A Complete List of Old Testament Books in Order: Bible Summary Guide

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The editors at Lord’s Library compiled this resource to guide you through the Bible’s Old Testament books in order with a summary of each.

There are many reasons to learn about the Old Testament books in order, especially if you are serious about learning the Bible. Although it’s not important to know the Old Testament books word-for-word in the beginning of your spiritual journey, it does help to gain a summary introduction to each. In this resource, our editors provide a fill list of the Old Testament books in order to help you expand your basic knowledge of the Christian Bible, and ultimately grow your faith in Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament consists of 39 different books originally written in the Hebrew and Aramaic languages and can be divided into four categories, including The Torah (or Pentateuch), the historical books, the prophetic writings, and the poetic or wisdom literature. The central theme of the Bible’s Old Testament is God’s law and His original promise to the people of Israel prior to the coming of Jesus Christ. While the historical books are narratives from the time of Judges to the monarchical era, the prophetic writings are revelations, oracles and prophecies that address the sins of humankind and how God will be provide their redemption. Several Old Testament books were written by Prophets who scribed directly the Word of God.

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A Complete List of New Testament Books in Order: Bible Summary Guide

Note: We recommend pairing this resource with our Complete List of New Testament Books in Order Bible summary guide.

A Complete List of Old Testament Books in Order

The book of genesis (the first book of moses).

Summary: The Book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible. It details the origins of the universe, Creation, Sin, the Kingdom of God, and The Covenant.

More Detail:  Genesis recalls how God created the world in the order of seven days, and it was very good, but the beauty and goodness were lost because of man’s disobedience. The first promise of a king who will restore blessing and defeat sin is found in chapter 3. The hope continues during the life of the Patriarchs, starting with the call of Abraham to follow God. God promised Abraham that through his lineage of Jewish descendants, He would restore blessing to the nations. The covenant continues with Isaac and Jacob, who would be renamed to Israel later in the story.

The Book of Exodus (The Second Book of Moses)

Summary: The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and details how God saved His people through Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

More Detail: Exodus continues the narrative story from Genesis, starting with the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt, thus the meaning “the Names” in Hebrew. The book’s central theme is the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Patriarchs that He would make their descendants a great nation and how He redeemed Israel from slavery from one ancient superpower Egypt. In this book, you’ll also read about God’s new covenant with the people of Israel; that is, God will lead them to the promised land and that they are now guided to by holy before God as a kingdom of priests to the nations. Exodus also describes God’s revelation on Mount Sinai which explains how He should be worshipped via the Ten Commandments.

The Book of Leviticus (The Third Book of Moses)

Summary: The Book of Leviticus is a continuation of Exodus and the third book of the Bible. It offers the rules and instruction on how God commands His people in holiness.

More Detail: The Book of Leviticus introduces the concepts of temple and sacrifices, as well as how God commanded the Israelites to worship Him in a holy manner and atone for their sins. Most of the verses in Leviticus consist of Jesus’ speeches to Moses and emphasize legal, ritual and moral practices as opposed to beliefs. The book also describes sin and guilt rituals that provide the means to gain forgiveness of sin.

The Book of Numbers (The Fourth Book of Moses)

Summary: The Book of Numbers or “in the wilderness” in the Hebrew Bible is the fourth book of the Bible. It describes the rebellion of Israel and how God’s people prepared to enter the promised land.

More Details: Numbers continues the gradual fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It also details the journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the borders of Canaan, the promised land. The book narrates how God continued to stay faithful to His promises as He journeyed with the Israelites despite their constant rebellion. Because of this, the people of Israel delayed their departure to the promised land for 40 years. By the end of this book, God led Israel to the borders of the promised land as they prepared to enter.

The Book of Deuteronomy (The Fifth Book of Moses)

Summary: The Book of Deuteronomy is broken down into four sermons that Moses gives to the Israelites before entering the promised land. The sermons were God’s reminder to His people about his expectations for them.

More Detail: The fifth book of the Bible and meaning “second law” in Greek, the Book of Deuteronomy’s primary theme are the laws already given by God to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Moses once more reminds the Israelites to keep the law when they enter the promised land. He urges them to stay faithful in their covenant with God to gain life and blessing, and that if they rebel, consequences will ensue. The book ends with the death of Moses and the rise of Joshua as Israel’s new leader.

The Book of Joshua

Summary: The Book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Bible and tells the account of Israel’s journey and conquest as they finally entered the promised land after four decades in the desert.

More Detail: Joshua is the sixth book of the Bible, and it continues the narrative story of the Torah. This book explores how God led Israel as a Warrior through the leadership of Joshua. It also includes their battles with the armies of Canaanites and how Joshua divides the land for the 12 tribes of Israel. The book concludes with Joshua’s final words and reminders for the people of Israel to be faithful to the commands of the Torah that they may experience life and blessings and show the other nation what it looks like to be a nation under Yahweh’s rule. Still, if they break the covenant and disobey the Torah, they will be exiled from the land.

The Book of Judges

The Book of Judges is Judges continue the story of Israel and how they lived in the Promised Land. In this book, the Israelites turned away from the commands of the Torah and, ultimately, from God. They faced the consequences of their rebellion, but God will raise judges to save them, and then they will rebel again. The downward cycle of rebellion, repent, and deliverance continued. The famous line in this book is, “In those days, Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” The book tells the tragedy of the human heart and the need for a king who will restore blessings to Israel and the world and finally defeat sin and rebellion.

Book Summary: The Book of Judges covers the time between the conquest of the Israelites to the establishment of a kingdom in the Books of Samuel. The book contains accounts of how people were continuously unfaithful to God despite his attempt to show them mercy and deliver them from oppression.

The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth is Ruth was set in the era of the judges. This love story begins surrounded by adversity but ends with redemption and victory. Ruth loved Naomi and was able to flee from idolatry. Boaz loved Ruth, and the fruit of their union would have David as a descendant, fulfilling the covenant promises to the Patriarch.

Book Summary: Ruth is a book about a woman from Moab who showed truth faith and mercy in a time of judgement and trials.

1st and 2nd Samuel were originally one scroll. The Septuagint translators divided the long scroll into two. Samuel was the last judge who ushered in the monarchical era by anointing Saul and David as king of Israel. The key theme of 1st and 2nd Samuel is how God exercised His authority and kingship by appointing the line of David as king in Israel.

Book Summary: 1: Considered one of the first major prophets in the Old Testament, Samuel discussed how God created a new political system in Israel . This book discusses the rise and fall of new earthly monarchies led by kings, such as the first king Saul. 2: David was the first honorable King to rule after the failure of King Saul. Although imperfect, under his rule God fulfilled His promises to the nation as he helped them prosper and fight off their enemies.

1st Kings and 2nd Kings were also originally compiled into one scroll. The 1st half tells us the story of King Solomon, who ruled the entire kingdom after his father David, and how he led the completion of God’s Temple in Jerusalem. It also records how the kingdom was divided because Solomon’s son rejected the people’s plea. The second half focuses on the relationship of the people of Israel and Judah with the one true God. Sadly, it is a narrative of the people’s lack of regard for their God.

Book Summary: 1: 1 Kings continues to chronical the rule of various kings of Israel and their relationships with God. The book describes rulers who obey or disobey His will through their rulings. After David, Solomon takes reign as the last king of Israel before the kingdoms are divided. 2: 2 Kings carries the historical account of Judah and Israel forward. The kings of each nation are judged in light of their obedience to the covenant with God. Ultimately, the people of both nations are exiled for disobedience. The second part of the Book of Kings, 2 Kings continues the narrative of the split kingdoms, Israel and Judah. The people of these nations disobey God and are exiled until he sends a prophet to deliver his message.

1-2 CHRONICLES

The book of Chronicles was initially been compiled into one scroll. Same with the book of Samuel and Kings. The central theme is the significance of God’s covenant with David and how it perfectly coexists and continues God’s covenant with Moses, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham.

Book Summary: 1: While Kings accounts for the history of disobedience under God’s kingdoms, Chronicles encourages the Israelites and help them turn back to worshiping the Lord as the one true God. 2: As a continuation of 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles further discusses Israel’s history as it relates to their restoration to God.

The Book of Ezra

The Book of Ezra is In the Hebrew Bible, Ezra and Nehemiah were also combined into one scroll. The book of Ezra was written between 458 to 444 BC, but the story it narrates covers almost a century. It tells the story of the Jews’ return to the Promised Land after 70 years of exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple.

Book Summary: The book of Ezra emphasizes rebuilding God’s template through a restored covenant with the people.

The Book of Nehemiah

The Book of Nehemiah is The book of Nehemiah continues the retelling of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. Nehemiah was the leader of the third wave of returnees in 445 BC. While the book of Ezra was about the rebuilding of the Temple and the community, Nehemiah was concerned with the rebuilding of the walls.

Book Summary: Nehemiah describes his work in rebuilding Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, when he and the other Israelites faced challenges in their restored homeland.

The Book of Esther

The Book of Esther is The book of Esther is the story of a Jewish girl who became the queen of Persia during the reign of King Ahasuerus from 486 to 465 BC. Esther and her cousin Mordecai chose to stay in the Persian capital of Susa even after Cyrus decreed that they could return to Palestine. Their story gives a peek into the lives of the Jews who chose not to return to the Promised Land.

Book Summary: The book of Esther describes the story of a Jewish girl who saves her people from destruction after she was chose to rule as queen of Persia.

The Book of Job

The Book of Job is This book explores the case of one who is an exceptionally righteous man but still suffers greatly. The words of Job’s friends depict the different ways that people make sense of suffering.

Book Summary: This book describes Jobs interaction with God through various monologues. Despite losing everything and being approached by Satan, Job remains faithful to God. The book highlights how God’s power and authority during times of hardship.

The Book of Psalms

The Book of Psalms is Psalms is a collection of 150 poems put into music that addresses a wide variety of human situations in which one can worship God. The collection of 150 poems expressed various emotions of the Psalter such as love and awe towards God, lamentations over evil and sin in the world, faith and trust in God and songs of praises.

Book Summary: The Psalms are a culmination of praise and prayers written in the form of songs and poetry. The Psalms explore themes and topics of praise, thankfulness, power, forgiveness, and trust.

The Book of Proverbs

The Book of Proverbs is Proverbs, a collection of short sayings and sermons from various authors. This book commends honorable living to enjoy God’s blessings. It conveys the idea that God favors those whose lives are marked by integrity rather than by falsehood, thus inculcating consistent, godly behavior.

Book Summary: Written as an informational book of wisdom, Proverbs explores concepts centered around values, morality, the meaning of life, and what it means to be righteous in God’s eyes.

The Book of Ecclesiastes

The Book of Ecclesiastes is This book is, primarily, an autobiographical monologue that addresses the foolishness and meaninglessness of life. The writer reminds the reader of the disenchantment we feel when we perceive the lack of moral order in the world: the wicked seem to prosper, and the righteous seem to suffer.

Book Summary: Ecclesiastes helps readers reflect on human experience and provides wisdom to theological ideas.

The Book of Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)

The Book of Song of Solomon , or Song of Songs, This book is a collection of poems celebrating love, passion, and marriage. Using sensual imagery and beautiful sensory scenes provides us with God’s wisdom sexual (physical and emotional) intimacy within a loving marriage that is acceptable to His standards.

Book Summary: The book Song of Songs is a collection of poetry that describe love and gratitude, as well as what beauty and commitment means.

The Book of Isaiah

The Book of Isaiah is Isaiah is a prophetic book that gives us rich themes like the holiness of God, the sovereignty of God over the nations, the one true God as the Redeemer, among others. In addition, this prophetic material gives us a good picture of the “suffering Servant,” which many believe in Messianic. Because of these contributions to the overall message of the Old Testament, the book of Isaiah became one of the most quoted in the New Testament.

Book Summary: Another famous writing prophet, Isaiah’s book discusses what it means to be saved and that salvation ultimately comes from God, not man.

The Book of Jeremiah

The Book of Jeremiah is Jeremiah was also known as the apocalyptic prophet, whose ministry extended from the beginning of the downfall of the Southern kingdom, Judah, all the way to captivity (626-585 BC). Jeremiah’s main message to Judah was to submit to Babylon and be prosperous there.

Book Summary: This book documents Jeremiah’s journey with God, highlighting his personal accounts of challenges and trials he faces and his interactions with God along the way.

The Book of Lamentations

The Book of Lamentations is The entire book is poetic. The laments vividly describe how terrible the destruction of Jerusalem was. But the author also understood clearly that the Babylonians were merely human agents of divine judgment; it was God Himself who had destroyed the city and the Temple.

Book Summary: The book of Lamentations discusses accounts of the suffering and turmoil faced by the people of Jerusalem after the fall of Babylon.

The Book of Ezekiel

The Book of Ezekiel is Like Jeremiah, the Lord asked the Book of Ezekiel to act out many of the things that he prophesied. But the people’s hearts were so hardened that they refused to listen to the words of the true prophet. Ezekiel ministered in the fifth year of the exile.

Book Summary: This book describes God’s control over all creation, particularly his people even when they are exiled. The book expresses how if the Israelites remain faithful to God he will protect them and restore them to the promised land.

The Book of Daniel

The Book of Daniel is This book was an encouragement to those in exile and those left behind in Jerusalem because Daniel showed that kingdoms come and go, but God’s Kingdom is everlasting. The book of Daniel covered the period from King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign (Babylon) to the time of Darius (Persia).

Book Summary: The book of Daniel chronicles the hero acts of the prophet Daniel during his lifetime. Despite being taken into captivity, he remains true to God.

The Book of Hosea

The Book of Hosea is This book depicts the rebellion and unfaithfulness to God. Yet Israel’s infidelity and stubbornness are not enough to exhaust the redemptive love of God which surpasses human ability to understand. God asked Hosea to marry a promiscuous woman and used this to illustrate the unfaithfulness of Israel to Himself graphically.

Book Summary: Hosea describes the end of the northern kingdom. Hosea’s message is one of destruction but hope in salvation and the promise of restoration.

The Book of Joel

The Book of Joel is The book of Joel uses some of the more familiar word pictures for God’s judgment, such as a locust attack. The Day of the Lord theme is also used in this book. The prophetic book isn’t just writing filled with gloom and doom; there are doors left open for repentance and blessing.

Book Summary: Joel is a narrative warning people of God’s imminent judgement, but also that they will see redemption if they repent.

The Book of Amos

The Book of Amos is Amos was the prophet ministering in the Northern Kingdom of Israel when Jeroboam II was the king. This was a time of prosperity brought by the able leadership of Jeroboam. The land, however, was not without problems. While the rich were becoming more affluent, they were also oppressing the poor. Furthermore, idolatry was still very much the sin of the nation.

Book Summary: The book of Amos discusses God’s just nature but absolute sovereignty over man. He predicted how a day of judgment will lead to the destruction of Israel and Judah.

The Book of Obadiah

The Book of Obadiah is This prophetic book was addressed towards the nation of Edom and all the other nations surrounding Israel. They will experience retributive judgment because they’ve been oppressing God’s people. This book signifies that God is also concerned on how other nations operate and still God over all the world. In the same way, God promised that there will come a time when His kingdom comes and all the nation will one day worship the one true God.

Book Summary: Similar to Amos, the prophet Obadiah warned the people of Edom of their day of judgement for their actions.

The Book of Jonah

The Book of Jonah is The book of Jonah is one of the well-known prophets in the Bible. However, the undeniable message in this book is that God is a God of both justice and compassion.

Book Summary: This book discusses how Jonah is sent by God to fulfill a mission to the city of Nineveh but he tries to escape the journey.

The Book of Micah

The Book of Micah was a contemporary of the Prophets Hosea and Isaiah. During his prophetic ministry, Israel’s political condition was worsening in the Northern Kingdom, which eventually led to their captivity. The threat of the superpower, Assyria, was also being felt in Judah.

Book Summary: The purpose of the book of Micah talks about the warning of judgment that is to come to the northern and southern kingdoms.

The Book of Nahum

The Book of Nahum is Nahum spoke about God’s judgment over Assyria. He spoke directly to the people of Nineveh and Judah, specifically with a message of doom to Nineveh and a message of hope and comfort to Judah. They were also experiencing the cruelty of the Assyrians and had seen how the Assyrians had plundered and exiled the Northern Kingdom.

Book Summary: A continuation of the story that began in Jonah, the book of Nahum describes the important of repentance and hope. It highlights God’s endless justice and mercy.

The Book of Habakkuk

The Book of Habakkuk is Habakkuk is unusual as a prophetic book in that he never speaks directly to the people of Judah, but is instead a dialogue between the prophet and God. Habakkuk questioned God’s justice methods upon Judah but ended his book with praising and trusting God despite the coming judgment because he understood that God is sovereign and faithful.

Book Summary: This book is a dialogue between the prophet Habakkuk and God discussing injustice and sufferings.

The Book of Zephaniah

The Book of Zephaniah is Zephaniah was written during the time of King Josiah of the Southern Kingdom, Judah. Amidst the nation’s revival under Josiah, a warning was given about the Day of the Lord. Zephaniah also spoke about the judgment of other nations, which served as an encouragement to the remnant that all wicked nations would indeed be judged.

Book Summary: Similar to many other previous books of its kind, the book of Zephaniah is about a prophet who is warning people of God’s approaching judgment based on their actions.

The Book of Haggai

The Book of Haggai is This book was written in the second year of King Darius in 520 BC. The goal was to motivate the post-exilic community and the leaders such as Zerubbabel and Joshua in their efforts to rebuild the Temple. He also urged them to consider their current economic and spiritual circumstances and go back to God.

Book Summary: A prophet of his time, Haggai preached about the consequences for disobedient actions and ways those in exile could rebuild God’s template and find blessing.

The Book of Zechariah

The Book of Zechariah is Zechariah was written between 520-518 BC, with another section written near 480-470 BC. It has the same historical background and setting as Haggai. Zechariah is known for three things: (1) bizarre vision, (2) rich references of the coming Messiah, and (3) being the longest book among the minor prophets.

Book Summary: Written after the return from exile, the book of Zechariah encourages the people of Judah to repent and conform to God’s law again.

The Book of Malachi

The Book of Malachi is The book of Malachi is the last of the twelve minor prophets and is the final book of the Old Testament in our English Bible. This book was written as a series of disputations that explore the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Book Summary: The book of Malachi discusses how God will not endure man’s sins forever, and a day of judgment is coming.

NOW READ: A Complete List of New Testament Books in Order

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list books old testament

Books of the Bible: Old Testament Books in Order

list books old testament

As a religious canon or collection of scriptures for the Christian faithful, the books of the Bible are important. The Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures explore a wide period of human history, from what some individuals believe is the creation of man to the trials of the Jews at the hands of their enemies.

