How Many books are in the Bible? Great question!
The Bible has sixty-six books. Thirty-nine are in the Old Testament, and twenty-seven are in the New Testament. Let’s look at the books of the Bible in order. We have even included fun songs to help you learn. But first a little history!
What is Contained in the Bible?
Eyewitness Accounts
It contains eyewitness accounts from forty authors throughout its pages. These reports predate human history because God described the creation in its first chapter (Genesis 1:1-2:4). Adam then continued documenting the events and genealogical records that occurred during his lifetime and even signed his name to his record, as did every author in Genesis:
“This is the book of the generations of Adam” (Genesis 5:1).
Biblical Events
Into Eternity
Through prophecy (the other side of what will be history), the Bible describes –often in detail — events that postdate these current heavens and earth:
“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth.” For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (Revelation 21:1; see also 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 21 & 22).
So, it tells us how God created the heavens and earth and about the eternal state, plus, in between those times, the history of the Kingdom of God.
Entrusted with God’s Oracles
God chose one nation, one people-group, to care for His oracles:
“What advantage then does the Jew have?… Chiefly because the oracles of God were entrusted to them” (Romans 3:1-2).
Who Wrote the Old Testament Books in the Bible?
God’s Last Word Before Jesus
Moses wrote or compiled the first five books of the Bible, and the authors of every Bible book were Jewish men (though one possible exception is Luke). Moses wrote during the 15th century BC, and Malachi was the last Old Testament writer in the 5th century BC (about 420 BC). Malachi was God’s last word to His people until Jesus’ birth about 5 BC as God’s living Word:
“God, who at various times and in diverse ways spoke long ago to the fathers through the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the world” (Hebrews 1:1-2).
When Was the New Testament Written?
God’s Last Word: Jesus
James wrote the first New Testament book about 45 AD, and John authored the last book, Revelation, about 96 AD. The last chapter of Revelation clarifies that, as Malachi was God’s last word until Jesus came the first time, Revelation is God’s final word –with a strong warning against adding to it! — until Jesus returns:
“I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18).
Learn the Books of the Old Testament in Order
Books in the Old Testament Song
- 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
- Habakkuk
- Zephaniah
- Haggai
- Zechariah
- Malachi
Books in the New Testament Song
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
- Acts
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
- Revelation
Nothing More to Say!
After this final book, God rested His revelation to the world because He’s said it all! He sent Jesus to provide salvation for all who believe in Jesus’ Name (John 1:12). Jesus died for our sins and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). He’s currently sitting at God’s right hand in heaven (Acts 7:55-56), waiting to return to claim His Kingdom:
“(God said), “You are My son; … Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession…. Now then, you kings (every living person), be wise… Kiss the son (by believing in Him), lest He become angry, and you perish in the way… Blessed are all who seek refuge in Him” (Psalm 2:7-12).
The Bible Calls All to Believe in Jesus
Kiss the Son!
Again, God’s final message to the world is to ‘Kiss the Son’ by believing in Him for eternal life.
