Old and New Testament Bible books are the two divisions that Christians believe represent the inspired Word of God. While the Old Testament was written first, it is the New Testament that contains the story of Jesus Christ’s life on earth and his promise to come back. The Bible books in the Old Testament are arranged according to the order of their writing by Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah and others. The initial chapters from Genesis have been generally accepted as being a historical record of the creation of the universe.
The Bible is a 2000 year old book that contains 66 books in Hebrew and Greek. The old testament bible books are the first 39 books of the bible while the new testament bible books are the last 27 books of the bible. Talking about; Old testament books, New testament books in order.
Old And New Testament Bible Books
It can be challenging to know what books are in the bible and which ones aren’t. There are 66 total books and letters, but those numbers can be misleading. There are actually 39 books in the Old testament and 27 in the new testament. The Catholic Bible includes the deuterocanonical books, while some Protestants don’t include them, which leads to a difference of 15 books.
The first five books of the Bible are known as the Pentateuch, and they deal with the history of Israel from creation to around 1000 B.C., including the story of Noah’s ark and Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. These texts are often referred to as “the Law” or “the Torah.”
The next group of texts recounts events in Israel between 1000 B.C. and 586 B.C., when Jerusalem was conquered by Babylonians and Jews were taken into exile. These texts are known as historical narratives and include Joshua, Judges, Samuel (also called 1 Samuel), Kings (also called 2 Samuel), Chronicles (1 & 2), Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon (Song of Songs), Lamentations, Isaiah parts 1-39, Jeremiah parts 1-29; Ezekiel parts 1-24; Daniel parts 1-12; Hosea (1&2), Joel (1&2), Amos (1&2), Obadiah (1 & 2), Jonah (1&2), Micah (1 & 2), Nahum
The Bible is a collection of books written by different authors over the course of approximately 1,600 years. Its 66 books are divided into two sections: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. The Bible’s New Testament was written in Greek, while its Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic.
The Old Testament contains 39 books, which are divided into 5 sections: Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy), Historical Books (Joshua-Esther), Wisdom Literature (Job-Song of Solomon), Poetry (Psalms-Lamentations), and Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi).
The New Testament contains 27 books, which are also organized into 5 sections: Gospels (Matthew-John), Acts, Letters of Paul (Romans–Philemon), Letters of John and Jude, Revelation.
What Are The 46 Books Of The Old Testament
Genesis
Exodus
[Exodus](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1&version=NKJV) is a book of the Bible focused on Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, giving them the ten commandments, and crossing the Red Sea. Within this book are some of the most well-known stories in scripture, including Moses’ miraculous birth and survival as an infant, his confrontation with Pharaoh to set his people free from slavery, and God’s ten commandants being given to him (and later being broken by Moses). There are also accounts of many plagues that overtake Egypt until Pharaoh finally frees God’s people from captivity.
The story ends with a final plague overtaking all firstborn males of Egypt but preserving all firstborn sons in Israel if they paint their doorposts with lamb’s blood. This is known as “Passover.” Afterward, Pharaoh allows the Israelites to leave Egypt at last. However, he soon changes his mind and pursues them across the Red Sea with his army. The Lord miraculously split the sea for Moses so he could lead God’s people safely to dry ground on one side while obliterating Pharaoh’s army beneath raging water on the other side.
Leviticus
Leviticus
The book of Leviticus is the third of the first five books of the Bible, which are also known as the Torah or Pentateuch. The name “Leviticus” comes from the Greek term for “pertaining to Levites.” The Levites were a tribe of Israelites who served in religious functions and as assistants in government. In Hebrew, this book is called Vayikra, meaning “and he called.” This refers to when God calls Moses out of his tent to receive laws and instructions.
The book contains laws governing ceremonial worship, sacrificial offerings, cleanliness, sexual conduct and matters concerning health. Some rules deal with property rights and restitution for crimes committed. Other regulations address how individuals should behave toward each other on a day-to-day basis.
Numbers
Numbers is the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. In the narrative, Numbers tells how Israel consolidated itself as a community at Sinai, set out from Sinai to move towards Canaan, and spied out the land of Canaan. Then forty years later after God had given them a good report on what they had seen he sent them to take over Canaan. The task before them was awesome—to subdue and occupy a country filled with powerful and warlike nations some seven times greater in population than themselves.
