Books of the Bible – A List & Overview

Penned under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Books of the Bible are an extraordinary collection.

Written by laymen and scholars, commoners and nobility alike, the Bible itself is comprised of 66 ancient books that have not only shaped laws and influenced culture, but have also inspired billions to faith over the course of three millennia.

Its uniqueness lies not only in its wisdom and profoundness, but also in its ability to transcend time and transform the hearts and minds of believers.

Comprised of the Old Testament Books and the New Testament Books, the Bible stands as a fundamental exploration of history and morality, resonating with relevance in the present just as it has throughout time.

Delve into this timeless masterpiece, a captivating study that captivates the hearts and minds of all who seek its wisdom.

How many Books are in the Bible?

There are a total of 66 books in the bible. 39 books in the Old Testament, and 27 in the New Testament.

The Protestant Bible contains 66 books, while the Catholic Bible has 73 books. The Eastern Orthodox Bible has 78 books, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible has 81 books.

This difference in number is due to varying interpretations of which books are considered canon or authoritative by different religious traditions.

Regardless of the specific number, all Bibles contain two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament contains books that were written before the birth of Jesus Christ and is considered sacred by both Christians and Jews.

It is made up of 39 books in the Protestant Bible, but the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Ethiopian Orthodox Bibles have additional books that are not included in the Protestant Old Testament.

The books in the Old Testament can be further divided into four main sections:

  • The Pentateuch
  • Historical Books
  • Poetic and Wisdom Books
  • The Prophets.

The Pentateuch consists of the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books are believed to be written by Moses and contain important accounts of creation, the history of the Israelites, and laws given by God.

The Historical Books cover the history of the people of Israel, including their conquests and struggles, while the Poetic and Wisdom Books contain songs, prayers, and wisdom literature.

The Prophets section includes writings by prophets who were believed to have been chosen by God to deliver messages to the people.

39 Old Testament Books (in Chronological order)

The New Testament

The New Testament contains books that were written after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is considered sacred by Christians and contains 27 books.

The New Testament can be divided into four main sections:

  • The Gospels
  • Acts of the Apostles
  • Letters (Epistles)
  • Revelation.

The Gospels, which include Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, tell the story of Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Acts of the Apostles documents the spread of Christianity after Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

The letters or epistles were written by early Christian leaders such as Paul, Peter, and John to churches and individuals. These letters provide guidance on how to live a Christian life and explain important theological concepts.

Finally, Revelation is a prophetic book that depicts the end of times and the second coming of Jesus Christ.

27 New Testament Books (in Chronological order)

The Books of the Bible (Summarized)


1. Genesis

Written by: Moses
Timeframe: 1450-1410 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, tells the story of Creation, the fall of man, and the early years of the nation of Israel.

2. Exodus

Written by: Moses
Timeframe: 1450-1410 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

God chooses Moses to guide the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan, forging a unique bond with them during their journey to Mount Sinai.

3. Leviticus

Written by: Moses
Timeframe: 1445-1444 B.C.
Genre: Law

God provides Israel with divine rules and instructions to live by, guiding them to present themselves in a holy manner before Him.

4. Numbers

Written by: Moses
Timeframe: 1450-1410 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Numbers, the sequel to Exodus, derives its name from two censuses, or “numberings,” conducted on the Israelites during their remarkable forty-year journey through the wilderness.

5. Deuteronomy

Written by: Moses
Timeframe: 1407-1406 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Deuteronomy, Moses’ poignant farewell address to the people of Israel, serves as a profound reminder of God’s promises and offers vital instructions for their obedience in the Promised Land. 

6. Joshua

Written by: Joshua & possibly Phinehas
Timeframe: 1405-1383 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

The book of Joshua chronicles the triumphant conquest of the Promised Land by the Israelites, as they combine unwavering faith with decisive action.

7. Judges

Written by: Probably Samuel
Timeframe: 1086-1004 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Israel falls into a recurring pattern of sin, facing defeat and oppression, until they turn to God for deliverance. In response, God raises up leaders, known as “judges,” to help.

8. Ruth

Written by: Unknown
Timeframe: 1375-1050 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Set against the backdrop of Israel’s darkest days, Ruth tells the story of two widows who endure immeasurable loss, yet discover new hope through their unwavering faith in God.

9. 1 Samuel

Written by: Samuel, Nathan & Gad
Timeframe: 930 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Israel defies God’s chosen leader, Samuel, and insists on having a king, disregarding God’s cautionary warnings.

