Navigating sacred texts can feel overwhelming. You’re staring at this massive collection wondering where to start. The Bible isn’t just one book it’s an entire biblical literature library spanning thousands of years. From Genesis to Revelation, each book tells part of humanity’s spiritual journey.
Let me guide you through all 66 books of the Bible in order. You’ll discover key insights, authorship details, and dates that’ll make your Bible study clearer than ever.
The Old Testament: The First 39 Books of the Bible
The Old Testament books form Christianity’s foundation. These Hebrew Bible texts emerged across centuries. They capture Israelite history, prophecy, poetry, and law.
Here’s your complete Bible book list for the Old Testament:
#1-5: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
#6-12: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings
#13-17: 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
#18-22: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
#23-27: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
#28-39: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
These books weren’t written all at once. The dates of composition range from the 10th to 5th century B.C.E. for early texts like Genesis, extending to the 2nd century B.C.E. for Daniel.
THE NEW TESTAMENT: The Last 27 Books of the Bible
The New Testament books document Christianity’s emergence. They focus on Jesus Christ, His teachings, and the early Christian church.
Your complete New Testament lineup:
#40-43: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
#44: Acts
#45-57: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
#58-65: Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude
#66: Revelation
Written between c. 50-130 C.E., these texts shaped Christian doctrine forever.
The Pentateuch: Authorship, Date Written, and Summaries
The Pentateuch (also called Torah) contains the Bible’s first five books. Tradition credits Moses with authorship, but modern scholarship suggests multiple unknown authors contributed across centuries.
| Book | Traditional Author | Modern View | Date | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis | Moses | Multiple authors | 10th-5th century B.C.E. | Gen 1:1 |
| Exodus | Moses | Multiple authors | 600-400 B.C.E. | Ex 3:14 |
| Leviticus | Moses | Multiple authors | 550-300 B.C.E. | Lev 20:26 |
| Numbers | Moses | Multiple authors | 550-300 B.C.E. | Num 6:24 |
| Deuteronomy | Moses | Multiple authors | 7th-5th century B.C.E. | Deut 6:5 |
Summaries for the Pentateuch (Torah) – The first five books of the Bible, often referred to as “The Law”
#1 – Genesis: The creation story unfolds beautifully. You’ll meet Adam and Eve, witness Noah’s flood, and walk through the Tower of Babel’s chaos. The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph dominate later chapters. Their biblical narratives establish Israel’s identity. The book ends with Israelites settling in Egypt.
#2 – Exodus: Moses leads the dramatic escape from Egyptian bondage. The Ten Plagues devastate Egypt. The parting of the Red Sea becomes Israel’s defining miracle. At Mount Sinai, Moses receives the Ten Commandments and numerous other laws. This book defines faith and obedience like nothing else.
#3 – Leviticus: The laws here seem endless. Ritual purity, sacrificial offerings, festival requirements everything’s detailed. The laws of Leviticus emphasize holiness above all. Modern readers struggle with its density, but ancient Israelites needed these guidelines desperately.
#4 – Numbers: Israel’s wilderness wanderings test everyone’s patience. Multiple rebellions erupt. Census data appears (hence the name). The journey from Mount Sinai to Canaan’s border stretches across forty exhausting years. Judgment and mercy alternate throughout.
#5 – Deuteronomy: Moses delivers farewell speeches before Israel enters Canaan. He recaps their journey, restates laws, and emphasizes covenant loyalty. Social justice themes emerge strongly. This book bridges past wanderings to future settlement.
The Historical Books: AUTHORSHIP, DATE WRITTEN, AND SUMMARIES
Twelve books chronicle Israelite history from conquest through exile. Biblical authorship remains debated scholarly consensus favors multiple unknown authors over traditional attributions.
| Book | Traditional Author | Modern View | Date | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua | Joshua | Unknown | 7th-6th century B.C.E. | Josh 24:15 |
| Judges | Samuel | Multiple unknown | 6th century B.C.E. | Judg 21:25 |
| Ruth | Samuel | Unknown | 6th-5th century B.C.E. | Ruth 1:16 |
| 1 Samuel | Samuel, Nathan, Gad | Multiple unknown | 7th-6th century B.C.E. | 1 Sam 16:7 |
| 2 Samuel | Samuel, Nathan, Gad | Multiple unknown | 7th-6th century B.C.E. | 2 Sam 7:16 |
Summaries for the Historical Books – Narratives of Israel’s History Post-Egypt to the Babylonian Exile
#6 – Joshua: The Joshua conquest of Canaan begins! Military campaigns sweep through the land. The twelve tribes of Israel receive territorial allotments. Joshua renews Israel’s covenant commitment before dying.