In Numbers there are four main parts:1) A review of the numbering of males above twenty years old in each tribe;2) an account of God’s dealings with the nation during their encampments at Mount Sinai, Rephidim, Kibroth-hattaavah, Hazeroth, Rithmah, Rimmon-perez and Raameses;3) Moses’ second appeal to be allowed to lead Israel into Canaan;4) an account of Balaam’s prophecy concerning Israel.
Deuteronomy
- Deuteronomy means “second law”
- Deuteronomy is the last of the five books of the Torah
- Deuteronomy is described as a covenant document
- Deuteronomy is a book of the Christian Old Testament
- Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible
Joshua
In the Old Testament, Joshua was Moses’ companion and successor. He led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land of Canaan, where they began their conquest. During this time, he spoke to God at the “tent of meeting” and received divine messages. His reputation grew after he defeated the kings of Canaan in battle. He later divided up the land for his people as a sign that God had given them victory over their enemies.
Joshua is also known as Jehoshua or Jeshua (the word is Hebrew) and is sometimes spelled Yeshua or Jesus in English translations of Scripture. In some traditions, Joshua is held to be a prophet whose words are recorded in scripture, while others consider him a messiah figure who prefigured Jesus Christ—and yet others believe he is an entirely separate person from Jesus Christ altogether. The naming of Jesus as “Joshua” may reflect either identification with or fulfillment by Jesus—both options being consistent with Christian belief that salvation has come through Christ’s life on earth as well as through his death and resurrection (see Matthew 1:21).
Judges
Judges is the seventh book in the Old Testament and was written by Samuel. It describes the history of Israel after Joshua’s death when the Israelites were ruled by judges. (Samuel was one of those judges, as well.) The book starts with a reminder that worshiping other gods has consequences and continues from there to tell stories about individual judges. The story of Samson, who had incredible strength because of his long hair, is included in Judges and it explains how he died by pulling a pagan temple down on himself and his enemies.
Ruth
Book of Ruth
Ruth’s story is found in the Book of Ruth, part of the biblical canon called Ketuvim, or Writings, and a part of the history books of the Old Testament. It is a short book; four chapters only; but it tells two beautiful stories: one is that of Ruth herself, which you will find in chapters 1 and 2. The other, in chapters 3 and 4, tells how Boaz became her husband and how she became an ancestor to King David.
1 Samuel
Originally 1 Samuel was all one book, but later the Greek translation, called Septuagint, divided it into two books. The Latin Vulgate Bible also follows this division and includes 1 Samuel as the first and 2 Samuel as the second book of Kings.
It is a fairly short book that can be read in an hour or less and contains twenty-one chapters. The Hebrew title for the book is Shmuel; however, like many other books in the Bible, each chapter begins with “1 Samuel”.
2 Samuel
- 2 Samuel is the 17th book of the Bible. It was written by Nathan the Prophet and Gad the Seer. In it, David’s Kingdom is established, and the ark of the covenant is brought to Jerusalem.
- This book is very important because it talks about God’s promise to King David through Nathan that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7). This was called “the Davidic covenant.” As a result, it became an expectation in Israel that one day, a descendant of David would rule as King over Israel forever and usher in an age of peace and prosperity for all nations. Christians believe that Jesus Christ fulfilled this promise.
1 Kings
1 Kings is the tenth book of the Bible. Its full name is The First Book of Kings: Being the Third and Fourth Book of Kings, and Continues the History After the Death of King David, Describing How Solomon Obtained the Kingdom; And Also How He Built the Temple; and Many Other Things Belonging to His Reign.
The book’s primary purpose is to recount the history of Israel after the death of King David and before the collapse of its kingdom under attack from Assyria around 722 BC. In particular, it tells how two dynasties arising from David’s sons competed for supremacy over all Israel: that established by Solomon and that established by Jeroboam I (son of Nebat). It also recounts how Jerusalem became a capital city again in Judea under Asa, Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, Ahaziah, Joash and Amaziah kings.
It is considered one of four books in Hebrew scripture known as “the Former Prophets”: Joshua, Judges, Samuel (1&2) called “the Deuteronomistic history” (or simply “the Deuteronomist”), and 1 & 2 Kings.
2 Kings
2 Kings is the eleventh book of the Hebrew Bible or First Testament.
A part of a Deuteronomistic history that originally included the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings but was later split into two – 1 Kings and 2 Kings – 2 Kings continues the story that 1 Kings tells and concludes the Deuteronomistic history.
1 Chronicles
1 Chronicles is a book of the bible, which is a collection of books. The bible can be divided into two parts called the old testament and the new testament. 1 Chronicles is from the old testament, specifically, it comes after Ezra and Nehemiah and before 2 Chronicles.
