Guide to the Books of the Bible
A companion for those who want to understand how God’s Word came to us — book by book, story by story. Dates are approximate, and authorship reflects traditional understanding unless otherwise noted.
The Law (Torah or Pentateuch)
These five foundational books reveal God as Creator, Lawgiver, and Redeemer. Written by Moses, they form the heart of the Hebrew Scriptures and lay the groundwork for all that follows.
Genesis
Author: Moses
Written: Around 1450–1400 BC
Summary: Genesis begins with creation and the beauty of God’s design. It tells of humanity’s fall, the flood, the promise to Abraham, and the beginnings of Israel.
Earliest Manuscripts: Found among the Dead Sea Scrolls (2nd century BC) and preserved in the Masoretic Text (7th–10th century AD), the Samaritan Pentateuch, and the Septuagint (Greek translation, 3rd century BC).
Exodus
Author: Moses
Written: Around 1450–1400 BC
Summary: Exodus tells of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and God’s covenant at Mount Sinai. It is a story of redemption and divine faithfulness.
Earliest Manuscripts: Found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, preserved in the Masoretic Text and Septuagint.
Leviticus
Author: Moses
Written: Around 1445 BC
Summary: Leviticus details God’s instructions for holiness — including sacrifices, priesthood, and moral laws that set His people apart.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, and Septuagint.
Numbers
Author: Moses
Written: Around 1400 BC
Summary: Numbers records Israel’s wilderness journey, their struggles, and God’s patient guidance. It teaches trust in God’s promises through every wandering.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Deuteronomy
Author: Moses
Written: Around 1400 BC
Summary: Meaning “second law,” Deuteronomy is Moses’ final message to Israel — a call to remember God’s faithfulness before entering the Promised Land.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
The Historical Books (Joshua – Esther)
These books tell the story of God’s people as they enter the Promised Land, grow into a nation, face exile, and find restoration. Through every victory and failure, God’s faithfulness remains constant.
Joshua
Author: Joshua
Written: Around 1400–1370 BC
Summary: Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. The book records battles, victories, and the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Judges
Author: Traditionally, Samuel
Written: Around 1050 BC
Summary: Judges recounts Israel’s repeated cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. It reveals the need for godly leadership and faithfulness to God.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Ruth
Author: Traditionally, Samuel
Written: Around 1000 BC
Summary: Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to follow God and becomes part of the lineage of King David—and ultimately, Jesus. A story of loyalty, redemption, and grace.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
1 Samuel
Author: Samuel, with later additions by prophets Nathan and Gad
Written: Around 930 BC
Summary: 1 Samuel tells of Israel’s transition from judges to kings, highlighting the lives of Samuel, Saul, and the young David.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
2 Samuel
Author: Prophets Nathan and Gad
Written: Around 930 BC
Summary: 2 Samuel continues the story of David’s reign—his triumphs, failures, repentance, and God’s lasting covenant with him.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
1 Kings
Author: Traditionally, Jeremiah
Written: Around 560 BC
Summary: 1 Kings begins with Solomon’s wisdom and the building of the Temple, then tells how idolatry led Israel and Judah toward decline.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint, fragments in Dead Sea Scrolls.
2 Kings
Author: Traditionally, Jeremiah
Written: Around 560 BC
Summary: 2 Kings describes the fall of both Israel and Judah, showing that even in judgment, God’s mercy endures for those who turn back to Him.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint, fragments in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
1 Chronicles
Author: Ezra
Written: Around 450–400 BC
Summary: 1 Chronicles retells Israel’s history, focusing on David’s lineage and the Temple’s worship, reminding readers of God’s promises to His people.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
2 Chronicles
Author: Ezra
Written: Around 450–400 BC
Summary: 2 Chronicles continues Israel’s story from Solomon through the exile, emphasizing repentance, renewal, and the faithfulness of God.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Ezra
Author: Ezra
Written: Around 450–400 BC
Summary: Ezra recounts the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple. It calls God’s people back to worship and obedience.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Nehemiah
Author: Nehemiah
Written: Around 430 BC
Summary: Nehemiah tells of the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and the spiritual renewal of God’s people under Ezra’s teaching.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Esther
Author: Unknown (possibly Mordecai)
Written: Around 400 BC
Summary: Esther becomes queen of Persia and bravely intercedes to save her people. God’s providence shines even when His name is not mentioned.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
The Wisdom and Poetry Books (Job – Song of Solomon)
These writings reveal the emotional and spiritual depth of life with God — from praise and prayer to pain and perseverance. They teach wisdom, express worship, and remind us that every joy and sorrow can draw us closer to Him.