#7 – Judges: Chaos reigns during this era. Israelite leaders called judges rise temporarily. Deborah, Gideon, and Samson battle foreign oppressors. Everyone does what seems right personally. Moral and ethical lessons emerge from this turbulent period.
#8 – Ruth: Naomi and her Moabite daughter-in-law Ruth demonstrate extraordinary loyalty. Boaz marries Ruth, continuing David’s royal lineage. This short book showcases redemption and salvation beautifully.
#9 – 1 Samuel: Prophet Samuel anoints Saul as Israel’s first king. The Israelite monarchy begins rocky. Young David defeats Goliath, rises to prominence, but faces Saul’s jealous rage.
#10 – 2 Samuel: David consolidates power as king. He conquers Jerusalem, making it Israel’s capital. His affair with Bathsheba reveals devastating moral failure. Yet he remains God’s chosen leader.
#11 – 1 Kings: Solomon’s wisdom and temple construction mark Israel’s golden age. David and Solomon represent monarchy’s peak. The kingdom splits into Northern Kingdom of Israel and Southern Kingdom of Judah after Solomon dies.
#12 – 2 Kings: Both kingdoms spiral toward destruction. The Babylonian exile looms. Assyria conquers Israel first. Babylon eventually devastates Judah. Jerusalem’s temple burns.
#13 – 1 Chronicles: Genealogies trace lineage from Adam through David’s line. David’s reign gets retold emphasizing temple preparations. The priesthood receives detailed organization.
#14 – 2 Chronicles: Solomon builds Jerusalem’s magnificent temple. Subsequent Judah kings vary wildly. Some embrace faithfulness; others pursue idolatry. The Babylonian exile concludes this historical narrative.
#15 – Ezra: Jewish exiles return from Babylon. Zerubbabel and Ezra lead temple reconstruction efforts. Religious life gradually restores in Jerusalem.
#16 – Nehemiah: Jerusalem’s walls lie in ruins. Nehemiah courageously rebuilds them despite opposition. Leadership and community collaboration shine throughout.
#17 – Esther: Queen Esther saves her people from genocide in the Persian Empire. The Jewish festival of Purim celebrates this deliverance. Divine providence works behind the scenes.
The Wisdom and Poetry Books: AUTHORSHIP, DATE WRITTEN, AND SUMMARIES
Five books comprise the Bible’s wisdom literature. They explore spiritual reflection, suffering, love, and practical living.
| Book | Traditional Author | Modern View | Date | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job | Job | Unknown | 6th-4th century B.C.E. | Job 42:2 |
| Psalms | David, others | Multiple unknown | 10th-5th century B.C.E. | Psalm 23:1 |
| Proverbs | Solomon | Multiple unknown | 10th-5th century B.C.E. | Prov 1:7 |
| Ecclesiastes | Solomon | Unknown | 3rd century B.C.E. | Ecc 12:13 |
| Song of Solomon | Solomon | Unknown | 6th-4th century B.C.E. | Song 8:7 |
Summaries for the Wisdom and Poetry Books – Literary and poetic books, largely centered on wisdom and reflections on life
#18 – Job: Suffering dominates this profound book. Job loses everything children, wealth, health. His friends offer terrible comfort. God eventually speaks, revealing divine mystery surpasses human understanding.
#19 – Psalms: These 150 poems express every human emotion. David authored many. Worship, lament, thanksgiving, and confession flow throughout. Psalms and Proverbs anchor Jewish and Christian liturgy today.
#20 – Proverbs: Practical Ecclesiastes wisdom fills these chapters. Solomon receives traditional credit. Short sayings address character, relationships, integrity, and foolishness.
#21 – Ecclesiastes: Life’s meaninglessness gets explored honestly. The teacher questions everything. Earthly pursuits prove empty ultimately. Yet enjoying simple pleasures and fearing God brings meaning.
#22 – Song of Solomon: These Song of Solomon love poems celebrate romantic passion. Jewish tradition interprets them allegorically. Christians see Christ-Church imagery. The text itself simply honors love’s beauty.