2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles, is a historical book.
The first 9 chapters describe Solomon’s reign over Israel in Jerusalem. Chapters 10 through 36 narrate the history of Israel and Judah from Solomon’s death to the Babylonian exile and restoration.
Ezra
Ezra is the story of God’s faithfulness to Israel. After the people were taken into exile in Babylon and offered freedom by the king, many chose to stay and build a new life. Ezra was a priest and scribe who led a group of Israelites back to Jerusalem from Babylon.
Ezra’s story is told in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. You may want to read the whole book because it’s short, or you can just read chapter 8:31-32, which summarizes what he accomplished there.
The book begins with his arrival at Jerusalem where he rebuilds God’s temple (1:1-3). It ends with more restoration as well as reforms that focus on morality (10:6-44).
Nehemiah
The book of Nehemiah was written by the Jewish prince, who served as cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah had a great interest in the welfare of his people and heard with sadness of the poor condition of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah’s prayer, humility, faith and dedication serve as examples for all leaders to follow.
Esther
The book of Esther is a story of God’s providence. It is an amazing story, yet it has no direct reference to God or His relationship to the people involved. Esther is a book of history, but its omission of any mention of God is deliberate. The author of Esther was not attempting to conceal the hand of God; he left it out so you could see that this story is all about Him and His work on our behalf. This book proves that even when there’s no mention of our loving Father in heaven, He’s still working through us for good.
In this study we will examine how God used Esther’s obedience to save her people and unite them in worshiping Him. We have much to learn from this woman who became queen by obeying those who were placed over her, rather than seeking power for herself.
Old testament books
Some of the Hebrew Bible books are called “The Twelve,” and refer to collections of twelve books that were grouped together. They are:
- The Minor Prophets, also called The Twelve Prophets (T12P); includes Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi
- The Twelve Patristic Books (T12P); includes two each from Genesis and Exodus; one each from Numbers and Deuteronomy; Joshua through 2 Chronicles
- The Major Prophets (MP), a subset of the T12P books that includes Isaiah through Daniel
New testament books in order
The New Testament is a collection of 27 books, usually placed after the Old Testament in most Christian Bibles. The name refers to the new covenant (or promise) between God and humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The New Testament chronicles the life and ministry of Jesus, the growth and impact of the early church, and instructive letters to early churches.
Matthew
Matthew’s main purpose in writing his Gospel (the “good news”) is to prove to his Jewish readers that Jesus is their Messiah. He does this primarily by showing how Jesus in his life and ministry fulfilled the Old Testament Scriptures.
Mark
Since Mark’s Gospel (the “good news”) is traditionally associated with Rome, it may have been occasioned by the persecutions of the Roman church in the period c. A.D. 64-67. Mark may be writing to prepare his readers for such suffering by placing before them the life of our Lord.
Luke
Luke’s Gospel (the “good news”) was written to strengthen the faith of all believers and to answer the attacks of unbelievers. It was presented to debunk some disconnected and ill-founded reports about Jesus. Luke wanted to show that the place of the Gentile (non-Jewish) Christian in God’s kingdom is based on the teaching of Jesus.
John
John’s Gospel (the “good news”) is rather different from the other three, highlighting events not detailed in the others. The author himself states his main purpose clearly in 20:31: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
Acts
The book of Acts provides a bridge for the writings of the New Testament. As a second volume to Luke’s Gospel, it joins what Jesus “began to do and to teach” as told in the Gospels with what he continued to do and teach through the apostles’ preaching and the establishment of the church.
Romans
Paul’s primary theme in Romans is presenting the gospel (the “good news”), God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and non-Jew alike.
1 Corinthians
The first letter to the Corinthians revolves around the theme of problems in Christian conduct in the church. It thus has to do with progressive sanctification, the continuing development of a holy character. Obviously Paul was personally concerned with the Corinthians’ problems, revealing a true pastor’s (shepherd’s) heart.
2 Corinthians
Because of the occasion that prompted this letter, Paul had a number of purposes in mind: to express the comfort and joy Paul felt because the Corinthians had responded favorably to his painful letter; to let them know about the trouble he went through in the province of Asia; and to explain to them the true nature (its joys, sufferings and rewards) and high calling of Christian ministry.
Galatians
Galatians stands as an eloquent and vigorous apologetic for the essential New Testament truth that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ—by nothing less and nothing more—and that they are sanctified not by legalistic works but by the obedience that comes from faith in God’s work for them.