And while the New Testament focuses on Jesus Christ and his ministries to the Romans, Jews, and others, the Old Testament books of the Bible are an essential foundation for the contents of such later Biblical works. The Old Testament books are also split into five main categories: the Pentateuch, the historical books, the wisdom books, the prophets, and the poetic books.

If you've ever wondered about the order of the books of the Old Testament in the Bible, you're not alone. Whether for study or interest, read on to discover a full list of Bible books in order, what it means to have the books of the Bible in chronological order, and a brief overview of their contents and importance.

What Are the 46 Books of the Old Testament in Order?

The Old Testament of the Bible consists of 39 books, but the Catholic and Orthodox churches include additional books, called the Apocrypha, bringing the total to 46. These books were written over a period of more than 1,000 years.

Over millennia, scholars and theologians have studied and debated these texts to unlock their hidden wisdom. Understanding how all 46 books fit together can provide a deeper understanding of Christianity's most sacred text.

An Overview of the Old Testament Books and Their Categories

The Old Testament is a collection of books that are considered sacred by Jews and Christians. These books were written over a period of approximately 1,000 years and are divided into several categories, each one with its unique purpose, message, and style. Together, they tell the story of God's relationship with humanity, offering insights into the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the human condition.

The Five Books of the Law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy

The first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of the Law, were written by Moses and are considered the foundation of the Jewish faith and the Hebrew bible. They provide a historical account of the creation of the world, the early history of humanity, and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites.

Genesis is the first book of the Old Testament and tells the story of creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and the patriarchs, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It lays the foundation for the rest of the Bible, introducing themes of sin, redemption, and the promise of a savior.

Exodus recounts the story of Moses and the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. It includes the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites. It also introduces the concept of sacrifice and the importance of the law in the Israelite religion.

Leviticus contains laws and regulations regarding worship and sacrifice in the Israelite religion. It emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity, and the need for atonement for sin.

Numbers tells the story of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land and includes the census of the Israelites in the desert. It also highlights the Israelites' disobedience and lack of faith, which resulted in their prolonged wandering in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy contains the final speeches of Moses and a summary of the laws given to the Israelites. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God, and the consequences of disobedience.

Fun Fact: The Pentateuch is also known as the Torah, which means "instruction" or "law" in Hebrew.

Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles

The Historical Books of the Old Testament recount the history of the Israelites from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile. These books provide insights into the political, social, and cultural developments of ancient Israel, as well as the role of prophets and kings in shaping the destiny of the nation.

Joshua tells the story of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. It emphasizes the importance of faith, courage, and obedience to God's commands.

Judges recounts the period of the Judges, a time of political and social instability in Israel. It highlights the consequences of disobedience and the need for a strong leader to guide the nation.

Ruth is a short story about a Moabite woman who becomes an Israelite and the great-grandmother of King David. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty, faithfulness, and redemption.

1 and 2 Samuel tell the story of the prophet Samuel, the reign of King Saul, and the rise of King David. They highlight the role of prophets in guiding the nation, the consequences of sin and disobedience, and the importance of faith and repentance.

1 and 2 Kings recount the reigns of the Israelite kings from Solomon to the Babylonian exile. They emphasize the importance of wisdom, justice, and obedience to God's law, as well as the consequences of idolatry and disobedience.

1 and 2 Chronicles provide a summary of the history of Israel from Adam to the Babylonian exile. They emphasize the importance of worship, the priesthood, and the temple, as well as the role of kings in leading the nation.

Fun Fact: The Historical Books cover a period of more than 800 years, from around 1400 B.C. to 586 B.C.

Wisdom Literature: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon

The Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament consists of five books that offer insights into the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the human condition. They are characterized by their poetic style, their use of metaphors and imagery, and their emphasis on the importance of wisdom, virtue, and faith.

Job is a poetic dialogue between Job and his friends about the problem of evil and suffering. It emphasizes the importance of faith, perseverance, and trust in God, even in the face of adversity.

Psalms is a collection of 150 hymns and prayers that express the full range of human emotions and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of worship, praise, and thanksgiving, as well as the importance of repentance, confession, and forgiveness.

Proverbs is a book that contains wise sayings and teachings about how to live a good life. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom, virtue, and integrity, as well as the consequences of foolishness, vice, and dishonesty.

Ecclesiastes is a philosophical reflection on the meaning of life and the futility of human efforts. It emphasizes the importance of enjoying life, seeking wisdom, and trusting in God, even in the face of uncertainty and impermanence.

The Song of Solomon is a love poem that celebrates the beauty of romantic love. It emphasizes the importance of fidelity, passion, and intimacy in marriage, as well as the joy and fulfillment that come from a loving relationship.

Fun Fact: The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, with a few portions in Aramaic.

Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel

The Major Prophets of the Old Testament are so-called because of the length of their books. They are also called the "classical prophets" because they were active during the period of the Babylonian exile. They offer insights into the nature of God, the consequences of sin, and the hope of redemption.

Isaiah is the longest prophetic book of the Old Testament and contains messages of judgment, comfort, and hope. It emphasizes the importance of faith, repentance, and obedience to God's will, as well as the promise of a coming Messiah.

Jeremiah contains tones of judgment and warning to the people of Judah before the Babylonian exile. It emphasizes the importance of repentance, faith, and obedience to God's law, as well as the hope of restoration and redemption.

Ezekiel contains messages of atonement and hope for the exiles in Babylon. It emphasizes the importance of faith, repentance, and obedience to God's will, as well as the promise of a new covenant and a restored relationship with God.

Fun Fact: The Major Prophets are so named not because they are more important than the Minor Prophets, but because their books are longer.

Minor Prophets: Hosea Through Malachi

The Minor Prophets of the Old Testament are so called not because of the importance of their message, but because of the length of their books. They contain messages of judgment and hope for the people of Israel and Judah, as well as insights into the nature of God and the consequences of sin.

Hosea contains messages of judgment and hope for the people of Israel in their loyalty to God, as well as the consequences of idolatry and disobedience.

Joel speaks to the people of Judah. The book emphasizes the importance of repentance, prayer, and faith in God's mercy, along with the promise of a coming day of judgment and restoration.

Amos contains messages of judgment against the wealthy and powerful in Israel. It repeats the importance of justice, righteousness, and compassion, as well as the consequences of oppression and exploitation.

Obadiah contains a warning of judgment directed at the Edomite nation. It places a strong emphasis on the negative effects of cruelty, conceit, and pride as well as the hope of atonement.

Jonah is a story about a reluctant prophet who is sent to the city of Nineveh. It highlights the value of submission, penitence, and compassion as well as the unexpected kindness and mercy of God.

Micah contains messages for the people of Israel and Judah. It offers both warnings of judgment and the hope of a future Messiah and a healed connection with God, highlighting the value of justice, mercy, and humility.

Nahum explores a message of judgment against the city of Nineveh. It emphasizes the consequences of cruelty, violence, and oppression, as well as the justice and righteousness of God.

Habakkuk contains a dialogue between the prophet and God about the problem of evil. It emphasizes the importance of faith, trust, and patience, as well as the ultimate justice and sovereignty of God.

Zephaniah contains messages of judgment and hope for the people of Judah. The promise of a repaired connection with God is emphasized, as well as the significance of repentance, faith, and submission to God's plan.

Haggai offers exhortations for Jerusalem's temple's reconstruction. Together with the assurance of blessing and prosperity, it places emphasis on the significance of worshipping, obeying, and remaining devoted to God.

Zechariah conveys messages about the Messiah's impending arrival and the need to restore the temple in Jerusalem. It highlights the value of faith, repentance, and hope and makes the promise of a healed connection with God as well as a brand-new age of peace and prosperity.

Malachi conveys both warnings of judgment and words of encouragement to the Israelites. It focuses on the value of worship, submission, and fidelity to God as well as the proclamation of an impending day of judgment and restoration.

Fun Fact: The Old Testament was actually written on scrolls at first, rather than in book form.

Books of Poetry and Songs: Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah

The Books of Poetry and Songs of the Old Testament include a variety of genres, including laments, prayers, and songs of praise. They offer insights into the emotional and spiritual life of the Israelites, as well as the role of faith and prayer in their relationship with God.

Lamentations is a collection of poems that mourn the destruction of Jerusalem. It emphasizes the pain, sorrow, and despair of the Israelites, as well as the importance of lament and mourning in the process of healing and restoration.

Esther is a story about a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and saves her people from genocide. Courage, faith, and trust in God are key, as well as the surprising ways in which God works in the world.

Daniel contains stories about Daniel and his three friends in Babylon and visions of the end times. It recounts the importance of faith, courage, and obedience to God's will, as well as the promise of a coming Messiah and a new era of justice and righteousness.

Ezra and Nehemiah recount the return of the exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. It emphasizes the essentials of worship, obedience, and faithfulness to God, as well as the challenges and opportunities of rebuilding a community and a nation.

Fun Fact: The Poetic Books include the Book of Psalms, which is the longest book in the Bible.

Other Writings in the Old Testament

Finally, there are several other writings in the Old Testament that do not fit neatly into any of the other categories. They offer insights into the literary, historical, and cultural context of the Old Testament, as well as the diversity and richness of ancient Jewish literature.

Job is categorized as a Wisdom book, but it also has poetic and narrative passages.It emphasizes the value of having faith, enduring hardship, and having confidence in God.

Psalm 151 , an additional psalm, appears in some editions of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Bible. It highlights the value of praise, thanksgiving, and worship as well as the Psalms' influence on Israelites' spiritual development.

1 and 2 Maccabees are historical works that describe the Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire in the second century BCE. They place a strong emphasis on the value of hope for freedom and independence as well as the virtues of courage, faith, and resistance to injustice.

Tobit is a story about a man who is helped by an angel. It emphasizes the importance of faith, trust, and obedience to God, as well as the role of angels in the spiritual life of the Israelites.

Judith tells the tale of a woman who saves her people from an invading army. It focuses on the importance of faith, courage, and resourcefulness, as well as the role of women in the history and destiny of the Israelites.

Baruch contains prayers and teachings attributed to the prophet Baruch. It emphasizes the importance of repentance, faith, and obedience to God's law, as well as the hope of restoration and redemption.

The Wisdom of Solomon is a philosophical reflection on the nature of wisdom and the relationship between wisdom and God. It highlights the importance of wisdom, virtue, and righteousness, as well as the role of wisdom in shaping the moral and spiritual life of the Israelites.

Fun Fact: The Book of Job is considered one of the most challenging books of the Bible to interpret due to its complex poetry and philosophical themes.

Summing Up the Old Testament Books

The books of the Old Testament are a rich and diverse collection of literature that reflect the history, culture, and faith of the Jewish people. And while they can be read in any manner, the books of the Bible in order can be a great experience.

They offer insights into the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the human condition. Whether we read them for spiritual guidance, academic study, or personal inspiration, the books of the Old Testament continue to speak to us today, inviting us to explore the depths of our own faith and the mysteries of God's love and grace.

Are you interested in the rest of the Bible books? Take our Books of the Bible Quiz  to test your knowledge! And if you want to explore the New Testament in order, from Matthew to Galatians, Luke to Philippians, check out the Books of the Bible: New Testament Books in Order .

See also: The King James Bible, Old Testament Names, and Kings of Judah & Israel

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Old Testament books

by Jeffrey Kranz | Aug 7, 2016 | Bible Books | 9 comments

Old testament books header

Here you can find quick, 3-minute guides to every book of the Old Testament. They’re listed in the order they show up in Protestant Bibles. Just click any book’s name, and get a high-level idea of what it’s about.

But don’t stop at reading these guides. You’ll miss the best part: reading through the books of the Bible yourself!

There are 39 total books in the Old Testament, divided into five groups.

Pentateuch  (Law of Moses)

1.  genesis.

The book of Genesis answers the question, “Where did all this come from?” Genesis is the story of how Israel began as a nation, but the author tells this story as a series of beginnings—starting with the creation of the universe ( Gn 1:1 ) and narrowing down to one family: Israel’s .

2.  Exodus

The book of Exodus is the story of God rescuing the children of Israel from Egypt and making them His covenant people. Exodus is where we find the stories of the Ten Plagues, the first Passover, the parting of the Red Sea, and the Ten Commandments.

3.  Leviticus

You could sum up the book of Leviticus with God’s repeated command: “Be holy, as I am holy.” Leviticus is a book of laws, but it’s also a book of worship. This book is filled with details on how the people of God should live, eat, sacrifice, celebrate, and more.

4.  Numbers

Numbers tells the story of Israel’s wanderings through the wilderness en route to the promised land of Canaan. Numbers begins and ends with Moses counting all the people in the nation, which is how the book gets its name.

5.  Deuteronomy

Israel is about to (finally) enter the promised land of Canaan. Before they do, Moses rallies the people to remind them of God’s law—and why they should obey Him. This is how the book of Deuteronomy gets its name: it’s the “second giving” of God’s law.

Historical writings

6.  joshua.

Joshua is the story of how Israel moved into the promised land of Canaan. It details the battles and treaties between Israel and the native Canaanites, and then tells us how the tribes of Israel divvied up the land.

7.  Judges

Judges is the account of how Israel behaves between the death of Joshua and the leadership of a king. Instead of remaining loyal to God and following His laws, this generation of Israelites wanders in their faith, worshiping idols and indulging in gratuitous violence.

8.  Ruth

The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges : it’s a bright story of hope during a very dark period in Israel’s spiritual and political history.

9/10.  1 Samuel  &  2 Samuel

Samuel marks a great turning point in Israel’s history: Israel transitions from theocracy to monarchy. Instead of crying to God for help—which worked before ( Jdg 3:9 , 15 )—Israel demands that Samuel appoint a king. At first, they are saddled with the ungodly Saul, but God raises up another to deliver and lead His people.

11/12.  1 Kings  &  2 Kings

The books of Kings show us how faithful God is to His people. We see the full spectrum of God’s dealings with Israel: from extreme blessing under Solomon to utter desolation and captivity for the divided kingdom. These blessings and curses were all promised to Israel in the book of Deuteronomy .

13/14.  1 Chronicles  &  2 Chronicles

What if you had the job of communicating your nation’s entire history—its rulers, wars, religious events, economic cycles—starting with the beginning of mankind? First and Second Chronicles is that history for Israel. It’s the story of Israel’s kings and God’s faithfulness to His promises.

15/16.  Ezra  &  Nehemiah

Ezra and Nehemiah were originally considered two parts of one book. Ezra focuses on rebuilding the temple; Nehemiah focuses on rebuilding the city of Jerusalem. Both form the story of how God reestablishes Israel in the land He promised to her.

17.  Esther

Courage. Faith. Betrayal. Politics. Plots of genocide. The book of Esther is a drama about how two Jews risked everything to save their people.

Wisdom and poetry

18.  job.

Job is a book of wisdom that addresses the problem of innocent people who suffer. The book of Job shows that God makes just decisions based on wisdom, not our idea of good people getting  blessed and evil people getting their comeuppence.

19.  Psalms

Psalms is a collection of 150 poems written over hundreds of years. Many were originally put to music, and used in the Jewish temples to praise the Lord.

20.  Proverbs

The book of Proverbs is a collection of Solomon’s wise sayings, with a few more wise men chiming in here and there. Proverbs urges the reader to make decisions based on wisdom, justice, and righteousness ( Pr 1:3 ). His sayings are sometimes direct instructions ( Pr 1:10 ), sometimes general observations ( Pr 20:14 ).

21.  Ecclesiastes

This book pulls together the harsh wisdom of a man called “the Preacher,” and encourages us to fear God, keep his commandments, and enjoy life.

22.  Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)

This book is a song (or collection of songs) celebrating love, sex, and marriage.

Major prophets

23.  isaiah.

Isaiah preaches judgment and comfort for the nation of Israel. Isaiah preaches of the coming King who will rule Israel and the nations in justice and peace. He also looks forward to a special Servant of God: one who will fulfill all Israel’s duties and bear their sins.

24.  Jeremiah

Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet,” warns Judah in the last years of the southern kingdom: he serves as a (largely ignored) guide to Judah as they fall into Babylonian captivity.

25.  Lamentations (technically poetry)

This small collection of poems laments the fall of Jerusalem, but celebrates God’s faithfulness to his people.

26.  Ezekiel

Ezekiel foresees the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and the judgment awaiting rebellious Judah. But he also gives us a glimpse of the new relationship God plans to make with His people.

27.  Daniel

Daniel is a collection of stories ad visions that give us hope that God’s kingdom will eventually prevail over violent world goverments. (And yes, there’s a famous story about a lion’s den.)

Minor prophets

These books were grouped together into one larger book called “the Twelve.” We call them minor prophets, but that’s due the relative brevity of these books. They contain major prophecies. =)

  • 28.  Hosea
  • 29.  Joel
  • 30.  Amos
  • 31.  Obadiah
  • 32.  Jonah
  • 33.  Micah
  • 34.  Nahum
  • 35.  Habakkuk
  • 36.  Zephaniah
  • 37.  Haggai
  • 38.  Zechariah
  • 39.  Malachi

Those are all 39 books of the Old Testament. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out my summaries of all the New Testament books , too.

Tom McLaughlin

I’d like to know who designed the whiteboard layouts for the presentation you did on the Gospels?

I mean that had to be the Holy Spirit. I keep going “wow, oh wow” while watching it, not only what you were saying but how clearly laid out it was, even the colour/color coding of the boxes clued into me how detailed your setup was.

I’m so used to ‘point/bullet form’ teaching that this really blessed me on the simplicity yet, it must have taken hours just to draw it on the board, let alone come up with the concepts, like arrows, (verses), even the faces ;-)

Jeffrey Kranz

Thanks, Tom! I try to put a good deal of thought into my whiteboard layouts—so this is very nice to hear. =)

norman ratnayake

Hello Jeffery, i would love to get the book Beginners Guide to The Bible but i love reading a book rather on a tablet. But i just wanna know will you be issuing it in a book format anytime soon.?

If no then i will just get it and print it out so it would be easier for me. Btw do you give online bible study? Please share site if you do.

Hi, Norman—It’s just going to be digital for the time being. =)

I’m not leading any online Bible studies yet, but thanks for asking!

RL McCoy

I think yall are great! So glad I found this site!

Thanks for the friendly words! =)

Mike

Don’t forget that Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1st Maccabees, and 2nd Maccabees were in the Christian canon until the time of Martin Luther!