10. 2 Samuel

Written by: Unknown
Timeframe: 930 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Explore the remarkable life and career of King David, a leader who triumphs over Israel’s adversaries and expands the kingdom’s boundaries, but at the same time, a journey not without its flaws and challenges.

11. 1 Kings

Written by: Unknown
Timeframe: 560-538 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

During the reign of King Solomon, Israel experienced a remarkable era of peace and prosperity. However, this period of unity came to an end when Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, ascended the throne, leading to the division of Israel into two separate kingdoms.

12. 2 Kings

Written by: Unknown
Timeframe: 560-538 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

The monarchs of Israel and Judah disregard the divine guidance of God and the prophetic warnings, ultimately succumbing to foreign invasions and being forcibly displaced to distant territories.

13. 1 Chronicles

Written by: Ezra
Timeframe: 430 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

1 Chronicles, written as an encouragement to the people returning from Babylonian exile, serves as a comprehensive recap of Israel’s history and genealogy with a focus on the spiritual significance of David and the anticipation of a future Messianic King.

14. 2 Chronicles

Written by: Ezra
Timeframe: 430 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

2 Chronicles, a continuation of its predecessor, delving into the reigns of Israel’s king and encompasses pivotal events such as the construction of the temple under King Solomon, the subsequent division of the kingdom, and the periods of exile and return from captivity.

15. Ezra

Written by: Ezra
Timeframe: 450 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

After a span of seventy years, the Israelites triumphantly fulfill the promises of God as they make their triumphant return from exile and proceed to diligently reconstruct the magnificent temple.

16. Nehemiah

Written by: Nehemiah
Timeframe: 445-432 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

In the face of staunch opposition, Nehemiah bravely returns to Jerusalem from exile, galvanizing the people to undertake the monumental task of reconstructing the city walls and gates in an astonishingly short span of fifty-two days.

17. Esther

Written by: Unknown
Timeframe: 483-471 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Esther, a Jewish queen during the exile of Israel, played a crucial role in the Persian kingdom. She courageously intervened on behalf of her people, thwarting a genocidal plot to secure their safety.

18. Job

Written by: Possibly Job
Timeframe: 2100-1800 B.C.
Genre: Poetry

Job, a righteous man, endures the loss of everything and undergoes immense suffering, yet unwaveringly maintains his faith in God, ultimately receiving abundant blessings.

19. Psalms

Written by: David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Heman, Ethan & Moses
Timeframe: 1440-586 B.C.
Genre: Poetry

This compilation comprises 150 songs of worship and praise dedicated to God, encompassing prophecies foretelling the advent of the Messiah.

20. Proverbs

Written by: Solomon, Agur & Lemuel
Timeframe: 970-930 B.C.
Genre: Wisdom Literature

The book of Proverbs encompasses divine wisdom, providing guidance on a wide array of topics that pertain to all aspects of life.

21. Ecclesiastes

Written by: Solomon
Timeframe: 935 B.C.
Genre: Wisdom Literature

Solomon’s profound contemplation on the purpose of life highlights its inherent emptiness and meaninglessness in the absence of God’s presence.

22. Song of Songs

Written by: Solomon
Timeframe: 970-930 B.C.
Genre: Poetry

A heartfelt and tender melody of love shared between a devoted husband and wife, serving as a profound representation of the divine bond between God and humanity.

23. Isaiah

Written by: Isaiah
Timeframe: 700-681 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Isaiah, the inaugural book of the Major Prophets, serves as a profound testament to God’s impending judgment and offers intricate prophecies concerning the arrival of the Messiah.

24. Jeremiah

Written by: Jeremiah
Timeframe: 627-586 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, fervently implores the people to repent prior to the impending Babylonian captivity. However, his impassioned pleas fall on deaf ears, going unnoticed and unheeded.

25. Lamentations

Written by: Jeremiah
Timeframe: 586 B.C.
Genre: Poetry & Prophecy

Lamentations contemplates the sorrowful aftermath of Jerusalem’s destruction and Israel’s captivity.

26. Ezekiel

Written by: Ezekiel
Timeframe: 571 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Ezekiel receives a divine calling from God to proclaim a message of both judgement and deliverance to the captives residing in Babylon.