Ephesians
Unlike several of the other letters Paul wrote, Ephesians does not address any particular error or heresy. Paul wrote to expand the horizons of his readers, so that they might understand better the dimensions of God’s eternal purpose and grace and come to appreciate the high goals God has for the church.
Philippians
Paul’s primary purpose in writing this letter was to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent him upon learning of his detention at Rome. However, he makes use of this occasion to fulfill several other desires: (1) to report on his own circumstances; (2) to encourage the Philippians to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice regardless of circumstances; and (3) to exhort them to humility and unity.
Colossians
Paul’s purpose is to refute the Colossian heresy. To accomplish this goal, he exalts Christ as the very image of God, the Creator, the preexistent sustainer of all things, the head of the church, the first to be resurrected, the fullness of deity (God) in bodily form, and the reconciler.
1 Thessalonians
Although the thrust of the letter is varied, the subject of eschatology (doctrine of last things) seems to be predominant in both Thessalonian letters. Every chapter of 1 Thessalonians ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ.
2 Thessalonians
Since the situation in the Thessalonian church has not changed substantially, Paul’s purpose in writing is very much the same as in his first letter to them. He writes (1) to encourage persecuted believers, (2) to correct a misunderstanding concerning the Lord’s return, and (3) to exhort the Thessalonians to be steadfast and to work for a living.
1 Timothy
During his fourth missionary journey, Paul had instructed Timothy to care for the church at Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia. When he realized that he might not return to Ephesus in the near future, he wrote this first letter to Timothy to develop the charge he had given his young assistant. This is the first of the “Pastoral Epistles.”
2 Timothy
Paul was concerned about the welfare of the churches during this time of persecution under Nero, and he admonishes Timothy to guard the gospel, to persevere in it, to keep on preaching it, and, if necessary, to suffer for it. This is the second “Pastoral Epistle.”
Titus
Apparently Paul introduced Christianity in Crete when he and Titus visited the island, after which he left Titus there to organize the converts. Paul sent the letter with Zenas and Apollos, who were on a journey that took them through Crete, to give Titus personal authorization and guidance in meeting opposition, instructions about faith and conduct, and warnings about false teachers. This is the last of the “Pastoral Epistles.”
Philemon
To win Philemon’s willing acceptance of the runaway slave Onesimus, Paul writes very tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he creates with wordplay. The appeal is organized in a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport, to persuade the mind, and to move the emotions.
Hebrews
The theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God’s grace. A striking feature of this presentation of the gospel is the unique manner in which the author employs expositions of eight specific passages of the Old Testament Scriptures.
James
Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) and its familiarity with Jesus’ teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount.
1 Peter
Although 1 Peter is a short letter, it touches on various doctrines and has much to say about Christian life and duties. It is not surprising that different readers have found it to have different principal themes. For example, it has been characterized as a letter of separation, of suffering and persecution, of suffering and glory, of hope, of pilgrimage, of courage, and as a letter dealing with the true grace of God.
2 Peter
In his first letter Peter feeds Christ’s sheep by instructing them how to deal with persecution from outside the church; in this second letter he teaches them how to deal with false teachers and evildoers who have come into the church.
1 John
John’s readers were confronted with an early form of Gnostic teaching of the Cerinthian variety. This heresy was also libertine, throwing off all moral restraints. Consequently, John wrote this letter with two basic purposes in mind: (1) to expose false teachers and (2) to give believers assurance of salvation.
2 John
During the first two centuries the gospel was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. Believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and gave them provisions for their journey when they left. Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice, 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers
3 John
Itinerant teachers sent out by John were rejected in one of the churches in the province of Asia by a dictatorial leader, Diotrephes, who even excommunicated members who showed hospitality to John’s messengers. John wrote this letter to commend Gaius for supporting the teachers and, indirectly, to warn Diotrephes.
Jude
Although Jude was very eager to write to his readers about salvation, he felt that he must instead warn them about certain immoral men circulating among them who were perverting the grace of God. Apparently these false teachers were trying to convince believers that being saved by grace gave them license to sin since their sins would no longer be held against them.
Revelation
John writes to encourage the faithful to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship. He informs his readers that the final showdown between God and Satan is imminent. Satan will increase his persecution of believers, but they must stand fast, even to death. They are sealed against any spiritual harm and will soon be vindicated when Christ returns, when the wicked are forever destroyed, and when God’s people enter an eternity of glory and blessedness.