Law
The five books from Genesis through Deuteronomy are traditionally connected closely with Moses, though the books do not each provide a simple author line.
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A beginner’s guide to the Bible
The Bible looks like one book, but it is a small library formed across many generations.
The page follows your saved Bible preference for counts, book names, and order. Authorship notes distinguish traditional attribution from what a text directly states.
Your selected Bible structure
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The Old Testament can be read as law, history, poetry and wisdom, and prophecy.
These books are not a continuous novel written by one person at one time. They preserve law, history, songs, wisdom, and prophetic messages gathered across a long period.
History
These books tell of Israel’s settlement, kingdoms, exile, and return from several historical viewpoints. Many final authors are unknown.
Poetry and wisdom
Prayers, songs, practical wisdom, and reflection on suffering appear here. Books such as Psalms and Proverbs contain material associated with several writers and collections.
Prophecy
These books gather messages centered on prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah. A prophet’s ministry and a book’s full literary formation should not be treated as identical claims.
Old Testament books and authorship guidance for your selected structure
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Protestant Old Testament · 39 books
Law
5Genesis
01Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Exodus
02Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Leviticus
03Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Numbers
04Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Deuteronomy
05Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
History
12Joshua
06Authorship note · Traditional association
Tradition connects the book with Joshua, but it continues through events after his death and does not directly name its final author.
Judges
07Authorship note · Author not named
The book does not directly name its final author. Materials and memories from more than one period contribute to the historical work in its present form.
Ruth
08Authorship note · Author not named
The narrative does not name its final author.
1 Samuel
09Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book preserves Samuel’s ministry and traditions about prophets and kings, but it does not directly name the final author of the whole work.
2 Samuel
10Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
This historical work centers on David’s reign and draws on multiple sources; the final author is not named in the text.
1 Kings
11Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book does not directly name its final author. Materials and memories from more than one period contribute to the historical work in its present form.
2 Kings
12Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book does not directly name its final author. Materials and memories from more than one period contribute to the historical work in its present form.
1 Chronicles
13Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book reshapes earlier records and genealogies from a new perspective but does not name its final editor.
2 Chronicles
14Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book reshapes earlier history around the temple and worship but does not name its final editor.
Ezra
15Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
Third-person accounts about Ezra appear alongside first-person memoir material. The text does not directly settle whether Ezra was the final editor of the whole book.
Nehemiah
16Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
First-person memoirs of Nehemiah form a major source, while the whole book also contains other material and editorial shaping.
Esther
17Authorship note · Author not named
The book does not name its author.
Poetry and wisdom
5Job
18Authorship note · Author not named
The final author who shaped Job’s story and extended poetic dialogues is not named in the text.
Psalms
19Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
This is a collection of prayers and songs from many periods. Many psalms are associated with David, while headings also name Asaph, the sons of Korah, Moses, Solomon, and others.
Proverbs
20Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
Major collections are associated with Solomon, while Agur, Lemuel, and anonymous wisdom collections also appear.
Ecclesiastes
21Authorship note · Traditional association
The speaker introduces himself as Qoheleth, a son of David and king in Jerusalem. Tradition connects the voice with Solomon, though the personal name is not directly given.
Song of Songs
22Authorship note · Traditional association
The heading associates the song with Solomon. Whether that functions as an author signature, dedication, or traditional marker should be stated cautiously.
Prophets
17Isaiah
23Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Isaiah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Jeremiah
24Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
Jeremiah’s words and life stand at the center, and Baruch appears as a scribe who records his words. The formation of the whole book should not be reduced to those two names alone.
Lamentations
25Authorship note · Traditional association
The poems do not directly name an author. Longstanding tradition connects them with Jeremiah, but that is not a signature in the text.
Ezekiel
26Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Ezekiel. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Daniel
27Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book combines first-person material from Daniel with stories told about him in the third person. The final author of the whole book is not named.
Hosea
28Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Hosea. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Joel
29Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Joel. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Amos
30Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Amos. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Obadiah
31Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Obadiah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Jonah
32Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Jonah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Micah
33Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Micah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Nahum
34Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Nahum. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Habakkuk
35Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Habakkuk. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Zephaniah
36Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Zephaniah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Haggai
37Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Haggai. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Zechariah
38Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Zechariah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Malachi
39Authorship note · Author not named
The heading “Malachi” may be a personal name or a title meaning “my messenger,” so the author cannot be identified with certainty as a named individual.