Ben

Hey Mike, Referring to it as the “Christian Canon” is a bit misleading. Yes, the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox church included those books in their list of divinely inspired canon. But the reformers excluded those books you named in an attempt to recognize a canon that was rooted in centuries of Jewish and Christian tradition. For starters, these books do not claim the same kind of authority as the OT writings. (1 Maccabees itself attests to being written in a time when there was no prophetic voice) Second, they were not regarded as God’s words by the Jewish people from whom they originated. The greatest Jewish historian of the first century, Josephus writes in Against Apion that these writings were not divine. And lastly, they were not considered scripture by Jesus or the NT authors. For instance, there are hundreds of quotations from Jesus and NT authors of the OT, but zero from the Apocrypha.

Christian Boakye

Thank you for explaining your defense patiently and so well.

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66 Books of the Bible List (In Order With Summaries)

There are 66 books of the Bible that are divided into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament.

This guide includes a list of the 66 Bible books in order as they appear in the Holy Scriptures we read today in modern Bible translations followed by short summaries of each book of the Bible for historical context.

66 Books of the Bible List

Old testament books.

  • Deuteronomy
  • 1 Chronicles
  • 2 Chronicles
  • Ecclesiastes
  • Song of Solomon
  • Lamentations

New Testament Books

  • 1 Corinthians
  • 2 Corinthians
  • Philippians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians

Note: In the next section, the years written for each book of the Bible in the list order are approximations based on historical analysis and Bible dating methods.

66 Bible Books In Order With Summaries

Attributed Author: Moses Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C. Genre: The Law Chapters: 50

The Book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible, recording God’s Creation, the fall of man, the choosing of a family to bless all nations, and the early years of the nation of Israel.

Attributed Author: Moses Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C. Genre: The Law Chapters: 40

In the Book of Exodus , God appoints Moses as the leader of the Israelites to rescue his chosen people from slavery in Egypt so they could travel to the Promised Land and makes a covenant with them at Mount Sinai.

3. Leviticus

Attributed Author: Moses Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C. Genre: The Law Chapters: 27

In the Book of Leviticus , God gives Israel laws for worship and holy living. The book documents both God’s holiness and the holiness He expects of His people.

Attributed Author: Moses Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C. Genre: The Law Chapters: 36

The Book of Numbers is the culmination of the story of Israel’s exodus from oppression in Egypt and their journey wandering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their disobedience and lack of faith until they take possession of the land God promised their fathers.

5. Deuteronomy

Attributed Author: Moses Year Written: 1445-1405 B.C. Genre: The Law Chapters: 34

The Book of Deuteronomy records Moses’ farewell speech that recounts the law and exhorts Israel to love and obey God in the Promised Land.

Attributed Author: Joshua Year Written: 1405-1385 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 24

The Book of Joshua explains Joshua leads Israel to conquer and settle in the Promised Land. The book displays God’s faithfulness to his covenant with the Israelites to bring them into the land he promised to Abraham. 

Attributed Author: Samuel Year Written: 1045-1000 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 21

In the Book of Judges , Israel falls into a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and ultimately, deliverance. God sent twelve “judges” who were leaders in the tribes of Israel who were chosen to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. 

Attributed Author: Samuel Year Written: 1030-930 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 4

The Book of Ruth shares the story of a Moabite widow who shows loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi and marries Boaz, becoming an ancestor of David and Jesus.

9. 1 Samuel

Attributed Authors: Prophets Samuel, Gad, and Nathan Year Written: 930-722 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 31

In the Book of 1 Samuel , the Prophet Samuel anoints Saul as Israel’s first king but later rejects him and anoints David instead.

10. 2 Samuel

Attributed Authors: Prophets Samuel, Gad, and Nathan Year Written: 930-722 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 24

The Book of 2 Samuel continues the story about David becoming king of Israel and expanding his kingdom while facing troubles from his enemies and his own sins.

11. 1 Kings

Attributed Author: Jeremiah Year Written: 560-538 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 22

In the Book of 1 Kings , King Solomon builds the temple and rules wisely, but after his death, the kingdom is divided into Israel and Judah.

12. 2 Kings

Attributed Author: Jeremiah Year Written: 560-538 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 25

The Book of 2 Kings recounts how the kings of Israel and Judah mostly do evil in God’s sight, leading to the destruction of both kingdoms by foreign powers.

13. 1 Chronicles

Attributed Author: Ezra Year Written: 450-425 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 29

The Book of 1 Chronicles is a genealogy from Adam to David, followed by a history of David’s reign over Israel.

14. 2 Chronicles

Attributed Author: Ezra Year Written: 450-425 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 36

The Book of 2 Chronicles is a continuation of the previous book of the Bible. This book recounts the history of the kings of Judah from Solomon to the Babylonian exile, emphasizing their faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God.

Attributed Author: Ezra Year Written: 440-300 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 10

In the Book of Ezra , a scribe and priest named Ezra leads a group of exiles to return to Jerusalem to restore the temple and the law.

16. Nehemiah

Attributed Author: Nehemiah Year Written: 445-400 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 13

The Book of Nehemiah shares how King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer, Nehemiah, leads another group of exiles to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and reform the people’s spiritual life.

Attributed Authors: Mordecai, Ezra, and Nehemiah Year Written: 450-330 B.C. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 10

In the Book of Esther , a Jewish woman named Esther becomes the queen of Persia and saves her people from a plot to exterminate them.

Attributed Authors: Job, Elihu, Moses, and Solomon Year Written: Unknown (possibly 1440-950 B.C.) Genre: Wisdom Literature Chapters: 42

The Book of Job shares the story about a righteous man named Job who suffers greatly at the hands of Satan, and questions God’s justice, but ultimately trusts God’s wisdom and sovereignty under all circumstances.

Attributed Authors: David, Asaph, Solomon, Heman, Ethan, Moses, and the Sons of Korah Year Written: 1500-450 B.C. Genre: Poetry Chapters: 150

The Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 songs, prayers, and poems that express the emotions, experiences, and faith of God’s people.

20. Proverbs

Attributed Authors: Solomon, Agur, and Lemuel Year Written: 970-680 B.C. Genre: Wisdom Literature Chapters: 31

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that teach how to live according to God’s wisdom and fear. King Solomon is credited for 29 of the Proverbs, while Agur and Lemuel for 1 each.

21. Ecclesiastes

Attributed Author: Solomon Year Written: 940-930B.C. Genre: Wisdom Literature Chapters: 12

In the Book of Ecclesiastes , a teacher reflects on the meaninglessness of life under the sun and concludes that fearing God and keeping his commandments is the whole duty of man.

22. Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)

Attributed Author: Solomon Year Written: 970-930 B.C. Genre: Poetry Chapters: 8

The Song of Solomon Book in the Bible is a poetic dialogue between a bride and groom that celebrates the beauty and joy of marital love. The book gets its title from King Solomon whose name is repeatedly mentioned throughout the songs. The Song of Solomon is also called the Canticle of Canticles or Song of Songs.

Attributed Author: Isaiah Year Written: 700-680 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 66

The Book of Isaiah is the first book of the Major Prophets. Isaiah prophesies God’s judgment and salvation for Judah, Israel, and the nations, pointing to the coming Messiah and his glorious kingdom.

24. Jeremiah

Attributed Author: Jeremiah Year Written: 627-586 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 52

In the Book of Jeremiah , the Prophet Jeremiah warns Judah of God’s impending wrath for their sins but also promises restoration and a new covenant in the future.

25. Lamentations

Attributed Author: Jeremiah Year Written: 586-575 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 5

In the Book of Lamentations , the Prophet Jeremiah laments over the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, expressing grief, anger, sorrow, and hope in God’s mercy.

26. Ezekiel

Attributed Author: Ezekiel Year Written: 593-565 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 48

In the Book of Ezekiel , the Prophet Ezekiel prophesies God’s judgment on Judah and the nations, but also His restoration of Israel in a new temple and a new land.

Attributed Author: Daniel Year Written: 536-530 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 12

The Book of Daniel records the story of Daniel, a Jewish youth who is taken to Babylon and trained for service in Nebuchadnezzar’s Court. Daniel interprets dreams and visions that reveal God’s sovereignty over history and His plan for the end times.

Attributed Author: Hosea Year Written: 750-710 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 14

The Book of Hosea is the first book of the Minor Prophets in the Bible. Hosea portrays God’s faithful love for His unfaithful people metaphorically through Hosea’s own marriage to an adulterous wife.

Attributed Author: Joel Year Written: 835-800 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 3

In the Book of Joel , the Prophet Joel calls Judah to repentance in view of a locust plague that foreshadows the day of the Lord.

Attributed Author: Amos Year Written: 760-750 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 9

In the Book of Amos , the Prophet Amos denounces the social injustice and religious hypocrisy of Israel and Judah and warns them of God’s impending judgment.

31. Obadiah

Attributed Author: Obadiah Year Written: 850-840 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 1

In the Book of Obadiah , the Prophet Obadiah pronounces God’s wrath on Edom for their pride and hostility against Israel.

Attributed Author: Unknown (attributed to Jonah) Year Written: 785-750 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 4

The Book of Jonah recounts the story of the Prophet Jonah who flees from God’s call to preach to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. After being swallowed and vomited by a fish, he reluctantly obeys the Lord and sees the city repent.

Attributed Author: Micah Year Written: 735-700 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 7

In the Book of Micah , the Prophet Micah exposes the corruption and idolatry of Israel and Judah, and predicts their downfall as well as their future restoration by a ruler from Bethlehem. This book of the Bible also includes some of the clearest predictions of the Messiah.

Attributed Author: Nahum Year Written: 663-612 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 3

In the Book of Nahum , the Prophet Nahum declares God’s vengeance on Nineveh (around 100-150 years after Jonah) for their cruelty and wickedness.

35. Habakkuk

Attributed Author: Habakkuk Year Written: 615-605 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 3

In the Book of Habakkuk , the Prophet Habakkuk questions God’s justice in allowing Babylon to oppress Judah but learns to trust God’s sovereignty and rejoice in His salvation.

36. Zephaniah

Attributed Author: Zephaniah Year Written: 640-620 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 3

In the Book of Zephaniah , the Prophet Zephaniah proclaims God’s judgment on Judah and the nations, but also His promise to preserve a faithful remnant and bless them with joy and peace.

Attributed Author: Haggai Year Written: 520 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 2

In the Book of Haggai , the Prophet Haggai urges the returned exiles to rebuild the temple and assures them of God’s presence and blessing.

38. Zechariah

Attributed Author: Zechariah Year Written: 520-470 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 14

In the Book of Zechariah , the Prophet Zechariah encourages the returned exiles to complete the temple and prepare for the coming of the Lord and His messianic king. This book includes eight visions the Lord gave Zechariah about the House of Israel.

39. Malachi

Attributed Author: Malachi Year Written: 440-400 B.C. Genre: Prophecy Chapters: 4

The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament in the Bible. The Prophet Malachi rebukes the priests and the people for their covenant unfaithfulness and calls them to repentance and reformation. The book expresses God’s love for a nation that continues to disobey Him.

40. Matthew

Attributed Author: Matthew Year Written: 50-65 A.D. Genre: Gospel Chapters: 28

The Book of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. Also known as the Gospel of Matthew. The book presents Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, and the King of God’s kingdom.

Attributed Author: John Mark Year Written: 55-65 A.D. Genre: Gospel Chapters: 16

In the Book of Mark , Jesus is portrayed as the suffering servant; the Son of God who died as a ransom for sinners. Also known as the Gospel of Mark.

Attributed Author: Luke Year Written: 58-65 A.D. Genre: Gospel Chapters: 24

In the Book of Luke , Jesus is depicted as the Savior of all people, especially the poor, the outcasts, and the Gentiles. Also known as the Gospel of Luke.

Attributed Author: John Year Written: 80-95 A.D. Genre: Gospel Chapters: 21

The Book of John is the last of the four Gospels in the Bible. The Gospel of John is an eyewitness account that reveals Jesus as the Word of God, the source of eternal life, and the object of faith.

Attributed Author: Luke Year Written: 61-64 A.D. Genre: Historical Narrative Chapters: 28

The Book of Acts narrates the birth and growth of the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit and the witness of the apostles. Also known as the Acts of the Apostles.

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 56-58 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 16

The Book of Romans is the first Epistle (letter) in the Bible written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian Church in Rome. Romans explains the gospel of God’s righteousness that is revealed in Jesus Christ and received by faith. This book stands as the clearest and most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in all the Scriptures. 

46. 1 Corinthians

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 55 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 16

The Book of 1 Corinthians is the first of two letters written by the Apostle Paul to the Church members in the city of Corinth. Paul addresses various problems and questions in the Corinthian Church, such as divisions, immorality, lawsuits, marriage, spiritual gifts, worship, resurrection, and love.

47. 2 Corinthians

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 55-56 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 13

The Book of 2 Corinthians is the second letter from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian Church. Paul defends the apostolic ministry and authority against false teachers who boast in outward appearances and undermine the message of grace.

48. Galatians

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 49-50 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 6

The Book of Galatians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Christian Churches in Galatia. Paul confronts the Galatians for deserting the gospel of grace and turning to a different gospel of works. The book specifically addresses the problem of Jewish legalism and the fullness of salvation found in Jesus.

49. Ephesians

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 60-62 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 6

The Book of Ephesians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church in Ephesus. The Epistle was written during Paul’s first imprisonment. Paul celebrates God’s glorious grace in Jesus Christ that unites Jews and Gentiles into one body, and instructs them how to live as God’s new creation by being fruitful followers of Christ.

50. Philippians

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 60-62 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 4

The Book of Philippians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church in Philippi. Paul expresses joy, gratitude, and encouragement for the Philippians’ faith and partnership in the gospel. Themes include hardship, humility, love, service, hope beyond suffering, and God’s glory. 

51. Colossians

The Book of Colossians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church in Colossae. Paul warns Christians against false teachings and emphasizes the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in all things.

52. 1 Thessalonians

Attributed Authors: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy Year Written: 49-51 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 5

The Book of 1 Thessalonians is the first of two letters written by the Apostle Paul, his companion Silvanus, and his disciple Timothy to the Church in Thessalonica, which consisted of a community of believers who had been Christians for only a short period of time. These men write to commend the Thessalonians for their steadfastness in persecution, instructing them on various matters of Christian living such as faith, hope, and love; and assuring them of Christ’s return.

53. 2 Thessalonians

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 49-51 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 3

The Book of 2 Thessalonians is the second letter from the Apostle Paul to the Church in Thessalonica, correcting some misunderstandings about the end times, urging them to remain faithful and diligent, and praying for their growth and protection.

54. 1 Timothy

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 62-66 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 6

The Book of 1 Timothy is the first of two letters from the Apostle Paul to his young protégé Timothy, giving him practical advice and instructions on how to lead and care for the Church in Ephesus.

55. 2 Timothy

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 66-67 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 4

The Book of 2 Timothy is the second letter from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, urging him to remain faithful to the gospel, endure hardship, and fulfill his ministry as Paul faces imminent death. The book is traditionally considered to be the last Epistle that Paul wrote before he died.

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 64-65 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 3

The Book of Titus is a letter from the Apostle Paul to his close companion Titus, instructing him on how to organize and oversee the Churches in Crete, and how to teach sound doctrine and godly living to various groups of people so that the good news of Jesus can transform Cretan culture from within. 

57. Philemon

Attributed Author: Paul Year Written: 57-62 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 1

The Book of Philemon is a personal letter from the Apostle Paul his friend Philemon, appealing to him to forgive and welcome back his runaway slave Onesimus, who had become a Christian under Paul’s ministry.

58. Hebrews

Attributed Author: Anonymous Year Written: 61-69 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 13

The Book of Hebrews is an anonymous letter to Jewish Christians, exhorting them not to abandon their faith in Jesus Christ, but to persevere and trust in His superior priesthood, sacrifice, and covenant.

Attributed Author: James Year Written: 44-49 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 5

The Book of James is a letter from the Apostle James to Jewish Christians scattered abroad, challenging them to show their faith by their works, and giving them practical wisdom for living godly lives. James was a half-brother of Jesus, but not the same James who was one of the original twelve apostles.

60. 1 Peter

Attributed Author: Peter Year Written: 60-65 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 5

The Book of 1 Peter is the first of two letters from the Apostle Peter to Christians suffering persecution in various regions of Asia Minor, encouraging them to stand firm in their hope, holiness, and humility as they follow the example of Christ. Peter was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.

61. 2 Peter

Attributed Author: Peter Year Written: 65-68 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 3

The Book of 2 Peter is the second letter from the Apostle Peter to Christians in Asia Minor who were facing false teachers and scoffers, reminding them of the truth and power of God’s word, and urging them to grow in grace and knowledge of Christ.

Attributed Author: John Year Written: 85-95 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 5

The Book of 1 John is a letter to Christians who were confused by false teachers about the nature of Christ and the test of true fellowship with God, assuring them of the Lord’s love, light, and life in them. Although the author never identifies himself, the traditional view of this letter and the following two letters (the books of 2 John and 3 John) is that the Apostle John, son of Zebedee and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, wrote them.

Attributed Author: John Year Written: 85-95 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 1

The Book of 2 John is a letter from the Apostle John to a lady and her children, whom he loved in the truth, warning them not to welcome or support those who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.

The Book of 3 John is a letter from the Apostle John to his friend Gaius, whom he commended for his hospitality and faithfulness, contrasting him with Diotrephes, who was arrogant and divisive.

Attributed Author: Jude Year Written: 60-80 A.D. Genre: Epistle Chapters: 1

The Book of Jude is a letter from Jude to Christians who were threatened by false teachers who perverted God’s grace and denied Christ’s lordship, calling them to contend for the faith. Traditionally, Jude has been understood to be a half-brother of Jesus and the leader of the first Jerusalem Church.

66. Revelation

Attributed Author: John Year Written: 94-96 A.D. Genre: Apocalyptic Literature Chapters: 22

The Book of Revelation is a prophetic vision from the Apostle John written during his imprisonment on the island of Patmos, revealing the things that will take place concerning Christ’s victory over evil and his coming kingdom. Revelation is the final book of the Bible.

Learn More About the Authors of the Bible Books

If you want to find out more about Bible authorship, then check out our other guide with the books of the Bible and their authors . That page explains more about each author who is ascribed to every book in the Holy Bible, including scripture references to back up those claims.

Read the 66 Books of the Bible In Order

You can visit our Bible Index to begin reading the 66 books of the Bible in order from Genesis to Revelation. The Index includes a list of the 66 Bible books separated into the two main divisions of the Bible: the Old Testament and the New Testament. After choosing a book of the Bible, you can select a specific chapter to read God’s Word in the Holy Scriptures.

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The Books of the Bible

books of the bible

The Books of the Old Testament , New Testament , and Apocrypha of the Bible. (See the alphabetical listing of the books of the Bible .)

