How Many Books Are in the Bible?
How Many Books Are in the Bible? The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
Key verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
The Bible contains 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible is a library of 66 books divided into two major sections. The Old Testament contains 39 books written primarily in Hebrew (with some Aramaic sections) over roughly 1,000 years. These are organized into categories: the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy), Historical Books (Joshua–Esther), Poetic/Wisdom Literature (Job–Song of Solomon), Major Prophets (Isaiah–Daniel), and Minor Prophets (Hosea–Malachi). The New Testament contains 27 books written in Greek during the first century AD. These include the four Gospels (Matthew–John), the Acts of the Apostles, Paul's Epistles (Romans–Philemon), General Epistles (Hebrews–Jude), and the Book of Revelation. Some traditions include additional books called the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books, but these were not accepted as canonical by the Jewish community or most Protestant churches. Together, these 66 books tell one grand story: God's plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ.
Topic Overview
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Key Scripture References
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Who Wrote the Bible?
The Bible was written by approximately 40 human authors over 1,500 years, but ultimately inspired by God through the Holy Spirit.
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
Yes — the Bible's historical accuracy, fulfilled prophecy, internal consistency, and transformative power confirm its divine reliability.
What Is the Oldest Book in the Bible?
Most scholars believe the Book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible, predating even Genesis in composition.
What Is the Creation Story in Genesis?
Genesis 1-2 describes God creating the universe, earth, and all life in six days, resting on the seventh — establishing His sovereignty over all things.
What Was Noah's Ark and the Great Flood?
Noah's Ark was a massive vessel God commanded Noah to build to preserve his family and animal life during a worldwide flood that destroyed all other life on earth.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Who Wrote the Bible?
History & Origins
Is the Bible True and Reliable?
History & Origins
What Is the Oldest Book in the Bible?
History & Origins
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
The Serpent in Eden — Satan in Genesis 3 (KJV)
The serpent in Eden is Satan's first appearance in Scripture — questioning God's
Amos 7:14-15 Commentary
In-depth study • Calling & Obedience
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 2 Timothy. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Timothy on day 350 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “How Many Books Are in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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