Catholic Old Testament · 46 books
Pentateuch
5Genesis
01Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Exodus
02Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Leviticus
03Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Numbers
04Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Deuteronomy
05Authorship note · Traditional association
Church tradition closely connects this book with Moses. The book does not contain a modern-style author signature, and its long transmission and literary formation also matter.
Historical books
16Joshua
06Authorship note · Traditional association
Tradition connects the book with Joshua, but it continues through events after his death and does not directly name its final author.
Judges
07Authorship note · Author not named
The book does not directly name its final author. Materials and memories from more than one period contribute to the historical work in its present form.
Ruth
08Authorship note · Author not named
The narrative does not name its final author.
1 Samuel
09Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book preserves Samuel’s ministry and traditions about prophets and kings, but it does not directly name the final author of the whole work.
2 Samuel
10Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
This historical work centers on David’s reign and draws on multiple sources; the final author is not named in the text.
1 Kings
11Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book does not directly name its final author. Materials and memories from more than one period contribute to the historical work in its present form.
2 Kings
12Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book does not directly name its final author. Materials and memories from more than one period contribute to the historical work in its present form.
1 Chronicles
13Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book reshapes earlier records and genealogies from a new perspective but does not name its final editor.
2 Chronicles
14Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book reshapes earlier history around the temple and worship but does not name its final editor.
Ezra
15Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
Third-person accounts about Ezra appear alongside first-person memoir material. The text does not directly settle whether Ezra was the final editor of the whole book.
Nehemiah
16Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
First-person memoirs of Nehemiah form a major source, while the whole book also contains other material and editorial shaping.
Tobit
17Authorship note · Author not named
Tobit and Tobias speak within the narrative, but the final author of the book is not named.
Judith
18Authorship note · Author not named
The narrator who tells Judith’s story is not named in the text.
Esther
19Authorship note · Author not named
The book does not name its author.
1 Maccabees
20Authorship note · Author not named
The work appears to come from an anonymous Jewish historian writing close to the events, but the author’s name is not preserved.
2 Maccabees
21Authorship note · Author not named
An unnamed epitomist explains that the work condenses a five-volume history by Jason of Cyrene.
Wisdom books
7Job
22Authorship note · Author not named
The final author who shaped Job’s story and extended poetic dialogues is not named in the text.
Psalms
23Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
This is a collection of prayers and songs from many periods. Many psalms are associated with David, while headings also name Asaph, the sons of Korah, Moses, Solomon, and others.
Proverbs
24Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
Major collections are associated with Solomon, while Agur, Lemuel, and anonymous wisdom collections also appear.
Ecclesiastes
25Authorship note · Traditional association
The speaker introduces himself as Qoheleth, a son of David and king in Jerusalem. Tradition connects the voice with Solomon, though the personal name is not directly given.
Song of Songs
26Authorship note · Traditional association
The heading associates the song with Solomon. Whether that functions as an author signature, dedication, or traditional marker should be stated cautiously.
Wisdom
27Authorship note · Author not named
The work speaks in a Solomonic voice but does not name its individual author. It is generally understood as the work of a later Greek-speaking Jewish writer.
Sirach
28Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The prologue says that Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem wrote the wisdom teaching and that his grandson translated it into Greek.
Prophetic books
18Isaiah
29Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Isaiah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Jeremiah
30Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
Jeremiah’s words and life stand at the center, and Baruch appears as a scribe who records his words. The formation of the whole book should not be reduced to those two names alone.
Lamentations
31Authorship note · Traditional association
The poems do not directly name an author. Longstanding tradition connects them with Jeremiah, but that is not a signature in the text.
Baruch
32Authorship note · Traditional association
The book is transmitted under the name of Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe. The way its several parts came together in the present form is a separate literary question.
Ezekiel
33Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Ezekiel. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Daniel
34Authorship note · Multiple sources or collections
The book combines first-person material from Daniel with stories told about him in the third person. The final author of the whole book is not named.
Hosea
35Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Hosea. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Joel
36Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Joel. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Amos
37Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Amos. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Obadiah
38Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Obadiah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Jonah
39Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Jonah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Micah
40Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Micah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Nahum
41Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Nahum. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Habakkuk
42Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Habakkuk. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Zephaniah
43Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Zephaniah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Haggai
44Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Haggai. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Zechariah
45Authorship note · Prophet or writer named in the book
The book centers on the words and ministry of the prophet Zechariah. The prophet’s ministry and the full literary formation of the book should not be treated as exactly the same claim.