Books in the Old Testament

  • Deuteronomy
  • 1 & 2 Samuel
  • 1& 2 Kings
  • 1 & 2 Chronicles
  • Ecclesiastes
  • Song of Solomon
  • Lamentations

Books in the New Testament

  • 1 Corinthians
  • 2 Corinthians
  • Philippians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians

Books in the Apocrypha (not found in all Bibles)

  • Expanded Esther
  • 1 Maccabees
  • 2 Maccabees
  • 3 Maccabees
  • 4 Maccabees
  • Sirach / Ecclesiasticus
  • Expanded Daniel
  • The Prayer of Azariah
  • Bel and the Dragon
  • Prayer of Manasseh
  • Letter of Jeremiah

A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan , PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.

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What Is the Chronological Order of the 66 Books of the Bible?

What Is the Chronological Order of the 66 Books of the Bible?

When I first started reading the Bible, I used to get confused at times, wondering why a book I was reading seemed like it came before another, even though in my mind, it should have come after.

I assumed the Bible was organized in chronological order, and it took a while for me to realize my error. For instance, the first five books of the Old Testament— Genesis through Deuteronomy—are in chronological order, but later, I found timelines began to weave together and overlap.

The Bible is indeed a well-organized collection of writings penned by more than two dozen authors spanning thousands of years. Instead of being organized chronologically, it is organized by literary genre. For example, books from the prophets are all together in one section, while books of history are in another.

What is the chronological order of the 66 books of the Bible? And is there a benefit to reading the Bible chronologically instead of its current order?

As with many things, the answer is yes and no.

Are the Books of the Bible in Order?

The books of the Bible are in order, but not chronologically. Rather, they are organized by the type of literature.

Of the 66 books total, the Bible is divided into the 39 books of the Old Testament (before Christ) and the 27 books of the New Testament (after Christ). Beyond that, the order is grouped by literary genre as follows:

Old Testament

- Books of law : Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

- Books of history : Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

- Books of poetry : Job, Psalms, Proverbs , Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

- Major prophets : Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel

- Minor prophets : Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah , Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

New Testament

- History of the life of Jesus (Gospel accounts) : Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

- Church history : Acts of the Apostles

- Paul’s letters (epistles) to the churches : Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians

- Paul’s letters to individual people : 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon

- Letters by others : Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation

- (Some categorize Revelation not as a letter but as a book of prophecy)

Who Decided What Order the Books Would Go in, and Why?

Ultimately it was God — through His people — who decided what books would be included in His Holy Word, the Bible. Jewish rabbis and scholars selected the first books, and later the early Christians did. These books, called the “canon,” are all considered to have been divinely inspired by God and therefore, as the apostle Paul explained to his mentee, Timothy, “God-breathed” ( 2 Timothy 3:16 ).

The Old Testament had already been compiled before Jesus was born in human form. As for the New Testament, The Muratorian Canon, from around AD 200, is the earliest list of texts resembling the New Testament. Before that, there was no actual “New Testament” but rather a group of books considered to be of greater or lesser value than others. In the 5th century, however, all the different Christian churches came to a basic agreement, assembled by St. Jerome, on the biblical canon.

Most believe the Bible isn’t arranged in chronological order simply because the Bible wasn’t written in one sitting, from start to finish. Many different writers over many, many centuries contributed to the Bible, each one of them inspired by God.

Instead of the chronological grouping, those who compiled and arranged the first Bibles presumably decided a categorical grouping would be more practical or beneficial to God’s people.

What Is the Chronological Order of the 66 Books?

What follows is a rough sketch of the chronological order of the Bible’s 66 books:

There is much overlap, and some of the Gospel accounts about Jesus’s life were actually written years later, even though the events they describe occurred earlier.

Here is the basic chronological order of the New Testament:

- The Gospels : Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (about the life of Jesus, roughly 4 BC to AD 30 or 33)

- Acts and some epistles : Some letters from Paul and other apostles were written during the same time period that Acts (the history of the church) covers. But roughly, the order is Acts, then James, Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Romans, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians. The four latter books were written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment.

- The “freedom” epistles : Next, during Paul’s time of freedom, come his 1 Timothy and Titus letters, as well as the apostle Peter’s 1 and 2 Peter letters.

- Paul’s second Roman imprisonment : The book 2 Timothy was written next, during Paul’s second Roman imprisonment, alongside the books of Hebrews and Jude.

- Last : The last books are the apostle John’s three epistles (1-3 John) and John’s prophetic vision, Revelation.

The Old Testament starts in chronological order, but then veers off chronologically. Here is the basic chronological order of the Old Testament:

- Genesis (concurrent with the Book of Job)

- Exodus and Leviticus

- Number and Deuteronomy

- Judges and Ruth

- 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel

- Concurrent with 1 and 2 Samuel are woven 1 Chronicles and Psalms, as well as the prophets Amos and Hosea

- Concurrent with some of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles are Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon

- With 2 Chronicles are 1 and 2 Kings

- Concurrent with 1 Kings are Joel, Micah, Isaiah, Zephaniah, Habakuk, and Jeremiah

- Concurrent with 2 Kings are Lamentations, Jonah, Nahum, and Obadiah

- Then come Israel’s 70 years of exile to Babylon, and the books of Daniel and Ezekiel

- Then comes Ezra (and Esther, at the end of Ezra)

- Then Nehemiah

- Concurrent with Ezra and Nehemiah are the books Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi

Pros and Cons of Reading the Bible Chronologically

There are pros and cons of reading the Bible in chronological order. One good thing is that reading it chronologically can help with our historical understanding and context. We see how timelines and ancestral lineage play in, and the warnings and frustrations of the prophets and God Himself become clearer and more dire when we see how far the people had strayed from God and His Law.

However, the Bible is far more than a history book. The lessons we glean aren’t merely on how to act or to help us derive wisdom as we learn about the past mistakes or successes of God’s people. It’s a love letter, timeless and universal as the Lord Himself, and it gives us a deeper understanding of the nature of God. We aren’t meant to read it “in order,” as God’s order is far bigger than any of us can comprehend. Rather, we are meant to understand the entire canon as working together to help us start to grasp God’s beautiful, perfect, loving nature – a nature that transcends time.

If you find yourself confused while reading the Bible and realizing how much ancient history you don’t know, remember: Reading the Bible isn’t meant to be a cerebral exercise but a balm to the soul. The Bible is more than a history — it is a love letter from God to His people, the greatest love story ever.

Whether you read the Bible cover to cover as-is or prefer to bounce around, or whether you decide to follow a chronological reading plan, remember: the Holy Spirit gives us the sort of true understanding we need.

Just ask God for wisdom and understanding, and He will provide all you need.

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Chronology of the Old Testament Books

This chronology is meant to give a rough overview of when the books of the Old Testament took place or were written.  Due to the fact that some centuries change in the middle of a chapter and some prophets served in two different centuries, there is some repetition that takes place in the table below.  The Psalms have been intentionally omitted because they were written over a period of many centuries by a number of different authors.

See also the Chronology of the Prophets , the Chronology of the Old Testament Kings , and the Chronology of Latter Prophets and Intertestamental Period for more information.

Referenced for this table : Edwin R. Thiele’s The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings and John Schaller’s  Book of Books

Chronology of Jesus’ Life and Ministry

Chronology of paul’s ministry, chronology of the old testament kings, chronology of latter prophets and intertestamental period, chronology of the prophets, paul’s first and second missionary journeys, paul’s third missionary journey, genesis genealogical charts, chronology of the flood, the events of holy week, order of resurrection events, chronology of the new testament books, composite of the four gospels, timeline of salvation history.

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List of Books of the Holy Bible: Old and New Testaments

What are the books of the bible.

Many people ask, “ What are the books of the bible? ” or “How many books are there in the Bible? That can be a difficult question to answer directly because different churches recognize and accept the different books.

In fact, the books are listed differently in Judaism, Catholic, Protestant, Greek Orthodox, Slavonic Orthodox, Georgian, Armenian Apostolic, Syriac, and Ethiopian churches. However, there is substantial overlap in the list of books in the bible across the various religions.

The Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic churches have minor differences in their lists of the accepted books of the bible.

Who wrote the Bible?

In truth, nobody knows exactly who wrote the bible. Many people agree that it does not have a single author. In addition, most people agree that its writing and compilation took place over the course of centuries and had many different authors. Some believe it was written over as long as fifteen hundred years. However, certain sections were believed to be written by specific persons, such as these apostles.

The Bible has been translated many times in many different languages worldwide. One of the most commonly known translations is the King James Bible. The King James Version is an English translation of the Christian Bible by the Church of England. The translation of the King James Bible by the Church of England began in 1604 and was completed in 1611.

List of Books in the King James Holy Bible

New international version, old testament.

Following is a list of books in the King James holy bible , in the Old Testament, along with a brief description:

  • Book of Genesis – written by Moses. Genesis means origin or beginning.
  • Book of Exodus – Written by Moses, Exodus tells the story of the departure of the Israelite nation from Egypt.
  • Book of Leviticus – In the Book of Leviticus, God explains to the Israelites and their priests the process of making offerings in the Tabernacle. Also, he explains how they should behave when camping near the holy tent sanctuary.
  • Numbers – Numbers tells how the Israelites wandered for almost 40 years in the desert after disobeying God.
  • Deuteronomy – Deuteronomy contains the last known words of Moses, which were said to be spoken during the last days of his life.
  • Joshua – When Moses dies, God asks Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the promised land.
  • Judges – Named for the various military leaders, the Book of Judges tells how these leaders helped the Israelites understand the impact of their sins. In addition, readers learn the consequences of being unfaithful to god, though they can still repent their sins.
  • Ruth – The prophet Samuel wrote the book of Ruth, which explains how Ruth accepted God and the Israelite people.
  • 1 SAMUEL – Also known as the first book of Samuel, the book tells the story of the life of the prophet Samuel, set in the land of Israel.
  • 2 SAMUEL – Also known as Second Samuel, the second book of Samuel chronicles the establishment of King David’s dynasty and the expansion of Israel.
  • 1 KINGS – The first book of Kings includes chapters on The Davidic Succession, Solomon, and Elijah.
  • 2 KINGS – The Second Book of Kings describes the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Additionally, the second book of Kings focuses on each kingdom’s spiritual successes and failures. Also, Kings two explains why Israel and Judah lost God’s protection.
  • 1 Chronicles – Also referred to as First Chronicles, or Chronicles 1, this book presents the biblical narrative beginning with Adam, the first human being. The Chronicles story continues with the history of ancient Judah and Israel until the proclamation of King Cyrus the Great.
  • 2 CHRONICLES – In Chronicles 2, Solomon builds a temple in the name of the Lord.
  • EZRA – Ezra covers the return from the Babylonian exile after seventy years. In addition, Ezra describes the events surrounding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
  • Nehemiah – The book of Nehemiah describes Nehemiah’s work in rebuilding Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. Nehemiah was governor of Persian Judea under Artaxerxes I of Persia.
  • Esther – Esther tells the story of a Hebrew woman in Persia, who was born with the name of Hadassah, but later became known as Esther. Esther went on to become the queen of Persia and ultimately saves her people from genocide.
  • Job – The book of Job focuses on God’s relationship with humans and the condition of human suffering. God teaches us to trust in his wisdom and his character.
  • Psalms – The book of Psalms is a collection of lyrical poems that were written by multiple authors. 
  • Proverbs – Proverbs give information and wisdom on how to live a peaceful and happy life. This is accomplished by honoring and respecting God as all good and all-powerful.
  • Ecclesiastes – Ecclesiastes is one of the 24 books of Tanakh. The title of the book may mean the assembler or collector of wisdom.
  • Song of Songs – Also known as Song of Solomon, is one of the wisdom books of Hebrew scripture.
  • Isaiah – Isaiah is one of the prophets who was said to have predicted the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Jeremiah – This chapter describes the prophecies against Judah, Jerusalem, and other nations. Also, it provides more information about Jeremiah. Plus, it includes a historical appendix.
  • Lamentations – The Book of Lamentations is a poetic reflection on the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites. It expresses profound grief and mourning over the devastation, portraying the city as desolate and its people suffering greatly. Through vivid and emotional language, it laments the loss of Jerusalem’s former glory, the hardships endured by the inhabitants, and the consequences of their disobedience. The book calls for repentance and appeals to God for mercy, serving as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for reconciliation with God.
  • Ezekiel – The Book of Ezekiel in the Bible is a prophetic work that recounts the visions and messages received by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. It addresses themes of divine judgment, restoration, and the sovereignty of God, utilizing vivid imagery and symbolic actions to convey its powerful messages.
  • Daniel – The Book of Daniel in the Bible is a collection of narratives and visions featuring the prophet Daniel, who, while in captivity in Babylon, interprets dreams and receives apocalyptic revelations. It explores themes of faithfulness, divine intervention, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over earthly powers.
  • Hosea – The Book of Hosea in the Bible is a prophetic work that illustrates the relationship between God and Israel through the personal experiences of the prophet Hosea. Using the metaphor of a troubled marriage, Hosea’s message emphasizes God’s steadfast love, Israel’s unfaithfulness, and the call to repentance for restoration.
  • Joel – The Book of Joel in the Bible is a prophetic work that addresses a devastating locust plague as a metaphor for divine judgment and a call to repentance. Joel emphasizes the urgency of returning to God, promising restoration and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for those seeking reconciliation.
  • Amos –
  • Obadiah –
  • Jonah –
  • Micah –

List of Books in the Holy Bible

New international version, new testament.

  • Book of ACTS
  • Book of ROMANS
  • Book of 1 Corinthians
  • Book of 2 CORINTHIANS
  • Book of GALATIANS
  • Book of EPHESIANS
  • Book of PHILIPPIANS
  • Book of COLOSSIANS
  • Book of 1 THESSALONIANS
  • Book of 2 THESSALONIANS
  • Book of 1 TIMOTHY
  • Book of 2 TIMOTHY
  • Book of TITUS
  • Book of PHILEMON
  • Book of HEBREWS
  • Book of JAMES
  • Book of 1 Peter
  • Book of 2 Peter
  • Book of 1 John
  • Book of 2 John
  • Book of 3 John
  • Book of Jude
  • Book of Revelation

Questions and Comments

If you have any questions about the books of the bible, please leave a comment below. Also, view more Lists of Lists.

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CHRONOLOGY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT . The arrangement of OT events in time, including their dates and correlation with secular history.

I. Principles of chronology . To date the events of the OT serves both to clarify their sequence in Biblical history and to emphasize their reality in time and space. Proper procedures, however, are necessary for achieving accuracy.

A. Authority . Evangelical Christians are committed to Biblical inspiration; cf. Christ’s designation of Genesis 2:24 as equivalent to the words of God the Creator ( Matt 19:5 ). The authority of the historical and chronological assertions of the OT is thus accepted, as well as that of any NT references that have a bearing upon them. Restorations of original readings, that are made possible by the LXX or by other ancient texts and VSS, are welcomed; but no humanly devised conclusions, whether they are based on ancient secular records or conscious emendations of OT data (as in Jos. Antiq. or LXX; cf. E. R. Thiele, The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings , 1st ed., chs. IX, X) or on more modern systems (e.g., the famous dates of Archbishop Ussher, 1650-1654, still found in the mg. of many Bibles), may legitimately be opposed to the testimony of the inspired Word of God.

B. Evidence . In OT times Israel’s months indicated the seasons: Abib, “fresh [barley] ear” ( Lev 2:14 ), thus designated the initial month of spring ( Exod 23:15 ; Deut 16:1 ). Each month, moreover, seems to have had thirty days ( Gen 8:3 , 4 ; cf. 7:11 ); but by adding either five or six days at the end of a year, or a thirteenth intercalated month after several years, Israel’s calendar continued to reflect true solar years (contrast Egypt’s system of a slowly shifting New Year; J. Finegan, Handbook of Biblical Chronology , pp. 21-44). Originally “the end of the year” seems to have occurred after the fall harvest, in September ( Exod 23:16 ; 34:22 ); but from the Exodus onward Passover (spring) marked “the first month of the year” ( 12:2 ). Israel later returned to the fall—cf. modern “Jewish New Years” or the ancient Gezer Calendar (q.v.)—yet the Mosaic month-numberings were retained, so that, paradoxically, the regnal years of the Judean kings began in their seventh month. This may be demonstrated Biblically from the dates that are associated with the seven-year building of Solomon’s Temple ( 1 Kings 6:1 , 37 , 38 ), from the second month in his fourth year to the eighth month in his eleventh year: for Solomon’s fifth year had to have begun that same fall, in the seventh month, so that when the Temple was finished six years and one month later, it was still in its seventh year of work. If the fifth year of Solomon had not commenced until the following spring, first month, it would have extended itself well into an eighth year and have been so designated. Cf. also 2 Kings 22:3 , where an event in Josiah’s eighteenth year is followed ( 23:23 ) several months later by a Passover (first month) in the same eighteenth year.

Concerning then the precision and the completeness of such Biblical evidence, occasional OT dialogues do involve round numbers, such as “three hundred years” ( Judg 11:26 ) or “four hundred years” ( Gen 15:13 ). But in its chronological records no such imprecision can be demonstrated. Thus Abraham’s begetting of Isaac at the rounded age (?) of one hundred ( Gen 21:5 ) was preceded by the latter’s conception when Abraham was ninety-nine ( 17:1-24 ); the “forty year” judgeship of Gideon ( Judg 8:28 ) was followed by precisely three years of misrule under Abimelech ( 9:22 ) and twenty-three years of judgeship by Tola ( 10:2 ); and David’s reign of “forty years” ( 2 Sam 5:4 ) breaks down into seven years, six months, at Hebron and thirty-three years at Jerusalem ( v. 5 ). As for the completeness of the Biblical data, certain events, e.g. in the life of the prophet Elisha, cannot be dated exactly; but the overall OT chronological framework has been established, e.g. that they all occurred during dated reigns from Ahab to Jehoash in Israel. Exceptions involve only the very earliest materials, prior to Abraham, and perhaps also the era of the judges (see below, II-A and VII-A).

C. Absolute dating . Except for the wilderness period and a few citations thereafter, in which events were dated from Israel’s one great exodus experience, the OT employed only relative reference points, such as the seventy-fifth year in the life of a certain patriarch. In no case, moreover, is there material that enables us to connect the OT data with our own absolute reckoning of numbered years b.c. and a.d. —even Daniel’s 483 years (69 weeks of years, Dan 9:24-27 ) to the Messiah remain uncertain as to their precise beginning and ending (though see below, XIII). Recourse is thus necessary to nearby, non-Israelitish, cultures that do furnish absolute dates.