Job
Author: Unknown (possibly Job, Elihu, or Moses)
Written: Around 2000–1800 BC
Summary: Job tells the story of a faithful man tested by immense suffering. It wrestles with life’s hardest questions — why the righteous suffer — and reveals God’s sovereignty and compassion.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Psalms
Author: Primarily David, with contributions from Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and others
Written: Around 1000–400 BC
Summary: A collection of 150 songs and prayers expressing the full range of human emotion — joy, fear, grief, and praise — showing how every moment of life can turn toward God in worship.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Proverbs
Author: Solomon, with contributions from Agur and King Lemuel
Written: Around 950–700 BC
Summary: Proverbs gathers timeless wisdom for daily living — short sayings that teach integrity, humility, discipline, and the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Ecclesiastes
Author: Solomon
Written: Around 935 BC
Summary: Ecclesiastes reflects on life’s fleeting nature and the search for meaning apart from God. Its conclusion is simple yet profound: fear God and keep His commandments.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)
Author: Solomon
Written: Around 950 BC
Summary: A poetic celebration of love between bride and groom — symbolic of the deep and faithful love between God and His people.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
The Prophets (Isaiah – Malachi)
Through the voices of the prophets, God called His people to repentance, reminded them of His faithfulness, and foretold the coming of the Messiah. Their words still echo with both warning and hope — reminders that God’s promises never fail.
Isaiah
Author: Isaiah
Written: Around 740–680 BC
Summary: Isaiah proclaims God’s holiness and salvation, foretelling both Israel’s exile and the coming of the Messiah who would bear our sins and bring eternal peace.
Earliest Manuscripts: Great Isaiah Scroll (Dead Sea Scrolls, 2nd century BC), Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Jeremiah
Author: Jeremiah
Written: Around 626–580 BC
Summary: Jeremiah weeps for a nation turning away from God. His message blends grief and grace — calling for repentance and promising a new covenant written on the heart.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Lamentations
Author: Jeremiah
Written: Around 586 BC
Summary: Lamentations is a poetic cry over Jerusalem’s destruction. In the midst of sorrow, it declares one of Scripture’s greatest truths: “Great is Your faithfulness.”
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint, fragments in Dead Sea Scrolls.
Ezekiel
Author: Ezekiel
Written: Around 593–570 BC
Summary: Written during Israel’s exile, Ezekiel’s visions reveal God’s glory, justice, and promise to restore His people and renew their hearts.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls.
Daniel
Author: Daniel
Written: Around 530 BC
Summary: Daniel’s story shows faith under pressure. His visions foretell kingdoms to come and the ultimate victory of God’s everlasting reign.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
The Minor Prophets (Hosea – Malachi)
Shorter in length but rich in meaning, these twelve books reveal God’s heart toward His people — calling them to repentance, faithfulness, and hope.
