readers taking part, including groups of schoolchildren, Rotarians and cub scouts. And we're keen for people to feel free to come along to listen – so far visitors have been wandering in and out and there have been some new faces which has been very nice."
Proceeds from the event will go towards providing new lighting in the church and to the Bible Society which distributes Bibles worldwide.
The marathon read started at 9am yesterday with the Book of Genesis and is expected to finish at Revelation at 11am on Sunday. Visitors are welcome to attend the event and readers' voices will be amplified so they can be heard by as many people as possible.
To donate money n make cheques payable to St Peter's Church, Oundle, and write Bibleathon on the back.