27. Daniel

Written by: Daniel
Timeframe: 535 B.C.
Genre: Narrative & Prophecy

Daniel, taken captive to Babylon, finds himself serving in the king’s courts and receiving prophetic visions during his time there.

28. Hosea

Written by: Hosea
Timeframe: 715 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Hosea, the initial book of the Minor Prophets, unveils a poignant tale of love, showcasing God’s unwavering affection for His people even in the face of their faithlessness.

29. Joel

Written by: Joel
Timeframe: 835-796 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Joel implores the people to seek repentance and return to God before they face the consequences of judgement.

30. Amos

Written by: Amos
Timeframe: 760-750 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Amos, a shepherd, delivers prophecies to the prosperous northern kingdom that has grown self-sufficient and apathetic towards God.

31. Obadiah

Written by: Obadiah
Timeframe: 627-586 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

In a single chapter, Obadiah vividly portrays God’s unwavering safeguarding of His people and impending retribution upon the nation of Edom.

32. Jonah

Written by: Jonah
Timeframe: 785-760 B.C.
Genre: Narrative

Jonah, a prophet with hesitations, is tasked by God to go to Nineveh. However, he resists and discovers the futility of his actions while trapped in the belly of a giant fish.

33. Micah

Written by: Micah
Timeframe: 742-687 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Micah prophesies about the imminent judgment that will result in the nation’s exile, offering some of the most explicit predictions about the coming Messiah.

34. Nahum

Written by: Nahum
Timeframe: 663-654 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Nahum, the second prophet sent to Nineveh (with Jonah being the first), was tasked with delivering God’s judgment upon the Assyrian city and empire.

35. Habakkuk

Written by: Habakkuk
Timeframe: 612-589 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

God responds to Habakkuk’s concerns about the prevalence of wickedness and injustice in the land.

36. Zephaniah

Written by: Zephaniah
Timeframe: 640-621 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Zephaniah’s prophecy, penned shortly before the fall of Judah to the Babylonian conquest, serves as a solemn warning to both the people of Judah and the surrounding nations. It proclaims the imminent arrival of the day of the Lord, urging them to heed the impending judgment.

37. Haggai

Written by: Haggai
Timeframe: 520 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

After the Babylonian exile, the efforts to reconstruct the temple in Jerusalem had come to a standstill due to opposition and spiritual apathy. In response, Haggai steps in to inspire and rally the people, urging them to persevere and bring the project to completion.

38. Zechariah

Written by: Zechariah
Timeframe: 520-480 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

After the 70-year exile, Zechariah joined forces with Haggai, offering words to the remnant, urging them to return to God.

39. Malachi

Written by: Malachi
Timeframe: 430 B.C.
Genre: Prophecy

Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament, is a testament to God’s unwavering love for a nation that persistently defies Him.

New Testament

40. Matthew

Written by: Matthew (Levi)
Timeframe: A.D. 60-65
Genre: Gospel

The Gospel of Matthew, the inaugural book of the New Testament, was primarily written for a Jewish audience, encompassing numerous references to Old Testament prophecies that were remarkably fulfilled by Jesus.

41. Mark

Written by: John Mark
Timeframe: A.D. 55-65
Genre: Gospel

The Gospel of Mark stands out as the shortest among the four Gospels, yet it uniquely emphasizes Jesus’ servanthood and the awe-inspiring miracles He performed.

42. Luke

Written by: Luke
Timeframe: A.D. 60
Genre: Gospel

In contrast to the other Gospel writers, Luke, a Gentile, penned a narrative of Jesus’ life that connects with those beyond the Jewish faith.

43. John

Written by: John
Timeframe: A.D. 85-90
Genre: Gospel

The Gospel of John, the final Gospel among the four, presents an eyewitness account of Jesus’ ministry, with a primary focus on the profound significance underlying the events surrounding His life, death, and resurrection.

44. Acts

Written by: Luke
Timeframe: A.D. 63-70
Genre: History

A captivating historical chronicle of the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, fervently disseminating the Good News.

45. Romans

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 70
Genre: Epistle

Romans, an epistle directed to the believers in Rome (hence its name), stands as a theological cornerstone of faith in Jesus. It establishes a firm foundation while imparting wisdom and profound revelation.

46. 1 Corinthians

Written by: Paul
A.D. 55
Genre: Epistle

1 Corinthians, the initial of two letters from Paul to the Corinthian believers, was penned as a response to the challenges and divisions that plagued the local church.