Malachi
46Authorship note · Author not named
The heading “Malachi” may be a personal name or a title meaning “my messenger,” so the author cannot be identified with certainty as a named individual.
The 27 New Testament books move from Jesus’ story to early Christian letters and apocalypse.
A name in a book title is not always a signature inside the text. The guide separates traditional attribution from what an opening or the text itself says.
4 Gospels
4Matthew
01It presents Jesus’ birth, teaching, death, and resurrection, often showing how the story connects with Israel’s Scriptures.
Authorship note · Traditional attribution
Church tradition connects this Gospel with Matthew, the tax collector among the Twelve. The text itself does not name its author.
Mark
02The shortest Gospel moves quickly through Jesus’ actions, suffering, death, and resurrection.
Authorship note · Traditional attribution
Church tradition connects this Gospel with Mark, a coworker associated with Peter. Mark was not one of the Twelve, and the text does not name its author.
Luke
03It follows Jesus from birth to resurrection, with sustained attention to mercy and people at the margins.
Authorship note · Traditional attribution
Church tradition connects this Gospel with Luke, a coworker of Paul. The writer explains that earlier sources and eyewitness traditions were investigated but does not give a name.
John
04Signs and extended conversations focus on who Jesus is, with much material not found in the other three Gospels.
Authorship note · Traditional attribution
Church tradition connects this Gospel with John among the Twelve. The text does not directly name its author and refers to the testimony of “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
1 history
1Acts
05It follows the coming of the Holy Spirit and the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem toward Rome.
Authorship note · Traditional attribution
Acts reads as the second volume by the author of Luke. Church tradition identifies that author as Luke.
13 letters bearing Paul’s name
13Romans
06A sustained explanation of the gospel, faith, and new life for believers in Rome.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
1 Corinthians
07It addresses division, worship, love, resurrection, and other questions in the Corinthian church.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
2 Corinthians
08It reveals Paul’s ministry, suffering, and efforts to restore his relationship with the church.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
Galatians
09It explains freedom in the gospel, faith, and life by the Spirit.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
Ephesians
10It presents the church’s unity in Christ and the shape of a new life.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
Philippians
11Writing from imprisonment, Paul urges joy, humility, and steadfastness.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
Colossians
12It emphasizes the central place of Christ and the new life that follows.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
1 Thessalonians
13It encourages a church maintaining faith amid hardship.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
2 Thessalonians
14It urges steadiness amid confusion about the day of the Lord.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
1 Timothy
15It addresses order in the church and the responsibilities of leaders.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
2 Timothy
16It urges Timothy to guard the gospel and complete the work entrusted to him.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
Titus
17It gives practical guidance about church leadership and good works.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
Philemon
18A brief appeal asks Philemon to receive Onesimus as a beloved brother rather than merely as a slave.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The letter’s opening names Paul as its sender. The composition of individual letters is also studied in different ways.
8 other letters
8Hebrews
19A sustained exhortation presents Jesus as high priest and encourages readers to remain faithful.
Authorship note · Author unnamed in text
The text names no author. Many people have been proposed through the centuries, but none can be identified with confidence.
James
20It addresses speech, action, care for the poor, and the practical shape of faith.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
In the opening, James introduces himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ but does not further identify which James.
1 Peter
21It encourages Christians facing hardship to live with hope and holiness.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The opening names Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, as the sender.
2 Peter
22It warns against false teaching and urges readers to remember the promise and remain firm.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
The opening names Simon Peter as the sender. The letter’s composition and date have long been discussed.
1 John
23It explains life in light, love, and truth, centered on faith in Jesus.
Authorship note · Traditional attribution
The text does not name its author. Early church tradition connected it with John, and its language is closely related to the Gospel of John.
2 John
24A brief letter urges readers to remain in truth and love and to resist false teaching.
Authorship note · Traditional attribution
The writer calls himself “the elder” but gives no name. Church tradition connects the letter with John.
3 John
25A brief letter addresses Gaius’s hospitality and conflict among community leaders.
Authorship note · Traditional attribution
The writer calls himself “the elder” but gives no name. Church tradition connects the letter with John.
Jude
26It warns about false teachers and urges the community to remain faithful.
Authorship note · Sender named in opening
In the opening, Jude introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.
1 apocalypse
1Revelation
27Symbolic visions offer warning and hope, urging suffering churches to remain faithful.
Authorship note · Writer names himself
The writer identifies himself as “John” on Patmos. The text does not say that he was John among the Twelve.