The Major Prophets: AUTHORSHIP, DATE WRITTEN, AND SUMMARIES
Five lengthy prophetic books warn Israel and Judah. They address social justice, idolatry, coming judgment, and restoration hope.
| Book | Traditional Author | Modern View | Date | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isaiah | Isaiah | Multiple authors | 8th-6th century B.C.E. | Isa 53:5 |
| Jeremiah | Jeremiah | Multiple authors | 7th-6th century B.C.E. | Jer 29:11 |
| Lamentations | Jeremiah | Multiple unknown | 6th century B.C.E. | Lam 3:22-23 |
| Ezekiel | Ezekiel | Ezekiel | c. 593-571 B.C.E. | Ezek 36:26 |
| Daniel | Daniel | Unknown | 2nd century B.C.E. | Dan 2:20 |
Summaries for the Major Prophets – Larger prophetic works in the Old Testament
#23 – Isaiah: This composite text addresses pre-exilic Judea, exile reflections, and post-exilic restoration. Justice and righteousness themes dominate. Prophecy and fulfillment motifs appear throughout.
#24 – Jeremiah: The “weeping prophet” warns Judah relentlessly. Babylonian exile approaches. Yet Jeremiah promises a new covenant. Hope persists amid devastation.
#25 – Lamentations: Jerusalem’s destruction gets mourned poetically. Deep sorrow fills every verse. God’s mercy still flickers faintly.
#26 – Ezekiel: Visionary experiences overwhelm readers. Ezekiel ministers among Babylonian exiles. Judgment and restoration alternate. Spiritual renewal promises emerge powerfully.
#27 – Daniel: Court tales showcase Jewish faithfulness abroad. Apocalyptic visions reveal divine sovereignty. Daniel’s prophecies inspire hope during persecution.
The Minor Prophets: AUTHORSHIP, DATE WRITTEN, AND SUMMARIES
Twelve shorter prophetic books complete the Old Testament. Their brevity doesn’t diminish their impact.
Summaries for the Minor Prophets – Shorter prophetic works in the Old Testament
#28 – Hosea: Hosea’s troubled marriage symbolizes Israel’s unfaithfulness. Love, betrayal, and redemption interweave beautifully.
#29 – Joel: A locust plague foreshadows the Day of the Lord. Repentance brings restoration. Divine spirit promises appear.
#30 – Amos: Social justice demands fill Amos’s message. Israel’s wealthy exploit the poor. Judgment looms unless they change.
#31 – Obadiah: Edom’s pride guarantees destruction. Israel will triumph eventually.
#32 – Jonah: Reluctant Jonah flees God’s call. Nineveh surprisingly repents. God’s compassion extends beyond Israel.
#33 – Micah: Justice, mercy, and humility define true religion. Bethlehem becomes significant prophetically.
#34 – Nahum: Nineveh’s destruction gets proclaimed confidently. God judges oppressive nations.
#35 – Habakkuk: Why do wicked people prosper? Faith provides the answer ultimately.
#36 – Zephaniah: The Day of the Lord brings judgment. A faithful remnant survives.
#37 – Haggai: Post-exile Israel delays temple rebuilding. Priorities need adjustment immediately.
#38 – Zechariah: Apocalyptic imagery encourages temple reconstruction. A future king promises peace.
#39 – Malachi: Religious sincerity matters deeply. Judgment and purification await.
Read More: Biblically Accurate Lucifer
The Gospels: AUTHORSHIP, DATE WRITTEN, AND SUMMARIES
Four Gospel narratives document the life of Jesus Christ. They’re the New Testament’s foundation.
| Book | Traditional Author | Modern View | Date | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew | Matthew | Unknown | 80-90 C.E. | Matt 5:17 |
| Mark | Mark | Unknown | c. 70 C.E. | Mark 10:45 |
| Luke | Luke | Unknown | 85-90 C.E. | Luke 19:10 |
| John | John | Unknown | 90-100 C.E. | John 14:6 |
Summaries for the Gospels – The first four books of the New Testament, four accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ
#40 – Matthew: Jewish audiences receive Jesus as promised Messiah. Teachings of Jesus fill five major discourses. Prophecy and fulfillment connections appear constantly.
#41 – Mark: This earliest Gospel moves rapidly. Jesus serves and suffers. Action dominates over lengthy teaching.
#42 – Luke: Compassion toward outcasts shines throughout. The Good Samaritan parable and Prodigal Son parable appear here. The Holy Spirit’s role emerges prominently.
#43 – John: Jesus’s divinity gets emphasized uniquely. Theological depth surpasses the Synoptics. “I am” statements reveal divine identity.
Did Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Actually Write Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Biblical authorship debates intensify around the Gospels. Traditional names lack historical confirmation. The historical Jesus requires scholarly investigation beyond simple attribution.
Anonymous authors likely wrote decades after Jesus’s resurrection and ascension. Their theological perspectives shaped each narrative distinctively.