47. 2 Corinthians

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 55-57
Genre: Epistle

In the second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul addresses the ongoing challenges faced by the believers, cautions about the presence of false teachers and reminds the church of the importance of vigilance and discernment in their faith journey.

48. Galatians

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 49
Genre: Epistle

The Epistle to the Galatians, written by Paul, serves as a fundamental study that confronts the issue of Jewish legalism while emphasizing the complete salvation found in Jesus. 

49. Ephesians

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 60
Genre: Epistle

Written during Paul’s first imprisonment, Ephesians is a letter addressed to the church in Ephesus that delves into a wide range of topics, including the invaluable gift of grace, the essence of love, and guidance on how to live as fruitful disciples of Jesus.

50. Philippians

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 61
Genre: Epistle

Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi offers encouragement and insight into the attitude and outlook that believers should embrace in order to experience the overflowing joy of the Lord.

51. Colossians

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 60
Genre: Epistle

In this letter, Paul addresses and refutes erroneous teachings that are hindering the church in Colossae, emphasizing the divine nature and supreme authority of Jesus Christ and reaffirming His superiority.

52. 1 Thessalonians

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 51
Genre: Epistle

Paul’s initial letter to the Thessalonian believers serves as an uplifting and empowering message, highlighting the significance of living a holy life, rooted in faith, hope, and love.

53. 2 Thessalonians

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 51
Genre: Epistle

In a seconf letter of encouragement addressed to the persecuted church of Thessalonica, Paul reaffirms the imminent return of Jesus and discusses the events that will precede this momentous occasion.

54. 1 Timothy

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 54
Genre: Epistle

Paul’s letter to Timothy, a young pastor, provides timeless guidance and essential principles for effective church leadership that remain relevant in our modern times.

55. 2 Timothy

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 67
Genre: Epistle

Paul’s second of two letters to Timothy serves as a heartfelt plea for his protĂ©gĂ© to stand firm and resolute in his faithfulness to Jesus.

56. Titus

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 65
Genre: Epistle

Paul wrote a letter of guidance to Titus, addressing the challenges he faced as a leader of the churches on the island of Crete.

57. Philemon

Written by: Paul
Timeframe: A.D. 60
Genre: Epistle

The book comprises a single chapter, yet it holds great depth as a personal letter from Paul to Philemon, wherein he humbly seeks forgiveness for a runaway slave named Onesimus.

58. Hebrews

Written by: Unknown
Timeframe: A.D. 68
Genre: Epistle

A heartfelt letter encouraging Jewish believers to embrace the transformative power of Jesus, while cautioning against reverting to old traditions and highlighting our heros of the Faith.

59. James

Written by: James (Jesus’ half-brother)
Timeframe: A.D. 49
Genre: Epistle

James delivers a powerful letter, urging believers to cultivate an authentic faith that produces tangible results.

60. 1 Peter

Written by: Peter
Timeframe: A.D. 65
Genre: Epistle

Peter’s first letter delves into the theme of persecution, offering words of inspiration and comfort to Christians who found themselves in oppression.

61. 2 Peter

Written by: Peter
Timeframe: A.D. 66
Genre: Epistle

In his second letter, Peter cautions against the influence of false teachers while reaffirming crucial spiritual principles.

62. 1 John

Written by: John
Timeframe: A.D. 90-95
Genre: Epistle

Written in opposition to heretical doctrine, the first letter from John resonates with the Gospel, urging Christians to embrace love for one another and faithfully adhere to Jesus’ teachings.

63. 2 John

Written by: John
Timeframe: A.D. 90-95
Genre: Epistle

A heartfelt letter from John to the “chosen lady,” urging fellow believers to embrace love and vigilance against false and deceitful teachings.

64. 3 John

Written by: John
Timeframe: A.D. 90-95
Genre: Epistle

3 John, the shortest book in the Bible, commends Gaius and Demetrius for their unwavering dedication and faithful service.

65. Jude

Written by: Jude (Jesus’ half-brother)
Timeframe: A.D. 65
Genre: Epistle

Jude’s letter serves as a powerful response to counter false teachings, while passionately urging Christians to stand firm in defending the truth of the Good News.

66. Revelation

Written by: John
Timeframe: A.D. 95
Genre: Apocalyptic

Written during John’s captivity as a prisoner on the island of Patmos, the book of Revelation contains apocalyptic visions of the Spiritual Realms and Jesus’ return to Earth.