The years of Babylonia’s rulers from 747 b.c. down to the second Christian cent. were accurately recorded in The Canon of Ptolemy , a Gr. geographer and astronomer of Egypt, c. a.d. 70-161. Ptolemy also recorded and dated by reign over eighty verifiable astronomical phenomena, such as the eclipses of the moon on 17 March 721 b.c. and 16 July 523 b.c. Similarly, the neighboring Assyrians maintained “eponym” lists, in which each year was assigned the name of an important official. Since the lists include also an eclipse of the sun, on 15 June 763 b.c., the whole can be dated, from 892 to 648 b.c. Furthermore, since Sargon II of Assyria at one point assumed the throne of Babylon, and since this comes out to the year 709 b.c. in both The Canon of Ptolemy and in the eponym lists, the accuracy of both sources is established. Prior to 892 b.c., Assyrian king lists revert to about 2000 b.c. They become fairly reliable from the dynasty of Adasi (c. 1700 b.c. ) onward, with a margin of error of less than ten years after 1400 b.c. Similar lists from Egypt, which can be cross-checked with the Assyrian and with other astronomical observations, produce dates of c. 2133-1990 b.c. for Dynasty XI, of 1990-1786 b.c. for XII (Middle Kingdom) “with only a negligible margin of error” (CAH rev., pp. 4, 12, 13), and of 1570-1085 b.c. for XVIII-XX (New Empire).

OT events may then be assigned absolute dates whenever they are mentioned in these other datable records. The Babylonian Nebuchadnezzar’s capture of Jerusalem in his eighth year ( 2 Kings 24:12 ) can be dated precisely to 16 March 597 b.c. The Assyrian Shalmaneser III’s contacts with Kings Ahab and Jehu can be dated 853 and 841 b.c. respectively; and, while neither contact is mentioned in the Bible, the fact that between Ahab and Jehu appear two other kings that occupy exactly twelve years proves that 853 must have been the last year of Ahab and 841 the first of Jehu. Counting backward from these dates, one establishes Solomon’s death and the division of the kingdom in 930 b.c. and the Exodus in 1446 b.c. ( 1 Kings 6:1 ). Among the more significant of the OT’s absolute dates are these:

II. Primeval . Pre-Abrahamic chronology is based upon two sets of genealogical data ( Gen 5 and 11:10-26 ), separated by the Noachian Flood.

A. Antediluvian . Even pagan Sumer. legend preserved the memory of extended life spans prior to the Flood; eight kings are reputed to have reigned 241,200 years! (T. Jacobsen, The Sumerian King List [1939].) The variant figures found in two pre-Christian texts of the OT, namely the LXX and the Samar., seem also to be products of human distortion, though of a less drastic character. While the Heb. MT lists a minimum of 1,656 years from Adam to the Flood (see below), the LXX presents 2,242; and the Samar., only 1,307. The former, e.g., adds 100 years whenever the Heb. states that a patriarch begat his first son before the age of 150, while the Samar. reduces by 100 the three who begat after 150.

To interpret the MT figures, however, Ussher chose to adopt a minimal methodology, counting for each individual only the years prior to the birth of his first son. This theory of overlapping patriarchs produced his famous date of 4004 b.c. (more accurately, 4,175) for the creation. Other interpreters have preferred to compare the two sets of ten antediluvian and postdiluvian patriarchs with the three sets, each of fourteen ancestors, in the genealogy of Christ ( Matt 1:1-17 ) and have concluded that just as the latter could omit three generations ( v. 8 , “Joram begat [an ancestor of] Uzziah”; cf. Ezra 7:3 ’s omission of six generations that are found in 1 Chron 6:7-10 ) so Genesis may have omitted a number of links as well. A theory of disconnected patriarchs could thus allow Adam to be dated 100,000 b.c. or earlier. While granting unlimited freedom for anthropology, it leaves the Bible’s detailed lists of figures as generally pointless and also posits an unusually high proportion of omitted links. A third method of interpretation adduces W. F. Albright’s observation that ancient Near Eastern peoples “dated long periods by lifetimes, not by generations” (BASOR, 163 [1961], 50; cf. K. A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient and OT , p. 54). In Genesis 15 , Israel’s 400 years in Egypt ( v. 13 ), which actually covered some 10 generations ( 1 Chron 7:25-27 ), is said to entail four such lifetime generations ( v. 16 ). Applied to Genesis 5 , this counting by “successive” patriarchs would mean, e.g., that while Adam begat an ancestor of Seth when he was 130 ( Gen 5:3 ), Seth ( 5:6-8 ) actually arose as Scripture’s next prominent figure only after Adam’s full life of 930 years ( 5:4 ). Adam would then, theoretically, date from 10,000 b.c. or earlier; but, since Seth was prob. not born in the immediate year of Adam’s death, man’s creation may perhaps be dated 15,000 b.c., or c. a millennium before the famous Lascaux cave paintings (JASA, 11:1 [1959], 8, though cf. 17:2 [1965], 43-47). Some scholars have sought to account for the antediluvian life-spans, which average over 900 years, as “the period during which the family had prominence and leadership” (John D. Davis, A Dictionary of the Bible , 4th ed., p. 134); but the names in Genesis seem to reflect actual individuals (cf. 9:28 , 29 ). Their decreasing longevity may have been due to a progressive manifestation of the effects of sin ( Prov 10:27 ).

B. Postdiluvian . Ussher’s “overlapping” method of interpretation allowed only 353 years from the Flood to the birth of Abraham in 2166 b.c. (see below, IV-A). A flood of 2519, however, is difficult to harmonize with the known historical periods of Egypt and Mesopotamia, which develop steadily from 3000 b.c. onward. It would also imply that Shem, with the rest of Abraham’s postdiluvian ancestors (except Reu), were still living in 2166 and that Noah himself had died only three years previously ( Gen 9:28 ). More likely is the system of successive counting, which would put the Flood at least 3,284 years before Abraham, as follows:

>How long Terah lived in Ur of the Chaldees after the birth of Abraham in 2166, is not stated in Scripture; but the latter would presumably have lived for some time under the great Sumer. Dynasty III of Ur, whose founding under Ur-Nammu is dated c. 2113 b.c. (CAH rev., p. 30).

III. Patriarchal . Four generations of Heb. patriarchs are described in Genesis 12-50 .

A. Abraham . At the age of seventy Abraham’s father Terah begat his first son, presumably Haran, for Haran appears considerably older than the two other brothers who later married or joined in partnership with Haran’s children ( 11:27 ; 12:4 ). Terah was 130 when Abraham was born, for Abraham was seventy-five when he left for Pal. after Terah’s death at an age of 205 ( 11:32 ; Acts 7:4 ). While incredible by modern standards (cf. the objections of E. F. Harrison, in Carl F. H. Henry, ed., Revelation and the Bible , p. 249), such age does correspond to the more slowly developing patriarchal life as a whole; cf. Sarah’s comparative beauty ( 12:11 ) when she was ninety ( 17:17 ) or even older ( 20:2 ). It is not invalidated by the emphasis laid by the Genesis narrative on Abraham’s advanced age (100) when he fathered Isaac, for there the unique feature was the previous sterility of his marriage ( 11:30 ; 17:17 ). Abraham subsequently had children, when over 137 ( 23:1 ; 24:67 - 25:2 ).

Specific correlations of Abraham with secular chronology have not been established. The patriarch did have dealings with an unnamed Egyp. pharaoh ( 12:10-20 ) shortly after his entrance into Canaan in 2091 b.c., presumably a minor ruler of the 10th Dynasty before its fall to the contemporaneous Dynasty XI of Thebes in the S. Shortly thereafter occurred the raid upon Pal. ( ch. 14 ) by Amraphel and his allied monarchs from Elam and Babylonia. Their names represent valid Elamite and Akkadian forms; but, though their activity in Trans-Jordan suggests a date prior to 1900 b.c., they remain historically unidentified. Amraphel was once equated with the famous lawgiver of the 1st Dynasty of Babylon, Hammurabi, but the latter’s downwardly revised dates of 1726-1686 now render this impossible. Evidences of seasonal occupation in the Negeb of S. Pal. suggest dates for the patriarchs between “c. 2100 and 1800 b.c., ” but not before or after these dates (Kitchen, op. cit., p. 49).

B. Isaac comes into patriarchal chronology as follows:

C. Jacob . While the date of Jacob’s flight from Pal. is not directly stated in the OT, his age of seventy-seven may be deduced from the chronology of Joseph, as indicated above, and it did have to be some time after his twin brother Esau’s fortieth birthday in 1966 b.c. ( Gen 26:34 ) and the further aging of their father Isaac ( 27:1 ).

D. Joseph . The unnamed pharaoh who elevated Joseph in 1885 would have preceded the great Sesostris III, the seventh year of whose thirty-eight year reign “can be pinpointed [by astronomical data] with great probability to 1872 b.c. ” (CAH rev., p. 12). The Egyp. tone of Joseph’s record confirms this date at the peak of the Middle Kingdom (Dynasty XII) rather than one later, in the period of foreign (Hyksos) invasion that followed (cf. SOTI, pp. 205-208).

IV. Egyptian .

A. Israel’s descent. The MT of Exodus 12:40 sets the duration of Israel’s stay in Egypt at 430 years. Hence, if the Exodus is dated at 1446 b.c. (see B, below), the descent would be dated 1876; and Abraham’s entrance into Canaan would have to be placed 215 years before that (130 years for Jacob, plus 60 more for Isaac, plus 25 more for Abraham prior to Isaac’s birth) at 2091 b.c., and his birth at 2166. The LXX of Exodus 12:40 , however, reads, “The time that the sons of Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan (was) 430 years,” which is supported by the Samar., and hence may have been the original wording. If so, this would mean that since Jacob (Israel) and his sons had been in Pal. for thirty-three years before their removal to Egypt (between Joseph’s sixth and thirty-ninth birthdays, Gen 31:41 ), this then would leave 397 recorded years for the actual Egyp. sojourn and dates the descent in 1843 b.c., as proposed above in I and II. This latter figure seems better to suit Scripture’s rounded references to the Egyp. period. In Genesis 15:13 and Acts 7:6 the “four hundred years” is closer to 397 than to 430, and esp. in Acts 13:19 ASV the phrase, “about four hundred and fifty years,” is closer to 443 (the 397, plus 40 years in the wilderness, plus 6 years for the conquest up to the division of Canaan, Acts 13:18 , 19 ) than to 476, which would have suggested, “about five hundred.” These references also oppose the reconstruction of Ussher, who followed a variant LXX reading which extended the 430 years of Exodus 12:40 to include the dwelling in Egypt and Canaan of the sons of Israel, “they and their fathers. ” Ussher, following this latter reading began his counting with Abraham’s first entrance into Canaan, leaving only 215 for the Egyp. sojourn. He was prob. influenced by Galatians 3:17 ASV, which speaks of the law at Sinai (soon after the Exodus) coming 430 years after the promise of “a covenant confirmed by God.” Since this last v. may refer to God’s confirmation of the covenant promise to Jacob at his return to Canaan in 1909 ( Gen 35:9-12 ) rather than to its initial Abrahamic revelation in 2091, it should not be invoked in opposition to the uniform testimony of Genesis 15:13 ; Acts 7:6 ; and 13:19 to Israel’s four centuries in Egypt (cf. M. Kline, WTJ, 27 (1964), 7). This much time seems also to be required for Israel’s increase from one household to several million people ( Exod 12:37 ; cf. KD, II:28-30), for the 8,600 known male descendants of Levi’s son Kohath at the time of the Exodus ( Num 3:28 ), and for the ten generations that grew up in Egypt ( 1 Chron 7:25-27 ).

B. Israel’s Exodus . At what point in history did Egypt begin its systematic oppression of Israel? The pharaoh “who knew not Joseph” ( Exod 1:8 ) is not named. That he might have been Aahmes I, the founder in 1570 of Dynasty XVIII and of the New Empire, is suggested by this ruler’s hatred of the foreign (and Sem.) Hyksos, whom he expelled in 1567 (cf. 1:9 , 10 ). That the oppressive pharaoh might have been the first of these same Hyksos, who occupied the E Delta from c. 1730 on, would be favored by the ruthlessness of these conquerors toward those in Egypt, by their location at Avaris (near Pithom and Raamses, 1:11 ), and by the lengthy oppression that Scripture suggests (cf. Gen 15:13 , and J. Rea, ETSB, 3 [1960], 60, 61) combined with their known founding of a temple at Avaris in 1720 b.c. (CAH rev., pp. 13, 14).

The whole preceding chronology of the OT depends upon the date that one assigns to the Exodus. Its season was in the first month of spring ( Exod 12:17 , 41 ), after Moses’ return to Egypt during the Nile inundation of the preceding summer ( 7:24 ; 8:6 ). Scripture states further that Solomon’s Temple was founded during April/May “in the 480th year after the [Exodus]...in the 4th year of Solomon’s reign” ( 1 Kings 6:1 ). This latter year began in the fall of 967, so that a counting back of 479 years would produce the date of October, 1446 b.c. Since New Year’s Day had meanwhile been shifted into the fall from the springtime (see above, I-B), the Exodus must actually have occurred in April, 1446 (cf. J. Finegan’s hypothesis of how one year must presumably have been extended to the following season, Handbook of Biblical Chronology , p. 203; if, however, one were to assume a consistently springtime New Year’s, then the 480th year before April/May, 966, would seem to fall in 1445, cf. SOTI, p. 212). This date in the mid-15th cent. b.c. is confirmed by the statement of Jephthah, spoken over a cent. before Solomon’s Temple, that in his day Israel had been settled in Pal. for 300 years ( Judg 11:26 ), with of course forty more years of wilderness wandering before that. A similar time lapse is required by the Biblical assignment of over three centuries to the Judges; and it is confirmed archeologically by the dating of the destruction of Canaanite Hazor in the second half of the 13th cent. (CAH rev., p. 68), which would again place the beginning of the Judges in the early 14th cent. (see below, VII-C) and the Exodus in mid-15th. This in turn correlates well with the 1400 b.c. invasion of Canaan by people whom the Egyp. Amarna letters call “Habiru” (see VI) and with the fall of Canaanitish Jericho, which simply cannot be dated much beyond this point (VI; cf. FLAP, pp. 118, 159).

The majority of modern scholars dismiss 1 Kings 6:1 as an exaggerated, or even artificial, “twelve generations of forty years each” (FLAP, p. 212) and prefer a 13th rather than 15th cent. b.c. date for the Exodus. The older identification of Rameses II (1304-1237) as the pharaoh of the oppression and of his son Merneptah (1237-1225) as the pharaoh of the Exodus has now been generally abandoned; cf. the discovery of a stele dating from the latter’s fifth year, which speaks of his defeating Israel in Pal. Negative critics rather identify Rameses II as pharaoh both of the oppression and of the Exodus (despite Scripture’s reference to the death of the oppressor shortly before the Exodus, Exod 4:19 ). Their arguments, primarily archeological, are these: In Canaan, a number of cities, such as Bethel, Debir, and Lachish, are known to have been destroyed in the latter 13th cent.; Lachish, indeed, revealed an inscribed, smashed bowl, seemingly dating to the fourth year of Merneptah. In Trans-Jordan, the border fortifications of the nations which opposed Israel’s entrance into Canaan ( Num 20:20 , 21 ; Deut 2:9 ) appear to have developed only after 1300 b.c. Finally, in Egypt, the rebuilding of the Hyksos store-city of Raamses, where Israel was oppressed ( Exod 1:11 ), was not undertaken until the accession of Rameses II in 1304. Each of these arguments is open to question. The destruction of Canaanitish cities in the time of Deborah (1215 b.c. ) in no way prohibits their previous subjugation by Joshua in 1400 (cf. the repeated defeats of Bethel in Josh 8:17 and Judg 1:12 ). Evidences for a Trans-Jordanian sedentary occupation between 1550 and 1250 b.c. are mounting (cf. G. Lancaster Harding, PEQ [Jan.-June, 1958], 10-12); and God could have ordered His people to bypass Edom and Moab, whether these peoples had yet erected border fortifications or not. Finally, any attempt to correlate Rameses II with the store-cities of Exodus 1:11 leads to confusion. If the oppression at Raamses did not begin until after 1304, then, no matter how Moses’ birth, growth, and decades of exile to Midian be reduced, Israel’s Exodus simply cannot be made to precede “the middle of the 13th cent. b.c. ”; and its subsequent forty years in the wilderness, despite the OT’s careful year by year counting, must be treated as “a conventional round number for what was actually a somewhat briefer time” (FLAP, p. 120). But if, on the other hand, the liberal date of 1290/1280 be adopted for the Exodus (IDB, I; 584), with Moses’ birth eighty years earlier ( Exod 7:7 ; cf. Deut 34:7 ), and with the oppression extending indefinitely before that, then the enslavement at Raamses loses all possible contact with Rameses and might even date back to the time of his Hyksos ancestors (Rea ETSB, 3 [1960], 62, 63). In any event, the Biblical date of 1446 b.c. accords well with the death of the famous conqueror Thutmose III, whose reign is assigned to 1504-1450 by means of astronomy (CAH rev., pp. 17, 18) and whose building projects near Goshen and use of Sem. slaves is well-documented (SOTI, pp. 215-219). The pharaoh of the Exodus would thus have been his son and successor, Amenhotep II, while Moses’ early protector and royal benefactress may have been Thutmose’s equally famous aunt, regent, Hatshepsut, as indicated below:

V. Wilderness . Israel remained in the wilderness forty years, but only thirty-eight years were actually spent in the “wanderings” ( Deut 2:14 ), commencing after “the time of the first ripe grapes” ( Num 13:20 ), in 1445 b.c.:

VI. Conquest . The Tell el-Amarna tablets of Egypt have preserved a body of diplomatic correspondence, sent to Amenhotep III (1417-1379, CAH rev., pp. 18, 75) by a group of Canaanitish vassel-princes, pleading for aid against the invading “Habiru.” While this latter force may have embraced elements beyond the Biblical Hebrews (cf. Eber’s position as a remote ancestor of Abraham, Gen 11:16-26 ), their reported deeds of conquest and destruction parallel the known activities of Joshua and his early successors so closely that a correlation is probable. Furthermore, the last Egyp. royal scarabs discovered at Canaanitish Jericho belong to Amenhotep III; and, while the general lack of Late Bronze evidence from Jericho demands a certain caution in appealing to data from this site (cf. NBD, pp. 215, 216), it appears significant that the Mycenaean pottery which is characteristic of 1400-1200 is practically non-existent at Jericho (city IV).

