Structure of the Bible

Explore how the Bible is structured into 66 books across the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT), literary genres, and practical reading strategies.

The Bible consists of 66 books and is essentially a library written over a period of more than 1,000 years. To make navigation simple, it is divided into the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT), which are further grouped into distinct literary genres.

auto_stories 66 Books history_edu Written over 1,000+ Years menu_book OT (39) & NT (27)
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Old Testament (39 Books)

Written in Hebrew (and some Aramaic). Covers creation, Israel's history, laws, and prophecies.

Genre 1 5 Books

The Law (Pentateuch / Torah)

Content: Creation, patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), Exodus from Egypt, Ten Commandments, and God's covenant with Israel.

BOOKS INCLUDED:
Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy
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Genre 2 12 Books

Historical Books

Content: Israel's settlement, kingdom era (David & Solomon), kingdom division, exile, and restoration.

BOOKS INCLUDED:
Joshua Judges Ruth 1 & 2 Samuel 1 & 2 Kings 1 & 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther
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Genre 3 5 Books

Wisdom & Poetry

Content: Worship songs, prayers, reflections on justice and suffering, and practical adages.

BOOKS INCLUDED:
Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon
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Genre 4 17 Books

The Prophets

Content: Warnings of judgment against injustice, calls to repentance, and Messianic prophecies.

MAJOR PROPHETS:
Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel
MINOR PROPHETS:
Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi
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