The Book of Acts: AUTHORSHIP, DATE WRITTEN, AND SUMMARIES
| Book | Traditional Author | Modern View | Date | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acts | Luke | Unknown | c. 90 C.E. | Acts 1:8 |
Summary of the Book of Acts – The history of the early Christian church post-resurrection
#44 – Acts: The Acts of the Apostles chronicles Christianity’s explosive growth. Pentecost launches the early Christian church. Peter and Paul dominate the narrative. Letters to early churches follow naturally from Acts’s missionary journeys.
The Pauline Epistles
Thirteen letters bear Paul’s name. Scholars debate authentic Pauline Epistles versus later attributions.
| Book | Traditional Author | Modern View | Date | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romans | Paul | Paul | 57-58 C.E. | Rom 1:17 |
| 1 Corinthians | Paul | Paul | 56-57 C.E. | 1 Cor 13:13 |
| 2 Corinthians | Paul | Paul | c. 57 C.E. | 2 Cor 5:17 |
| Galatians | Paul | Paul | 54-55 C.E. | Gal 2:20 |
Summaries for the Pauline Epistles – Letters written by (or attributed to) the Apostle Paul
#45 – Romans: Christian theology reaches its pinnacle here. Sin, justification, sanctification Paul explains everything systematically.
#46 – 1 Corinthians: Divisions plague Colossae’s church. Paul addresses morality, spiritual gifts, and love’s supremacy.
#47 – 2 Corinthians: Paul defends his apostolic authority personally. Weakness reveals Christ’s power paradoxically.
#48 – Galatians: Faith trumps Jewish Law definitively. Freedom in Christ liberates believers.
#49 – Ephesians: The church’s identity and unity dominate. Spiritual armor protects believers.
#50 – Philippians: Joy radiates despite Paul’s imprisonment. Christ’s mindset should guide believers.
#51 – Colossians: Christ’s supremacy over all powers gets emphasized strongly.
#52 – 1 Thessalonians: Christ’s return comforts young believers. Encouragement flows naturally.
#53 – 2 Thessalonians: Misunderstandings about Christ’s return need correction immediately.
#54-56 – 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus: Church leadership, sound teaching, and combating false doctrines dominate.
#57 – Philemon: Paul requests mercy for runaway slave Onesimus. Brotherly love should replace punishment.
The General Epistles: AUTHORSHIP, DATE WRITTEN, AND SUMMARIES
Eight letters address broader early Christian communities beyond Paul’s reach.
Summaries for the General Epistles – Letters written by various authors to early Christian communities
#58 – Hebrews: Christ surpasses all other mediators. He’s our ultimate high priest.
#59 – James: Faith without works dies. Practical Christianity matters deeply.
#60 – 1 Peter: Persecution tests believers constantly. Living hope sustains them.
#61 – 2 Peter: False teachers threaten believers. Christ’s return remains certain.
#62-64 – 1, 2, 3 John: Love defines genuine Christianity. Truth must be maintained.
#65 – Jude: Contend earnestly for authentic faith. Judgment awaits the ungodly.
Apocalyptic: AUTHORSHIP, DATE WRITTEN, AND SUMMARIES
| Book | Traditional Author | Modern View | Date | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revelation | Apostle John | John of Patmos | 95-100 C.E. | Rev 1:8 |
Summary for the Apocalyptic Book – Prophecies concerning the end times
#66 – Revelation: Apocalyptic visions overwhelm readers. John of Patmos writes from exile. Cosmic conflict between good and evil reaches climax. Prophecies concerning the end times promise God’s ultimate victory.
HOW MANY BOOKS ARE IN the Bible?
The Christian Bible contains 66 books of the Bible total. This breaks down into 39 Old Testament books plus 27 New Testament books.
Different traditions count differently though. Catholics include deuterocanonical books. Orthodox churches add even more texts. But Protestant Scripture standardized on 66.
How Many Books Are In the Hebrew Bible?
The Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) organizes 24 books across three sections: Torah, Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism all recognize these 24.
Why the discrepancy between 24 and 39? Christians split certain books. 1 Kings and 2 Kings combine as one in Hebrew tradition. Same with Samuel and Chronicles.
Conclusion to the 66 Books of the Bible
You’ve journeyed through humanity’s most influential religious writings. From creation’s dawn to Revelation’s apocalypse, these texts shaped civilizations.
The Bible in order reveals remarkable continuity. Redemption and salvation themes echo throughout. Divine interaction with humanity unfolds across millennia.
Whether you’re pursuing Bible study or seeking spiritual guidance, understanding this biblical chronology enriches everything. Each book contributes uniquely to understanding Scripture’s grand narrative.
Start your Bible reading journey today. Let these sacred texts transform your perspective. The wisdom contained here transcends time completely.
