Bible Overview
The Bible is a diverse library of literature. Inspired by God and written by many authors in many genres, it can be hard to see how it all fits together. To see the big picture, let’s see how the books are arranged, the main story and the genres inside.
66
books
40+
authors
20
genres
1
unified story
How to use this resource...
This resource is designed to help you take an overarching look at the Bible. Each section covers a different aspect of the Bible's composition. Explainer videos can be found on our YouTube channel and free downloads are available below.
Jump to...
Structure of the Bible
The books of the Bible are arranged in a helpful structure but it isn't chronological or alphabetical. It’s more like sections of a library.
Understanding this can transform the way you read any part in light of the whole. See below for how to navigate your way around and why the Bible is ordered the way it is.
Learn the structure
Old Testament
39 books
~ 32+ authors
~ 1400–400 BC
written in Hebrew (+ 1% Aramaic)
Pentateuch
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
History
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Poetry
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs
Major Prophets
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Minor Prophets
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Jonah
Obadiah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Jewish Bible
TaNaK
Torah (Instruction)
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Nevi'im
(Prophets)
Joshua
Judges
1 & 2 Samuel
1 & 2 Kings
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
The Twelve (minor prophets)
Ketuvim (Writings)
Psalms
Job
Proverbs
Ruth
Song of Songs
Ecclesiastes
Lamentations
Esther
Daniel
Ezra-Nehemiah
1 & 2 Chronicles
New Testament
27 books
~ 9 authors
1st century AD
written in Greek
Gospels
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
History
Acts
Letters by Paul
Romans
1 & 2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 & 2 Thessalonians
1 & 2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Letters by Others
Hebrews
James
1 & 2 Peter
1, 2 & 3 John
Jude
Apocalypse
Revelation
Story of the Bible
The Bible is diverse but through many authors, languages and genres, there’s one grand narrative.
It’s useful to know where each part fits (and where we fit) in the big picture. Watch the video as we zoom out and summarise the main story.
Discover the story
Genres of the Bible
The Bible uses a huge variety of genres from parables to prophecy, laws to letters, satire to stories.
We need to read them differently but this is where most people get stuck. Check out our resources helping you to identify, interpret and enjoy this diversity.
Explore the genres
Videos
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Recommended Resources
Websites
Courses
-
The Bible Course by Bible Society
Books
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God's Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts
-
The Bible Book: A User’s Guide by Nick Page
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The Old Testament in Seven Sentences by Christopher Wright
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The New Testament in Seven Sentences by Gary Burge
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Grasping God's Word by J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hays