The luxury loving Amenhotep III conducted an initial campaign in Nubia but seems then to have desisted from military activity, leaving the impoverished and disorganized Canaanite princes to protect themselves as best they might. Scripture states simply that “Joshua made war a long time with all those kings” ( Josh 11:18 ), but a chronology becomes ascertainable from the OT references to Caleb. Since this leader had been forty-five at the time of Moses’ sending out of the spies (in 1445 b.c. ) and since he was eighty-five at Joshua’s final division of the land ( 14:7 , 10 ), this latter event must be dated in the year 1400. Joshua eventually died at an age of 110 ( 24:29 ). Had he been in his mid-fifties at the time of the Exodus—for he was Moses’ military commander at the time ( Exod 17:9 ) and appears to have been considerably older than Caleb ( Josh 13:1 ; 14:11 )—it would suggest the following tabulation:

VII. Judges .

A. Basis. (1) Since Scripture furnishes no precise temporal connection between Joshua and the Judges, dates for the latter must be calculated by counting backward from the kings who followed them. Even assuming that Saul’s inauguration is datable to 1043 b.c. (see below, VIII-A), one is still faced with ambiguities concerning the rule of Samuel, who was his immediate predecessor and the last of the judges. If the period in 1 Samuel 7:2 of “twenty years” and Israel’s lamenting “after the Lord ” is equated with Samuel’s leadership (HDB, I: 399), then 1063 marks the overthrow of the Philistine oppression that preceded Samuel ( 1 Sam 7:7-14 ) and makes possible a tentative dating for the rest of the events of the period. (2) Certain sections of Judges record events that had only local significance and that overlap events in other areas: e.g., while the Philistines were overwhelming Israel on the W coast, the Ammonites were simultaneously oppressing the Trans-Jordanian tribes in the E ( Judg 10:7 ). Samuel’s judgeship succeeded directly upon the Philistine domination; hence, the terms of Jephthah, who fought Ammon, and of the three minor judges that followed ( 10:17-11:15 ) must have run concurrently with the forty year Philistine oppression ( 13:1 ). (3) A given period of oppression or deliverance may embrace more than one judge. For example, Ehud’s eighty year peace ( 3:30 ) is supplemented by a description of Shamgar, who “also delivered Israel” ( v. 31 ). The OT record, however, assigns no separate period of deliverance to Shamgar but continues—“And after Ehud died...the Lord sold them...” ( 4:1 , 2 ). So also the twenty-two years of Jair ( 10:3 ) seem best to be subsumed under the twenty-three of his predecessor Tola, who alone is said to have arisen to “deliver Israel” ( 10:1 ); and much of Eli’s judgeship ( 1 Sam 4:18 ), together with all of Samson’s ( Judg 16:31 ), belong under the forty years of Philistine oppression; for Samson, in reality, accomplished no deliverance at all but simply “judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years” ( 15:20 ).

B. Statistics . Judges covers 339 years (cf. 11:26 ), as follows:

The appendix to the book ( Judges 17-21 ) belongs to the period of moral chaos that preceded the first oppression (1382 b.c. ), for the migration of the Danites in chs. 17 ; 18 is mentioned in the Book of Joshua ( 19:47 ), which must have been composed shortly after Joshua’s own death ( Josh 5:1 ; 6:25 ; cf. the priority of Judges 18:12 to 13:25 ), and in ch. 20 Aaron’s grandson Phinehas was still serving as high priest ( v. 28 ).

C. Correlations . Although the Book of Judges furnishes no explicit contact with contemporaneous secular history, the above listed dates do suggest a series of plausible correlations with it. Among the Amarna letters are appeals from a Canaanite king Abdi-Hepa of Jerusalem to Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten; prob. 1379-1361, CAH rev., p. 19), which describe the city as in imminent danger of conquest by the Habiru. The Biblical King Adonizedek, whom Joshua defeated and executed, c. 1405 b.c. ( Josh 10:1-27 ), must therefore have been one of Abdi-Hepa’s immediate predecessors. The fulfillment of Abdi-Hepa’s forebodings may then have been realized at the conquest of Jerusalem by the tribe of Judah, after the death of Joshua in 1390 ( Judg 1:8 ), though his fears might also be explainable were he among the Jebusites who reoccupied the city shortly thereafter ( v. 21 ).

A theory first proposed by John Garstang ( Joshua-Judges , pp. 51-66) is that Israel’s alternating periods of oppression and of deliverance correspond to the absence or presence of political control in Pal. by the rival powers of Egypt to the SW, and of the Hitt. empire in the N. Israel’s oppression from 1382-1374 by Cushan-rishathaim of Mesopotamia may thus have constituted but one phase of Hitt. encroachment upon the disintegrating Pal. empire of Amenhotep III and IV, while Israel’s forty year rest under Othniel (1374-1334) would parallel Pal.’s stability when once within the sphere of influence of the great Hitt. rulers Suppiluliuma and Murshilish II (accession in 1344, CAH rev., vol. 2, p. 36). The following eighteen years of Moabite oppression may then match the uncertainty of the times which climaxed in a reoccupation of Pal. by a revitalized Egypt occurred under Seti I (1318, p. 20). It hardly appears accidental that the eighty year rest (1316-1236) inaugurated by Ehud attaches so closely to the peace that was enforced by the treaties of Seti and of Rameses II (1304-1237) with the Hittites. An ensuing decay on the part of both empires, followed by the final collapse of the Hittites in the face of barbarian invasion, seems to have opened the doors for the twenty-year Canaanite revival, and oppression of Israel, while the preservation of the latter part of Deborah’s four decades of prosperity (1216-1176) may have been due, in part, to the strong rule of Rameses III (c. 1199-1168, loc. cit.) of the new 20th Dynasty, the destroyer in c. 1191 b.c. (p. 75) of those invading sea peoples, whose Philistine remnants were so strongly to oppress Israel a cent. later. Decadence, however, characterized the later course of Dynasty XX, and Israel was left to face the chaos created by invading Midianites from the E. A significant confirmation of this dating is furnished by the presence of Mycenaean IIIb pottery (1300-1200 b.c. ) in the ruins of the final Canaanite city of Hazor (see above, IV-B), which campaigned against Deborah and Barak. The only time within this period during which Egyp. control was sufficiently withdrawn to permit such activity had to have been just before or after Merneptah (1237-1225): “Hence Baraq is to be dated in the second half of the thirteenth century” (CAH, rev., p. 68).

VIII. United kingdom .

A. Saul. 1 Samuel 13:1 speaks of Saul’s age upon accession (though the precise numeral has been lost) but does not indicate his total reign; its next reference, to “two years,” seems to go with the following v. and indicates that the battle of Michmash occurred two years after this accession ( 13:1 , 2 ASV). The RSV, however, treats this figure as a corrupted statement of total reign: “He reigned...and two years over Israel.” The NT states that God gave Saul to Israel “for the space of forty years,” after which He raised up David to be their king ( Acts 13:21 , 22 ); but liberal expositors usually reject the NT testimony and limit Saul’s kingship to twenty and two, or even ten and two (IB, II:946) years. This, however, is manifestly impossible in the light of Saul’s being a “young man” at his accession ( 1 Sam 9:2 ) and yet having a fourth son who had reached the age of thirty-five at the time of Saul’s death ( 2 Sam 2:10 ; cf. Kitchen, op. cit. pp. 75, 76).

A more serious question concerning the forty years of Acts 13 is whether it embraces only Saul’s individual reign or whether it includes also the seven years of Philistine domination, with vassal rule by his son Ish-bosheth, until the time of David’s accession over all Israel ( 2 Sam 2:10 , 11 ) in 1003 b.c. The latter alternative, leaving thirty-three years for Saul himself (1043-1010), appears more reasonable, since Jonathan, who had become a hero at Michmash in the opening years of Saul’s reign ( 1 Sam 13:1-3 ), was still David’s intimate friend in 1010 b.c. at its close. Since David was then thirty years old ( 2 Sam 5:4 , b. 1040 b.c. ), Jonathan would hardly seem to have been more than twenty years his senior; and if Jonathan were b. in 1060 he would have been nineteen at Michmash in 1041 and his father Saul c. thirty-five (?). The events of Saul’s later career and of his relationships with David are not precisely dated by the OT, until David’s final flight from Saul in 1012 b.c. ( 1 Sam 27:7 ); but they may be approximated as follows:

B. David’s later career ,as outlined above, is likewise subject to some conjecture. Jonathan’s crippled son Mephibosheth had been five at the death of his father and grandfather in 1010 ( 2 Sam 4:4 ); but since Mephibosheth had a young son of his own when he came to David’s court ( 9:11 ) this latter fact must bring the climactic events that surround 2 Samuel 9 down to c. 995 b.c. To this period also belong major parts of the appendix to 2 Samuel ( chs. 21-24 ), such as David’s song of rest ( ch. 22 ; cf. v. 1 with 7:1 ) or his census ( ch. 21 ; for v. 7 must come after Mephibosheth’s discovery, but before Absalom’s revolt, 16:8 ). If the sins of David and his son Amnon came to light c. 990 ( 11:2-13:22 ), then Absalom’s revolt would date to c. 979, as above.

C. Solomon . Shortly before his death in 970 b.c. David ordered his son Solomon anointed over the united kingdom ( 1 Kings 1 ; 1 Chron 23:1 ). While Solomon’s coregency appears to have been brief, if it was counted at all (P. van der Meer, The Ancient Chronology of Western Asia and Egypt , p. 72), it yet established a significant precedent in Judah; for Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Azariah, Jotham, and Ahaz were to be granted coregencies with their fathers, and apparently for the same reason: to guarantee their succession and to insure the throne’s stability, in contrast to the kaleidoscopic history of N Israel, where only one such instance appears. Solomon’s chief foreign contacts were his building arrangements with Hiram king of Tyre (Ahiram I, 986-935 b.c. ) and his marriage to an Egyptian princess ( 1 Kings 3:1 ; 9:16 ), perhaps a daughter of Siamun, the last pharaoh but one of the 21st Dynasty, which terminated in 945 b.c.

IX. Divided kingdom .

A. Basis. After the division of Solomon’s kingdom in 930 b.c. each king’s reign continued to be correlated with that of his neighbor, producing “contemporary chronological materials of the greatest accuracy and the highest historical value” (Thiele, 2nd ed., p. 26); e.g., W. F. Albright’s attempt to shift Solomon’s death to 922 serves only to introduce confusion (ibid., pp. 60-62). This scriptural system operated upon the following bases:

(1) The N kingdom “predated” its reigns; i.e., it assigned no accession year to a given ruler but rather reckoned the year of his enthronement both as his own first year and as the last of his predecessor. For example, Nadab’s reign, which is said to be two years, began in the second year of Asa of Judah, but his successor Baasha’s reign began in Asa’s third; and the successor to Baasha’s twenty-four year reign began, in turn, in Asa’s twenty-sixth ( 1 Kings 15:25 , 33 ; 16:8 ). Judah, on the other hand, “postdated,” designating the latter part of a year in which a ruler died as the accession year of his successor and only the year following, as his successor’s first. This situation prevailed until 848 b.c., when Jehoram of Judah, who was allied with N Israel and whose wife Athaliah was the actual daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, adopted Israel’s predating system; cf. the old system illustrated in 2 Kings 9:29 and the new in 8:25 (ibid., p. 35). These vv. also demonstrate how each scribe would follow his own reckoning system in dating the other kingdom too. Both nations shifted to postdating in 796 b.c., perhaps due to Assyrian influence (ibid., pp. 37, 38); for the very nomenclature of accession years corresponds to the Akkad. resh sharruti.

(2) As indicated above (I-B), Judah’s secular year began in the fall; Solomon’s death, and the commencement of Rehoboam’s accession year, occurred at some point after Sept./Oct. (the month Tishri), 931 b.c., hereinafter indicated by the sign 930* b.c. In N Israel, however, Jeroboam, in line with his other deliberate departures from the Judean calendar (cf. 1 Kings 12:32 , 33 ), shifted to a spring, March/April (the month Nisan) New Year. This parallels the custom of Babylonia, Assyria, and esp. Egypt, with which he had close contact ( 11:40 ; 12:2 ; cf. ibid., p. 30). Israel’s movedup, springtime New Year is demonstrated Biblically by 1 Kings 15:1 , in which Abijam’s accession to the Judean throne in Rehoboam’s seventeenth year is dated in Jeroboam’s eighteenth, which must have begun in Nisan, indicated 913#, while Rehoboam’s seventeenth had still to run until Tishri.

(3) The following interpretative bases concern coregencies (see above, VIII-C) during the divided kingdom period. (a) The years of coregency are regularly included in the totals for the respective reigns. The fact that the five-year coregency of Jehoram of Judah with his father Jehoshaphat (proved by the designation of the year 852* b.c. in terms of both father and son, 2 Kings 1:17 and 3:1 ) was not counted in Jehoram’s eight year total ( 8:17 ) can only be described as a “variation” (ibid., p. 70). (b) The Book of Kings records each ruler in a sequence determined by the beginning of sole reign rather than of co-regency (vs. Thiele, ibid., pp. 138, 189). Jehoram’s ( 8:16-19 ) sole reign in 848 is listed after Joram of Israel ( 3:1-3 ), 852, even though the former’s coregency began in 853. (c) “Co-regencies commence with the first rather than accession years” (ibid., p. 159), a principle violated by Thiele in assigning an accession year to Azariah’s coregency with Amaziah (to bring it back to Tishri, 792 b.c., ibid., pp. 75, 83; contrast his 1st ed., p. 71, in which he lists this event as 791/790).

On these bases, the following chronological reconstruction appears:

B. Correlations . In addition to contacts in 853 and 841 of Ahab and Jehu with Shalmaneser III of Assyria (see above, I-C), the following dates fit into the above table: in 925*, Rehoboam’s payment of tribute in his fifth year ( 1 Kings 14:25 ) to Shishak I of Egypt (c. 945-924 b.c., NBD, p. 1181), as A. Malamat observes, “not long before Pharaoh’s death” (BA, 21 [1958], 99); in 857 and 856, Ahab’s two victories over Benhadad II of Syria ( 20:29 ; 22:1 ) and in 853 his death at the latter’s hands ( 22:35 ), the date of which is confirmed by the known Assyrian battle at Qarqar earlier that same year; in 803 b.c., Jehoahaz’s deliverance from Syria by a “savior” ( 2 Kings 13:5 ), meaning the Assyrian Adad-nirari III’s subjugation of Damascus; in 743, Azariah’s unsuccessful confederacy against Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria, resulting in Menahem’s tribute ( 15:19 ; cf. Thiele, 2nd ed., pp. 90-117); in 733 or 732 the captivity of three and one-half N tribes to Assyria ( 15:29 ); and in 725-722, from the seventh to the ninth years of Hoshea, the final three-year siege and fall of Samaria to Shalmaneser V ( 18:9 , 10 ; cf. the Babylonian Chronicle , 1.28), though Sargon II, who succeeded to the Assyrian throne in Dec., 722, later claimed this honor and may have participated in the campaign.

C. Difficulties . (1) 2 Chronicles 15:19 states that Asa had no war (“no more war,” KJV, though cf. the italics) up to his thirty-fifth year but that he was attacked by Baasha of Israel in his thirty-sixth ( 16:1 ); yet by that time Baasha had been dead for over ten years ( 1 Kings 16:18 ). The Chronicler’s figures must be understood either as dates for Asa counted from the division of the kingdom, back in 930 (ibid., p. 60), or as a miscopying for his fifteenth and sixteenth years, since the fifteenth was an actual time of warfare, with Zerah the Cushite ( 2 Chron 14:9 ; 15:10 ), in 895* b.c. (2) When 1 Kings 16:23 records how Omri began to reign in Asa’s thirty-first year (880*), this must refer to Omri’s reign in Samaria, after the death of his rival Tibni ( v. 22 ; ibid., p. 64); for while Omri actually commenced his reign in Asa’s 26th year (885) he did make the move to Samaria from Tirzah in his sixth year ( v. 23 ), or 880*.

(3) 2 Kings 15:30 states that Hoshea succeeded Pekah (732) in Jotham’s “twentieth” year. Jotham’s reign totalled only sixteen years ( v. 33 ), which must mean that he continued to live on for some time after an official surrender of the throne to his coregent-son Ahaz in 736. Jotham’s independent spirit ( 2 Chron 27:3-6 ) may well have been opposed by a party favoring submission to Assyria (ibid., pp. 127, 131). (4) The reckoning of Pekah’s twenty-year reign, according to the records of N Israel ( 2 Kings 16:7 ), from this same date (732) assigns him an accession year of 752. Jotham, whose twentieth year was also 732, is said to have begun the first year (751) of his coregency with his leprous father Azariah ( v. 5 ) in the second year of Pekah ( v. 32 ) and to have ended his sixteen-year reign (736) in Pekah’s seventeenth ( 15:1 ). This indicates that, in S records, Pekah must not have been credited with an accession year and that 752 must have been taken as Pekah’s first year, presumably as a coregent with Menahem. For Pekah’s twenty-year reign has to include the twelve years of the preceding dynasty of Menahem (ten years, accession in 752) and Pekahiah (two years); because his undisputed reign, in Samaria, began only in Azariah’s fifty-second year ( 15:27 , commencing Tishri, 740) and was terminated by Hoshea eight years later (in 732, as is known from the Assyrian records). Pekah presumably claimed their years as his own; indeed, he may have possessed certain sovereign powers among his Gileadites ( 15:25 ) from 752 onward (ibid., p. 124). Whether or not the final editor of 2 Kings was aware that Pekah’s twenty years were to be reckoned from this earlier point cannot be determined with certainty. That the inspired writer placed his descriptions of Pekah’s and Jotham’s reigns ( vv. 27-38 ) after those of Menahem and Pekahiah ( vv. 17-26 ) demonstrates only that the commencement of the sole reigns must have come in that order—actually in 752, 742#, 740#, and 739* respectively (see above, A-3-b). His awareness that Pekah’s period of full power, commencing in the year before Azariah’s death ( v. 27 ), had to have been preceded by a coregency is proved, in any event, by his knowledge of Jotham’s appointment as coregent with Azariah ( v. 5 ) and of Pekah’s own rise to power almost two years before that ( v. 32 ).