Hosea
Author: Hosea
Written: Around 755–710 BC
Summary: Hosea’s life becomes a living parable of God’s unfailing love toward unfaithful Israel. It is a story of mercy that never gives up.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Joel
Author: Joel
Written: Around 835–796 BC
Summary: Joel calls for repentance and speaks of “the day of the Lord,” promising that God will pour out His Spirit on all people.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Amos
Author: Amos
Written: Around 760 BC
Summary: A shepherd turned prophet, Amos speaks against injustice and hypocrisy, reminding Israel that true worship demands righteousness.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Obadiah
Author: Obadiah
Written: Around 586 BC
Summary: The shortest book in the Old Testament, Obadiah foretells judgment on Edom and the restoration of Israel.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Jonah
Author: Jonah
Written: Around 760 BC
Summary: Jonah tells of a reluctant prophet and a merciful God. Even in Jonah’s rebellion, God’s compassion reaches the city of Nineveh.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Micah
Author: Micah
Written: Around 740–700 BC
Summary: Micah warns of coming judgment yet promises a ruler from Bethlehem who will bring peace — a prophecy fulfilled in Christ.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Nahum
Author: Nahum
Written: Around 650 BC
Summary: Nahum declares God’s judgment on Nineveh, reminding us that while God is slow to anger, He is also just and righteous.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Habakkuk
Author: Habakkuk
Written: Around 609–597 BC
Summary: Habakkuk questions why God allows evil to prosper, and God answers that the righteous will live by faith.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Zephaniah
Author: Zephaniah
Written: Around 640–609 BC
Summary: Zephaniah warns of the coming “day of the Lord” but ends with a promise of restoration and joy for those who trust in Him.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Haggai
Author: Haggai
Written: Around 520 BC
Summary: Haggai encourages the returned exiles to rebuild God’s Temple, reminding them to put His work first.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Zechariah
Author: Zechariah
Written: Around 520–480 BC
Summary: Zechariah’s visions point to God’s plan of redemption and the coming Messiah who would bring peace and salvation.
Earliest Manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
Malachi
Author: Malachi
Written: Around 430 BC
Summary: The final book of the Old Testament calls God’s people to renewed faithfulness and promises the coming of “the messenger” to prepare the way for the Lord.
Earliest Manuscripts: Masoretic Text, Septuagint.
The New Testament
The Gospels and Acts (Matthew – Acts)
The Gospels tell the story of Jesus — His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection — while Acts continues the story, showing how His Spirit empowered the early church. Together, they reveal God’s plan of salvation fulfilled in Christ and shared with the world.
Matthew
Author: Matthew (also called Levi), one of the twelve apostles
Written: Around AD 60–65
Summary: Written primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah — the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the eternal King.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 45 (3rd century), Codex Vaticanus (4th century), Codex Sinaiticus (4th century).
Mark
Author: John Mark, companion of Peter
Written: Around AD 55–60
Summary: Mark’s Gospel is the earliest and shortest, emphasizing Jesus’ miracles and servant heart. It presents Him as the Son of God in action.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 45, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
Luke
Author: Luke, the physician and companion of Paul
Written: Around AD 60–70
Summary: Luke offers a detailed, orderly account of Jesus’ life, compassion, and teachings — written so that readers “may know the certainty” of what they believe.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 75 (early 3rd century), Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
John
Author: John, the apostle and eyewitness
Written: Around AD 85–90
Summary: John focuses on Jesus’ divinity, love, and eternal purpose, beginning with “In the beginning was the Word.” It calls readers to believe and have life in His name.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 52 (around AD 125) — the oldest known fragment of the New Testament — and later Codices Vaticanus and Sinaiticus.
Acts
Author: Luke
Written: Around AD 62
Summary: Acts records the birth of the early church, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the spread of the gospel through the apostles — especially Peter and Paul.
Earliest Manuscripts: Codex Bezae (5th century), Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
The Pauline Epistles (Romans – Philemon)
These letters, written by the Apostle Paul under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, were sent to churches and individuals across the Roman world. They teach doctrine, encourage believers, and show how to live faithfully in Christ.
Romans
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 57
Summary: Romans explains salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is Paul’s clearest and most complete presentation of the gospel.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46 (around AD 200), Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
1 Corinthians
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 55
Summary: Paul addresses a divided church, teaching on unity, purity, spiritual gifts, and love — reminding believers that love is the greatest of all.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
2 Corinthians
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 56
Summary: Paul writes with deep emotion, defending his ministry and encouraging believers to rely on God’s strength in weakness.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
Galatians
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 49
Summary: Galatians proclaims freedom in Christ — salvation by grace, not by works. It calls believers to walk in the Spirit, not under the law.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
Ephesians
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 60–62 (from prison in Rome)
Summary: Ephesians celebrates the unity of believers in Christ and the beauty of God’s plan for the church — the body of Christ.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
Philippians
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 61–62 (from prison in Rome)
Summary: A letter of joy and encouragement, Philippians reminds us to rejoice in the Lord and to find contentment in every circumstance.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
Colossians
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 60–62
Summary: Colossians exalts Christ as supreme over all creation and sufficient for every need, calling believers to live with hearts set on things above.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
1 Thessalonians
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 50
Summary: Paul encourages new believers in Thessalonica to stay strong in faith and look forward with hope to Christ’s return.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
2 Thessalonians
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 51
Summary: A follow-up letter urging believers not to be deceived about the return of Christ, but to remain steadfast and faithful.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
1 Timothy
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 63
Summary: A personal letter to Timothy, offering wisdom for church leadership and godly living — “fight the good fight of faith.”