(5) The year of Hoshea’s accession, Jotham’s “twentieth” (732), is also described as Ahaz’s twelfth ( 2 Kings 17:1 ). After eight years of power, Jotham must therefore have associated his son Ahaz on the throne with himself, so that his ninth year became Ahaz’s first as coregent. Though rejected by Thiele as “artificial” and as a “fictitious overlap” (ibid., pp. 120, 136), such an appointment seems plausible in view of Judah’s impending defeat before Tiglath-pileser that same year, of Azariah’s now hopelessly leprous condition (he died four years later in 739*), and of Jotham’s later surrender of full power to his son (see 3 above), in 736. Some have wished to advance Jotham’s ouster into 735* (Thiele, p. 128); and Hoshea’s accession year did run from 732 into the spring (Nisan) of 731, with the result that Jotham’s twentieth and Ahaz’s twelfth year just might have commenced early in 731*. Since four years of Hoshea—his accession, first, second, and third—are correlated with five years of Ahaz—his twelfth through sixteenth—Ahaz’s twelfth has to correspond to the earlier half of Hoshea’s accession year (before the fall, Tishri, of 732); and his sixteenth, to the latter half of Hoshea’s third year (after Tishri, 729; or, 728*).

From the Creation of Adam to the Flood: 1656 Years

From the Flood to the Call of Abram: 427 Years

From the Call of Abram to the Death of Joseph: 286 Years

From the Creation of Adam to the Death of Joseph = 1656 + 427 + 286 = 2369 Years. This 2369 years is not the time from the creation of the world, but from the creation of Adam, Anno Hominus. Adapted from Scroggie, The Unfolding Drama of Redemption.

Israel in the Wilderness

From Egypt to Sinai The Encampment at Sinai From Sinai to Shittim\n Exodus 12:37-19:2 Exodus 19:3-Numbers 10:10 Numbers 10:11-Joshua 2

The Age of the Monarchy

Over 500 Years. B.C. 1095-586

United Kingdom Divided Kingdom

Single Kingdom

Saul to Solomon

Rehoboam to Hoshea Hezekiah (6th) to Zedekiah\n120 Years

136 Years\nB.C. 1095-975 B.C. 975-722

B.C. 722-586

1 Samuel 8-1 Kings 11

1 Kings 12-2 Kings 18:12

2 Kings 18:13-25:21 \n 1 Chron. 10-2 Chron. 9 2 Chron. 10-28 2 Chron. 29-36:21

The Three Captivities of the Israelites

Egyptian Assyrian Babylonian\nB.C. 1706-1491 B.C. 722- B.C. 606-536\n215 Years 70 Years

885 years between the end of the first captivity and the beginning of the last

The Return From Babylon

First Stage Second Stage Third Stage\nUnder Under Under

Zerubbabel Ezra Nehemiah\nB.C. 536 B.C. 458 B.C. 445

(6) The date of Hezekiah’s accession is the most problematic in OT chronology. Three major reconstructions have been proposed, each with its own difficulties. (a) While 2 Kings 18:1 locates Hezekiah’s regency in the above-mentioned year of 728*, v. 2 restricts his reign to a total of twenty-nine years; and, since the accession of his son Manasseh is definitely placed at 697*, Hezekiah’s own official accession could not have occurred before Tishri (727). The simplest approach is to assume an unexplained lapse of something over one year, perhaps due to the chaos surrounding Ahaz’s last days ( 2 Chron 28:5-23 ); cf. Thiele’s proposal, to assume a regency “taking control of affairs” (1st ed., p. 116) in order to account for a period not otherwise assigned. Four objections, the first three of which are subordinate, have, however, been raised by Thiele and others. (i) Scripture is said to be silent about contacts between Hoshea and Hezekiah (Van der Meer, op cit., p. 77); but the OT does repeatedly correlate their two reigns ( 2 Kings 18:1 , 9 , 10 ); on the other hand, it indicates no attempted contacts, of any sort, with Judah on the part of Hoshea. (ii) It is said that Hezekiah’s invitation for the Ephraimite “remnant that are escaped...out of the hands of the king of Assyria” ( 2 Chron 30:1 , 6 ASV) to participate in the Judean Passover of May, 725 (Hezekiah’s first official year; cf. 29:3 ; 30:2 ), could not have been issued prior to Samaria’s fall in 722; but since part of N Israel had already been taken captive by the Assyrians in 733, and since Hoshea had to face their final three-year siege of his capital from 725 on ( 2 Kings 17:5 ; 18:9 ), Hezekiah’s invitations must have caught him when he was helpless to resist them—they may even have been encouraged by Shalmaneser, as an instrument for undermining the N’s solidarity. (iii). An official accession year for Hezekiah in 726* is said to create a series of impossible birthdates. Actually, however, the data is this:

J. McHugh has thus revised Hezekiah’s birthdate downward by ten years, assuming that an accession age of fifteen was “easy to confuse” with twenty-five (VT, 14 [1964], 452). While the above-listed ages of fatherhood are quite young, they are not without parallel in the Orient. Thiele notes King Azariah’s birth occurring when his father was fifteen (2nd ed., p. 206) and cites even modern data on the supposed excellence of marriage “when the boy is but ten or eleven years old” (ibid., p. 128). (iv). The more serious objection to Hezekiah’s accession in 726* is the OT’s mention of Sennacherib’s attack of 701 b.c., occurring in connection with Hezekiah’s fourteenth year ( Isa 36:1 ); but see below, X-B.

The Faith Space

66 books of the Bible list (plus free printables pdf)

Free Printables

The 66 books of the Bible list can be misleading if you don’t know much about Bible history.

The Bible has different ‘books’ because each book really is a separate document all on its own, written at various points in time throughout history.

Although we now have the Bible between two covers, it did not start out that. One person did not sit down and write all these books.

This is why Bible study is so very vast and interesting. In this post, we will explore the 66 books of the Bible, how they are organized, their authors and meaning.

How many books are in the Old and New Testament

There 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament.

Despite the way they have been organized, the stories are not all chronologically placed.

That’s why there are such things as the chronological Bible reading plan .

What are the 66 books of the Bible in order

The order books of the Bible does not mean that the stories are all in order. Remember that the books are all separate, written by different people at different points in historical time

This list is only how they are currently organized in the Bible you buy or come across.

Old Testament books of the Bible

Here are the 39 books of the Old Testament in order

  • Deuteronomy
  • 1 Chronicles
  • 2 Chronicles
  • Ecclesiastes
  • Song of Solomon
  • Lamentations

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New Testament books of the Bible

Here are the 27 books of the New Testament in order

  • Acts (of the Apostles)
  • 1 Corinthians
  • 2 Corinthians
  • Philippians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians

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DOWNLOAD 66 Books of the Bible list – Old and New Testament

How do you organize the books of the Bible

The Old Testament is basically the entire Jewish bible. It is called the Tanahk which is actually an acronym for the divisions of the Hebrew Scripture. 

Tanahk means Torah (Instruction, or Law, also called the Pentateuch), Neviʾim (Prophets), and  Ketuvim (Writings). 

The a’s were added to make it pronounceable. 

TNK can be used to remember how the books of the Old Testament are organized by their genres.

Old Testament – Books of Law (known as the Pentateuch)

Old testament books – history, old testament books – poetry or wisdom literature.

  • Song Of Solomon

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Old Testament Books – Major Prophets

Old testament books – minor prophets, 66 books of the bible list – new testament.

The New Testament is divided into 4 literary genres: Gospels, History, Epistles (Letters), and Prophecy.

New Testament Books – Gospels

New testament books – history, new testament books – epistles.

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New Testament Books – Prophecy

DOWNLOAD Old Testament and New Testament Books of the Bible by Genre

66 Books of the Bible and their meanings and authors

A popular question about the Scriptures is: who wrote the Bible? 

Well, no one person would be the answer. The Bible has approximately 40 authors.

This is why the Bible has “books”.

For the most part, the books of the Bible, got their names based on:

  • the purpose of the book
  • who wrote the book
  • who the book was addressed to
  • the name of the person who is the subject of the book
  • the name of the person delivering the message of the book

66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – The Pentateuch

Meaning : The Hebrew word is Bereshith . It means in the beginning. In greek it means birth or origin.

Author: Moses

Meaning : The word is Veelleh Shemoth . It means the way out. Exodus is said to be written by Moses.

  • Leviticus 

Meaning : The Hebrew word Isvayyikra . It means worship. 

Meaning : The Hebrew word is Bemidbar . It means in the wilderness. 

Meaning : The Hebrew word is Mishnah Torah and means repeated/law. Another Hebrew title for the book is Devarim which means words and was taken from the opening of the book “These are the words which Moses’ spoke…” 

66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – History books

Meaning : The Hebrew is Yahsua (Jesus) or Yahvah (God). The name means The Savior or Yahweh is salvation. 

Author: Unknown

Meaning : The Hebrew is Shophetim . It means ruler. It could also mean deliverer or savior. 

Meaning : The Hebrew word is re’ut which could be loosely translated as friend or companion. Author: Unknown

  • 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel

Meaning : The Hebrew is Shemuel . It means asked of God or God has heard. However, the book was named based on the life of the Prophet Samuel from his birth until the death of Saul.

  • 1 Kings and 2 Kings

Meaning : The Hebrew word is Melachim which means king. These books were named because they tell the history kings of ancient Israel.

  • 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles

Meaning : The Hebrew is  Dibrei hayyamim . It means word of the days. 

Author: Ezra the prophet.

Meaning : The name means help . 

Author: Ezra the prophet

Meaning : The name means comforter of Yahweh or Yahweh comforts. 

Author: Nehemiah

Meaning : The book was named based on the main character. It means star. 

66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – Poetry/ Wisdom 

Meaning : The Hebrew is Lyyob and it means persecuted or hated. 

Author: Unknown 

Meaning: The Hebrew is Tehillim and it means songs to rejoice. 

Authors: It was written by Many different authors : David, Solomon, Moses, the sons of Korah, sons of Asaph, Heman, Ethan the Ezrahit. 

Meaning : The Hebrew is Mashal which means to rule or to have dominion. 

Author: It was written mostly by King Solomon but chapters 30 and 31 were written by Agur and Lemuel.

Meaning : The Hebrew word is Koheleth which means preacher. 

Author: King Solomon.

Meaning : The Hebrew is Shir Hashshirim which means Song of Songs. 

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66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – Major Prophets  

Meaning : The Hebrew is Yesha’yahu and it means salvation of Yahweh or Yahweh is salvation or God saves.

Author: The prophet Isaiah

Meaning : The Hebrew is Yirmiyahu which means yahweh will exalt or Yahweh will uplift.

Author: The prophet Jeremiah

Meaning : The book was named from the very first word in the book. The Hebrew word is ekah which means how. However, in english Lamentations mean a ‘mourning song’. These are hymns of Jeremiah.

Meaning : The Hebrew word is Yehezkel and it means strength of God or God will strengthen. 

Author: Prophet Ezekiel.

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Daniyyel and it means judgement of God or God is my judge.

Author: The Prophet Ezekiel

66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – Minor Prophets 

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Hoshea and it means salvation.

Author: The Prophet Hosea

Meaning: The Hebrew is Yow’el which mean Jehovah is his God

Author: The Prophet Joel

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Amowc and it means burden or load.

Author: The Prophet Amos

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Obadyah and it means serving Yahweh.

Author: The Prophet Obadiah

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Yonah and it means dove.

Author: The Prophet Jonah

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Miykayah and it means who is like Yahweh.

Author: The Prophet Micah

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Nachuwm and it means comfortable.

Author: The Prophet Nahum

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Chabaqquwq which means to embrace.

Author: The Prophet Habakkuk

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Tsephanyah and it means hidden of God.

Author: The Prophet Zephaniah

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Chaggay and it means festive.

Author: The Prophet Haggai

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Zekaryah and it means remembered by God.

Author: The Prophet Zechariah

Meaning: The Hebrew word is Malakiy which means my messenger.

Author: The Prophet Malachi

66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – The Gospels 

The word gospel comes from the word euangelion which means good news.

This is what the Gospels are about – how Jesus and his work brought the best news ever to humanity.

  • Matthew 

Meaning: This book was named based on the author who wanted to capture the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Author: Matthew a former a tax collector who became a disciple of Jesus

Meaning: This book was named based on the author who wanted to capture Jesus’s ministerial life on earth.

Author: John-Mark, a companion of Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys.

Meaning: This book was named from the author who was an eye witness to Jesus’s life and ministry.

Author: Luke, a physician, wrote the book based on interviews.

Meaning: The book was named from the author who wanted to capture the power and holiness of Jesus as God so that his readers would believe.

Author: John, a disciple of Jesus, the one whom Jesus loved.

66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – History 

Meaning: This book was named from the author who was an eye witness to Jesus’s life and ministry. The book captures the life and missionary work of the of the Apostles mostly, Peter and Paul.

66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – Epistles 

These books were written after Jesus died, was raised and went back to heaven.

Christianity as a religion was new and young. Judaism was still the primary religion.

Many people who embraced Christianity experienced confusion as they converted from one belief to the next.

Some got weary and discouraged because of persecution and mistreatment.

These facts shape the names, meanings and authors of the Epistles.

Meaning: This was a letter written to the church located in Rome.

Author: The Apostle Paul

  • 1 Corinthians & 2 Corinthians

Meaning: These were letters written to the church located in Corinth.

Meaning: This was a letter written to the church located in Galatia.

Meaning: This was a letter written to the church located in Ephesus.

Meaning: This was a letter written to the church located in Phillipi.

Meaning: This was a letter written to the church located in Colossae.

  • 1 Thessalonians & 2 Thessalonians

Meaning: This was a letter written to the church located in Thessalonica.

  • 1 Timothy & 2 Timothy

Meaning: These were letter written to Timothy who was a young man, a missionary and a leader in the early church. The aim was to give him leadership advice as well as to encourage him.

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Download NEW TESTAMENT Books of the Bible, authors and meanings

Meaning: This was a letter written to Titus who was a missionary in the early church and a mentee of the Apostle Paul.

  • Philemon 

Meaning: This was written to a man named Philemon. His slave ran away and the author wrote a letter to him asking him to take back his slave in the spirit of freedom for the slave. The name comes from the Greek word philema which means kiss. The name means affectionate.

Meaning: This was a letter written to Christians of the early church who were struggling in their faith because they were being mistreated and harassed for their beliefs.

Meaning: This was a letter written to an unknown group of Christians. The author wanted to encourage them to live out their faith in practical ways.

Author: James , the brother of Jesus 

  • 1 Peter & 2 Peter – 

Meaning: These letters were written to Christians who were having a hard time because of their beliefs. The Greek word is Petros which means stone. 

Author: The Apostle Peter, a disciple of Jesus 

  • 1 John, 2 John, & 3 John

Meaning: These letters were written to Christians about how to love each other.

Author: The Apostle John, a disciple of Jesus and the one whom “Jesus loved”.

Meaning: This was a letter written to Christians about staying faithful in hard times.

Author: Jude, the brother of James 

66 Books of the Bible list and their meanings and authors – Prophecy

Meaning: The Greek word is Apokalupsis and it means to reveal prophecy.

BROWSE ALL the printables in this post .

DOWNLOAD ALL the printables in this post .

How do you remember the 66 books of the Bible?

I confess. I don’t always remember where to find some of the Books of the Bible.

When I used to use a physical Bible more often, this was never the case.

Now, my iPad and phone are taking away this aspect of my Bible knowledge.

But there is nothing like a song to help us remember anything.

If you want to commit the order of these books to memory, you can use the 66 books of the Bible song .

And you can use the 66 books of the bible coloring pages pdf too.

Terms of use: The printables on The Faith Space blog are for  personal use only . The files  may not  be altered or redistributed for monetary gain without written consent from the author. This includes but is not limited to selling the printed product, selling the file, or uploading the file to any other website other than to have it printed for personal use. You may not use anything on our site for any commercial purposes. 

Reader Interactions

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January 4, 2024 at 7:55 am

Check the number of NT books on the combined PDF for OT and NT. The numbers repeat from column to column.

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January 4, 2024 at 9:01 pm

Hi Bob. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I will correct this. Blessings.

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January 2, 2024 at 7:27 am

Hi, this is so helpful. i am busy compiling a bible reading journal to strengthen our walk with God through his word. Thank you for the free pintable’s and the layout of information. it will really help a lot of us.

Regards and God bless you always

January 4, 2024 at 9:03 pm

Hi Cheriza. It’s such a blessing that you are finding what you need to strengthen your walk with God. I pray you for you many blessings as you study His word. 😀 Thanks for sharing how you are using these printables.

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November 9, 2023 at 9:56 am

Caddabra, you have an interesting name. I see this 66 sheet Bible reference as a useful index for personal study. I would like to have a set, printed and in a looseleaf binder which would provide quick reference to help with thoughts about the various subject matter. I think it would be of great help in my personal Bible study.

50 years ago, this little Catholic boy knelt down beside my bed and met Jesus. THAT was my FIRST HOLY COMMUNION! I was 28 years old. I enterred into His rest, and I have loved His Holy Word. Even now, after these many years, I’m glad I can get excited about ways to better study The Holy Bible!

November 10, 2023 at 9:05 pm

Hello Unohoo. My name is indeed interesting 😀 You can absolutely print these sheets off for your personal use. I thank God that He has sustained your faith for these 50 years! I pray for you will continue to get excited every time you get to know through Bible study. Blessings to you.

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October 26, 2023 at 1:20 pm

Thank you so much for this. I have friends that want to start a Bible study and this is going to be so helpful.

October 26, 2023 at 11:37 pm

Your welcome Joni. So glad you found what you needed. I am so excited for your friends’ upcoming Bible study adventure. I pray that you will all meet Jesus in a special way. God bless you.

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March 10, 2023 at 11:54 am

March 10, 2023 at 6:49 pm

Thanks Pamela. 😀

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March 1, 2023 at 2:02 am

I have learnt a lot being a preacher and a CRE teacher in Kenya Iam now equipped with enormous resources for the church,my pupils, myself and family.God bless you abundantly

March 1, 2023 at 6:15 pm

Hi Antony. Thank you so much for sharing how the resources on The Faith Space are helping you to do God’s work in Kenya. I am soooo blessed to learn this. I just pray that God will water you, your family, and your students. Blessings.

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July 21, 2022 at 5:28 am

The presentation of the Biblical Truths, is awesome! In a few minutes, one could grasp the Biblical Wisdom! It streamlined my Biblical awareness with accuracy and consistency. Basically, I’m an Indian Preacher, ministering the Word of God amidst Indian rural folks, who are mostly illiterate. I’ll be grateful if you can provide spiritual guidelines which are simple and easy to preach to the forsaken and backward Indian brethren.

July 24, 2022 at 7:44 pm

Hello Prasannakumar. Such a blessing to receive your feedback. I am happy you were blessed. My one guideline for you is this: use the stories of the Bible to tell them about Jesus. I find that everyone, regardless of literacy level can connect with a story. And the wonderful thing about the Word of God is that you once you teach the simple truth about Jesus, the Holy Spirit will take it from there and do the rest of the work. I am praying for your success in ministry among the people God has sent you to serve. Blessings!