Earliest Manuscripts: Codex Alexandrinus (5th century), Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus.
2 Timothy
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 67 (Paul’s final letter)
Summary: Writing from prison, Paul urges Timothy to remain faithful to the gospel and to preach the Word with courage, even in hardship.
Earliest Manuscripts: Codex Alexandrinus, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus.
Titus
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 63
Summary: Paul instructs Titus on establishing strong churches and encourages believers to live with integrity, grace, and good works.
Earliest Manuscripts: Codex Alexandrinus, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus.
Philemon
Author: Paul
Written: Around AD 60–62
Summary: A short, heartfelt letter asking Philemon to forgive and receive his runaway servant Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
Earliest Manuscripts: Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Alexandrinus.
The General Epistles (Hebrews – Jude)
Written to the growing Christian church, these letters encourage believers to hold fast to their faith, live in godliness, and remain steadfast in love and truth.
Hebrews
Author: Unknown (traditionally attributed to Paul or one of his companions)
Written: Around AD 65–70
Summary: Hebrews explains how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament — the perfect High Priest and final sacrifice for sin. It urges believers to persevere in faith.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 46 (around AD 200), Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
James
Author: James, the brother of Jesus
Written: Around AD 45–50
Summary: James teaches that genuine faith produces action — calling believers to live with humility, patience, and compassion.
Earliest Manuscripts: Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Alexandrinus.
1 Peter
Author: Peter, the apostle
Written: Around AD 62–64
Summary: Peter encourages Christians facing persecution to stand firm in grace, reminding them that suffering for Christ brings eternal glory.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 72 (3rd–4th century), Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
2 Peter
Author: Peter, the apostle
Written: Around AD 65–68
Summary: Peter warns against false teachers and urges believers to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 72, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
1 John
Author: John, the apostle
Written: Around AD 85–95
Summary: John emphasizes love, truth, and assurance of salvation — “God is love, and whoever lives in love lives in God.”
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 9 (3rd century), Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
2 John
Author: John, the apostle
Written: Around AD 90–95
Summary: A brief letter encouraging believers to walk in truth and love, while guarding against deception.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 74 (7th century), Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
3 John
Author: John, the apostle
Written: Around AD 90–95
Summary: John commends faithfulness and hospitality, praising those who serve others in truth and love.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 74, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
Jude
Author: Jude, the brother of James (and half-brother of Jesus)
Written: Around AD 65–80
Summary: Jude urges believers to contend for the faith and remain faithful, warning against false teachings and spiritual compromise.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 72, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus.
Revelation (The Revelation to John)
This final book of the Bible unveils the glory of Christ and the completion of God’s redemptive plan. Though filled with vivid imagery and prophecy, its message is one of enduring hope — that Christ reigns, evil will be defeated, and God will make all things new.
Revelation
Author: John, the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Summary: Written while John was exiled on the island of Patmos, Revelation reveals Christ’s ultimate victory over darkness. Through visions of heaven, judgment, and renewal, it assures believers that God’s purposes will prevail and that His people will dwell with Him forever.
Earliest Manuscripts: Papyrus 47 (3rd century), Codex Sinaiticus (4th century), Codex Alexandrinus (5th century).
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells one unified story — of a Creator who loves His people, a Savior who redeems them, and a Spirit who still speaks through every page.
Each book carries its own voice, yet all point to Jesus — the Word made flesh, the fulfillment of every promise, and the living hope that anchors our faith.
Note on the Apocrypha
Some Christian traditions (such as Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox) include additional writings known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical Books.
These texts — like Tobit, Judith, and 1 & 2 Maccabees — are valuable for historical and devotional study but are not included in the 66 books recognized as Scripture in the Protestant canon.