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July 3, 2022 at 6:20 pm

Where is the book of 1 Peter in the download for the Books of the New Testament …. there are 4 Gospels; 1 History; 21 Epistles and 1 Prophecy …. totalling 27 (not 26)

July 4, 2022 at 10:11 pm

Thanks for pointing out that error, Barb. Definitely an oversight on my part. I have updated the printable to reflect the correct number of books. Blessings.

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The word "testament", Hebrew berîth, Greek diatheke, primarily signifies the covenant which God entered into first with Abraham, then with the people of Israel. The Prophets had knowledge of a new covenant to which the one concluded on Mount Sinai should give away. Accordingly Christ at the Last Supper speaks of the blood of the new testament.

The canon of the Old Testament, its manuscripts, editions and ancient versions are treated in the articles BIBLE; CANON OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES; CODEX ALEXANDRINUS, etc.; HEBREW BIBLE; MASSORAH; MANUSCRIPTS OF THE BIBLE; VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE. Questions concerning the origin and contents of the single books are proposed and answered in articles on the respective books. More on Old Testament »

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Introduction to the Pentateuch

The First Five Books of the Bible

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The Bible begins with the Pentateuch. The five books of the Pentateuch are the first five books of the Christian Old Testament and the entire Jewish written Torah. These texts introduce most if not all of the most important themes that will recur throughout the Bible as well as characters and stories that continue to be relevant. Thus understanding the Bible requires understanding the Pentateuch.

What is the Pentateuch?

The word Pentateuch is a Greek term meaning "five scrolls" and refers to the five scrolls which comprise the Torah and which also comprise the first five books of the Christian Bible. These five books contain a variety of genres and were constructed from source material created over the course of millennia.

It is unlikely that these fives books were originally intended to be five books at all; instead, they were probably considered all one work. The division into five separate volumes is believed to have been imposed by Greek translators. Jews today divide the text into 54 sections called parshiot . One of these sections is read each week of the year (with a couple of weeks doubled up).

What are the Books in the Pentateuch?

The five books of the Pentateuch are:

  • Genesis ("creation")
  • Exodus ("departure")
  • Leviticus ("concerning the Levites")
  • Deuteronomy ("second law")

The original Hebrew titles for these five books are:

  • Bereshit ("In the beginning")
  • Shemot ("Names")
  • Vayikra ("He called")
  • Bamidbar ("In the wilderness")
  • Devarim ("Things" or "Words")

Important Characters in the Pentateuch

  • Adam & Eve : The first humans and the source of Original Sin
  • Noah : Had enough faith to be spared by God from a worldwide flood
  • Abraham : Chosen by God to be the "father" of Israel, God's "chosen people"
  • Isaac : Abraham's son, inherited God's blessing
  • Jacob : Abraham's grandson whose name God changed to "Israel"
  • Joseph : Son of Jacob, sold into slavery in Egypt
  • Moses : Leads the Hebrews out of Egypt and towards Canaan.
  • Aaron : Moses' older brother
  • Pharaoh : Unnamed ruler of Egypt, responsible for keeping the Hebrews enslaved
  • Joshua : Moses' successor as leader of the Israelites

Who Wrote the Pentateuch?

The tradition among believers has always been that Moses personally wrote the five books of the Pentateuch. In fact, the Pentateuch has in the past been referred to as the Biography of Moses (with Genesis as a prolog).

Nowhere in the Pentateuch, however, does any text ever claim that Moses is the author of the entire work. There is a single verse where Moses is described as having written down this "Torah," but that most likely refers only to the laws being presented at that particular point.

Modern scholarship has concluded that the Pentateuch was produced by multiple authors working at different times and then edited together. This line of research is known as the Documentary Hypothesis .

This research began in the 19th century and dominated biblical scholarship through most of the 20th century. Although details have come under criticism in recent decades, the broader idea that the Pentateuch is the work of multiple authors continues to be widely accepted.

When Was the Pentateuch Written?

The texts that comprise the Pentateuch were written and edited by many different people over a long span of time. Most scholars tend to agree, however, that the Pentateuch as a combined, whole work probably existed in some form by the 7th or 6th century BCE, which puts it during the early Babylonian Exile or shortly before. Some editing and adding were still to come, but not long after the Babylonian Exile the Pentateuch was largely in its current form and other texts were being written.

The Pentateuch as the Source of Law

The Hebrew word for the Pentateuch is Torah, which simply means "the law." This refers to the fact that the Pentateuch is the primary source for Jewish law, believed to have been handed down by God to Moses. In fact, almost all biblical law can be found in the collections of laws in the Pentateuch; the rest of the Bible is arguably a commentary on the law and lessons from myth or history about what happens when people do or do not follow the laws handed down by God.

Modern research has revealed that there are strong connections between the laws in the Pentateuch and the laws found in other ancient Near-East civilizations. There was a common legal culture in the Near East long before Moses would have lived, assuming that such a person even existed. The Pentateuchal laws didn't come out of nowhere, fully-formed from some imaginative Israelite or even a deity. Instead, they developed through cultural evolution and cultural borrowing, like all other laws in human history.

That said, though, there are ways in which the laws in the Pentateuch are distinct from other legal codes in the region. For example, the Pentateuch mixes together religious and civil laws as if there were no fundamental difference. In other civilizations, the laws regulating priests and those for crimes like murder were handled with more separation. Also, the laws in the Pentateuch exhibit more concern with a person's actions in their private lives and less concern with things like property than other regional codes.

The Pentateuch as History

The Pentateuch has traditionally been treated as a source of history as well as of law, especially among Christians who no longer followed the ancient legal code. The historicity of the stories in the first five books of the Bible has long been cast into doubt, however. Genesis, because it focuses on primeval history, has the least amount of independent evidence for anything in it.

Exodus and Numbers would have occurred more recently in history, but it also would have occurred in the context of Egypt — a nation which has left us a wealth of records, both written and archaeological. Nothing, however, has been found in or around Egypt to verify the Exodus story as it appears in the Pentateuch. Some have even been contradicted, like the idea that the Egyptians used armies of slaves for their building projects.

It is possible that a long-term migration of Semitic peoples out of Egypt was compressed into a shorter, more dramatic story. Leviticus and Deuteronomy are primarily books of laws.

Major Themes in the Pentateuch

Covenant : The idea of covenants is woven throughout the stories and laws in the five books of the Pentateuch. It's an idea that also continues to play a major role throughout the rest of the Bible as well. A covenant is a contract or treaty between God and humans, either all humans or one specific group.

Early on God is depicted as making promises to Adam, Eve, Cain, and others about their own personal futures. Later God makes promises to Abraham about the future of all his descendants. Later still God makes a highly detailed covenant with the people of Israel — a covenant with extensive provisions that the people are supposed to obey in exchange for promises of blessings from God.

Monotheism : Judaism today is treated as the origin of monotheistic religion, but ancient Judaism wasn't always monotheistic. We can see in the earliest texts — and that includes almost all of the Pentateuch — that the religion was originally monolatrous rather than monotheistic. Monolatry is the belief that multiple gods exist, but only one should be worshipped. It isn't until the later portions of Deuteronomy that real monotheism as we know it today starts to be expressed.

However, because all five books of the Pentateuch were created from a variety of prior source material, it's possible to find tension between monotheism and monolatry in the texts. Sometimes it's possible to read the texts as the evolution of ancient Judaism away from monolatry and towards monotheism.

  • An Overview of Genesis in the Bible
  • Biography of Moses, Leader of the Abrahamic Religions
  • What Is the Bible?
  • The Bible Timeline
  • What Is the Pentateuch?
  • Scripture Readings for the Third Week of Lent
  • Introduction to the Book of Deuteronomy
  • Introduction to the Catholic Religion: Beliefs, Practices and History
  • Introduction to the Book of Genesis
  • Introduction to the Book of Leviticus
  • Why Are There Problems Choosing Bible Translations?
  • What Were the 12 Tribes of Israel?
  • The 66 Books of the Bible
  • Moses in the Bible, Giver of the Law
  • Meet King Pharaoh: Arrogant Egyptian Ruler
  • The Importance of Repetition in the Bible

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Books of the Bible List (plus Free Printable)

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While we often think of the Bible as simply being a single book, it is actually a collection of many different books compiled into one. Each book in the Bible has a different story to tell.

And although the books themselves are in a certain order in the Bible, it isn’t in chronological order of how things actually happened in real-time.

Sometimes we can read single verses from different books in the Bible but not truly understand the context of the verse. Having a better understanding of how the books are classified can help make better sense of it all!

Below is a breakdown of all the books of the Bible and includes a really great Books of the Bible printable to help you keep track of it all during your study time.

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our full disclosure for more information.

How Many Books of the Bible Are There

There are a total of 66 books of the Bible . These are broken down into two segments called the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Old Testament Books of the Bible List 1

Books of the Bible List- Old Testament

How many books are in the Old Testament?

There are a total of 39 books in the Old Testament . They begin with the creation of Earth and everything on it and cover the early history of the Jewish people (Israelites). It is about everything before the birth of Jesus but includes a lot of prophecy of the coming Messiah.

  • Deuteronomy
  • 1 Chronicles
  • 2 Chronicles
  • Ecclesiastes
  • The Song of Solomon
  • Lamentations

Books of the Bible List – New Testament

New Testament Books of the Bible List 1

How many books are in the New Testament?

There are a total of 27 books in the New Testament . These begin with the Gospels which cover the birth of Jesus along with his death and resurrection. The New Testament books are focused on the new covenant that is created with Jesus dies for our sins on the cross.

  • 1 Corinthians
  • 2 Corinthians
  • Philippians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians

What Are the Different Types of Books in the Bible

One really interesting thing to understand when studying the Bible is to understand the background of each book. Each book from the Old Testament and from the New Testament can be “organized” by content/purpose.

Old Testament Books of the Bible

The Old Testament books can be organized into 5 sections which include: Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets.

Books of the Bible – Law (Pentateuch)

These are the first 5 books in the Bible and were written by Moses. They are also called the books of Law or Pentateuch.

Books of the Old Testament – History

There are 12 books in the Old Testament that cover the history of the Israelites.

Books of the Old Testament – Poetry

There are five poetry books in the Bible. While the previous books covered Israelite history, these are considered a transition into books about the major and minor prophets.

Books of the Old Testament – Major Prophets

There are a total of 5 books of the Major Prophets in the Old Testament.

Books of the Old Testament – Minor Prophets

There are 12 books of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament.

New Testament Books of the Bible

The New Testament books of the Bible are organized into 4 main sections: The Gospels, History, The Epistles, and the Prophecy.

Books of the New Testament – Gospels

The 4 Gospels are the stories of the life of Jesus while he was on Earth.

Books of the New Testament – History

The Book of Acts  covers the important period in Christian history between the resurrection of Jesus and the death of the apostle Paul, the time when Christian ideas and beliefs were being formulated, and when the organization of the church into a worldwide movement was being developed.

Books of the New Testament – Epistles

The Epistles refers to the books of the Bible that are mostly letters written by Paul and other apostles to churches or individuals.

Books of the New Testament – Prophecy

The Book of Revelation is the final book of Bible. It lays out the visions given to John about the end of times and what it will look like when Jesus returns to Earth.

Books of the Bible mockup

Free Printable Books of the Bible List PDF

To make it easier to learn and remember the breakdown of all the Books of the Bible, I’ve created this handy Books of the Bible pdf . It includes:

  • 1 page with all 66 books listed
  • 1 page with just Old Testament
  • 1 page with just New Testament

There you have it! A breakdown of all 66 books of the Bible!

Now, as you read through each book or verse, you’ll have a little better understanding of the context for what you are reading!

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List of Old Testament Books | Download Excel PDF

Copy and Paste or Download a list of old testament books in many popular formats. The Old Testament refers to the books of the Bible that are also called the Hebrew Bible. It is one of two parts of the Christian Bible, the other being the New Testament. The Old Testament contains 39 books that are divided into three parts, known as “The Law”, “The Prophets” and “The Writings”.

Scholars from both Jewish and Christian traditions consider the books of the Old Testament to be a set of authoritative texts. According to Jewish scholars, these texts were divinely inspired and revealed to prophets and other individuals over a period of 1,500 years. These texts are written in Hebrew and Aramaic.

Table of Contents

List Of Old Testament Books

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalm Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

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IMAGES

  1. 46 Books Of Old Testament

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  2. The Old Testament Books

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  3. The 39 Books of the Old Testament

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  4. Division of Old Testament Books

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  5. PPT

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  6. 66 books of the Bible list (plus free printables pdf)

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  1. Old Testament books

  2. The books of the Old Testament

  3. Old Testament books by Genesis ❤️

  4. The Old Testament

  5. Books of the Old Testament

  6. Learn About The bible

COMMENTS

  1. A Complete List of Old Testament Books in Order: Bible Summary

    The Old Testament consists of 39 different books originally written in the Hebrew and Aramaic languages and can be divided into four categories, including The Torah (or Pentateuch), the historical books, the prophetic writings, and the poetic or wisdom literature.

  2. Books of the Bible: Old Testament Books in Order

    The Five Books of the Law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy The first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of the Law, were written by Moses and are considered the foundation of the Jewish faith and the Hebrew bible.

  3. Books of the Bible in Order: The New and Old Testament

    1 Samuel Samuel relates God's establishment of a political system in Israel headed by a human king. Through Samuel's life, we see the rise of the monarchy and the tragedy of its first king, Saul. 2 Samuel After the failure of King Saul, 2 Samuel depicts David as a true (though imperfect) representative of the ideal theocratic king.

  4. Old Testament books

    There are 39 total books in the Old Testament, divided into five groups. Pentateuch (Law of Moses) 1. Genesis The book of Genesis answers the question, "Where did all this come from?"

  5. Old Testament

    The Old Testament (OT) is the first division of the Christian biblical canon, which is based primarily upon the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh, a collection of ancient religious Hebrew and occasionally Aramaic writings by the Israelites. The second division of Christian Bibles is the New Testament, written in Koine Greek.. The Old Testament consists of many distinct books by various ...

  6. List of books of the King James Version

    There are 80 books in the King James Bible; 39 in the Old Testament, 14 in the apocrypha, and 27 in the New Testament . When citing the Latin Vulgate, chapter and verse are separated with a comma, for example "Ioannem 3,16"; in English Bibles chapter and verse are separated with a colon, for example "John 3:16".

  7. Books of the Bible

    Books of the Bible SORT ORDER: Canonical | Alphabetical Books of the Bible in Canonical Order Old Testament Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Sa...

  8. PDF The 39 Books of the Old Testament

    The 39 Books of the Old Testament Barnes' Bible Charts OLD TESTAMENT • Genesis • Exodus • Leviticus • Numbers • Deuteronomy • Joshua • Judges • Ruth • 1 Samuel • 2 Samuel • Ecclesiastes • Song of Solomon • Isaiah • Jeremiah • Lamentations • Ezekiel • Daniel • Hosea • Joel • Amos

  9. Old Testament Books In Order (Canonical Order)

    Old Testament Books In Order Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum

  10. Old Testament books in Chronological order

    1050 -586 BC Divided Monarchy: 2Kings & 2Chronicles; Obadiah, Joel, Jonah, Hosea, Amos, Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Habakkuk. 586-538 BC Exile: Ezekiel, Daniel, Esther. 538 - Return from exile: Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. More Lists Where to next? Who is…? Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

  11. 66 Books of the Bible List (In Order With Summaries)

    66 Books of the Bible List Old Testament Books Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah

  12. The Books of the Bible: Listed by the Old and New Testament

    The Books of the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha of the Bible. (See the alphabetical listing of the books of the Bible .) Books in the Old Testament Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1& 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah

  13. What Is the Chronological Order of the 66 Books of the Bible?

    - Paul's letters (epistles) to the churches: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians - Paul's letters to individual people: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon - Letters by others: Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation

  14. Chronology of the Old Testament Books

    The Psalms have been intentionally omitted because they were written over a period of many centuries by a number of different authors. See also the Chronology of the Prophets, the Chronology of the Old Testament Kings, and the Chronology of Latter Prophets and Intertestamental Period for more information.

  15. List of Books of the Bible, Including both the old and new testament

    New International Version, Old Testament. Following is a list of books in the King James holy bible, in the Old Testament, along with a brief description: Book of Genesis - written by Moses. Genesis means origin or beginning. Book of Exodus - Written by Moses, Exodus tells the story of the departure of the Israelite nation from Egypt.

  16. Books of the Bible (NIV)

    1 Peter. 2 Peter. 1 John. 2 John. 3 John. Jude. Revelation. List of all the books of the Bible in the New International Version (English).

  17. Chronology of the Old Testament

    The appendix to the book (Judges 17-21) belongs to the period of moral chaos that preceded the first oppression (1382 b.c.), for the migration of the Danites in chs. 17; 18 is mentioned in the Book of Joshua (19:47), which must have been composed shortly after Joshua's own death (Josh 5:1; 6:25; cf. the priority of Judges 18:12 to 13:25), and ...

  18. 66 books of the Bible list (plus free printables pdf)

    There 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. Despite the way they have been organized, the stories are not all chronologically placed. That's why there are such things as the chronological Bible reading plan. What are the 66 books of the Bible in order

  19. Old Testament

    Old Testament. Catholic Online. Bible. The word "testament", Hebrew berîth, Greek diatheke, primarily signifies the covenant which God entered into first with Abraham, then with the people of Israel. The Prophets had knowledge of a new covenant to which the one concluded on Mount Sinai should give away. Accordingly Christ at the Last Supper ...

  20. The Pentateuch or the First Five Books of the Bible

    The five books of the Pentateuch are the first five books of the Christian Old Testament and the entire Jewish written Torah. These texts introduce most if not all of the most important themes that will recur throughout the Bible as well as characters and stories that continue to be relevant. Thus understanding the Bible requires understanding ...

  21. What are the historical books of the Bible?

    The Old Testament begins with the Pentateuch, the five books penned by Moses.From the Pentateuch, we learn of the patriarchs and Israel's growth into a great nation. The next twelve books of the Old Testament, the historical books, begin along the banks of the Jordan River and tell the story of God's liberated people and the occupation of the land promised to them in perpetuity.

  22. Books of the Bible List (plus Free Printable)

    Old Testament Books of the Bible. The Old Testament books can be organized into 5 sections which include: Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets. Books of the Bible - Law (Pentateuch) These are the first 5 books in the Bible and were written by Moses. They are also called the books of Law or Pentateuch.

  23. List of Old testament books|PDF Excel CSV

    This is the list read by a female voice in mp3 format. Click the 3 dots on the left of the player to download the mp3 file or change the speed of the playback. Copy or download a list of old testament books in popular formats. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel.