What is the order of the Bible's books?

Definition and Purpose

The phrase “the order of the Bible’s books” typically refers to the commonly accepted sequence in which the books of the Old Testament and New Testament appear in printed Bibles. While the exact arrangement can vary slightly among Jewish, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant traditions, the standard Protestant ordering of 66 books is widely used for study, reference, and teaching. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” which underscores the unity and divine inspiration of these texts. The order helps readers trace the progression of biblical history, doctrine, and prophecy in a coherent manner.

Overview of the Old Testament (39 Books)

The Old Testament consists of 39 books, traditionally subdivided into the Pentateuch (or Torah), Historical Books, Poetry and Wisdom Books, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets. This arrangement follows the longstanding usage in the majority of Protestant Bibles. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls found in the mid-20th century near Qumran, support the antiquity of many Old Testament writings and demonstrate remarkable consistency in transmission.

The Pentateuch (Torah)

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

These five foundational books unfold the creation of the universe, the earliest history of humanity, and God’s covenant with the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). They introduce the Law and delineate the formation of the nation of Israel. For example, Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” emphasizing the foundational truth of a Creator who initiated all life.

Historical Books

6. Joshua

7. Judges

8. Ruth

9. 1 Samuel

10. 2 Samuel

11. 1 Kings

12. 2 Kings

13. 1 Chronicles

14. 2 Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

These record Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land, the leadership of judges, the establishment and division of the monarchy, and the post-exilic community’s restoration under leaders such as Ezra and Nehemiah. They narrate history in a theological framework, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and His covenant promises.

Poetry and Wisdom Books

18. Job

19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Songs (Song of Solomon)

Often called the “Writings,” these books express prayers, songs, wisdom sayings, and deep reflections on life, suffering, worship, and love. The Psalms, frequently quoted by Jesus Christ and New Testament authors, include exaltations of God’s sovereignty and personal lamentations, offering timeless insight into devoted worship and confidence in the Lord.

Major Prophets

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

Biblical scholarship often designates “Major Prophets” as those with longer writings. These books contain both warnings of impending judgment and promises of restoration. Notably, Isaiah predicts the coming Messiah (e.g., Isaiah 53), while Daniel offers apocalyptic visions that point to future events and affirm God’s sovereign plan over the nations.

Minor Prophets

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

Called “Minor” due to their shorter length, these books address specific historical and theological issues. They spotlight Israel’s waywardness, divine judgment, and renewed hope. Malachi, the final Old Testament book, paves the way for the New Testament by prophesying the coming of a “messenger” (Malachi 3:1)—identified as John the Baptist in the Gospels—who will prepare the way for the Messiah.

Overview of the New Testament (27 Books)

The New Testament comprises 27 books that testifies to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Early church documents, such as the Muratorian Fragment (late 2nd century), and the thorough listings by Church Fathers like Athanasius (4th century), affirm the recognition of these 27 books as authoritative Scripture.

The Gospels and Acts

1. Matthew

2. Mark

3. Luke

4. John

5. Acts

The four Gospels offer narratives of Jesus’s earthly ministry, teachings, sacrificial death, and resurrection. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are often called the “Synoptic Gospels” due to their similar structure and shared material, while John takes a more thematic approach (cf. John 20:31: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…”). Acts, composed by Luke, continues the account of Christ’s work through the Holy Spirit in the early Church and documents the spread of the gospel message “from Jerusalem…to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Pauline Epistles

6. Romans

7. 1 Corinthians

8. 2 Corinthians

9. Galatians

10. Ephesians

11. Philippians

12. Colossians

13. 1 Thessalonians

14. 2 Thessalonians

15. 1 Timothy

16. 2 Timothy

17. Titus

18. Philemon

Penned by the Apostle Paul, these letters address the doctrine of salvation, unity in the church, Christian conduct, and pastoral leadership. Romans, in particular, provides an in-depth explanation of justification by faith (Romans 5:1–2). These epistles also offer insight into the early Christian congregations and their challenges, many of which remain relevant for believers today.

General Epistles

19. Hebrews

20. James

21. 1 Peter

22. 2 Peter

23. 1 John

24. 2 John

25. 3 John

26. Jude

Sometimes called “Catholic Epistles” (meaning ‘universal’), these letters address a wider readership. Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling and surpassing Old Testament types and shadows. James emphasizes practical faith and righteous deeds. Peter and John offer pastoral guidance and warn against heresy, while Jude cautions against false teachers.

The Book of Revelation

27. Revelation

Revelation, attributed to the Apostle John, presents an apocalyptic vision of God’s final victory over evil, centered on Jesus Christ as the triumphant “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). It offers comfort, warning, and ultimate hope, describing the new heaven and new earth where God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:1–3).

Concluding Observations

The canonical order—39 books in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament—remains foundational for Bible reading, study, and preaching. While other branches of Christianity recognize additional writings (commonly called the Deuterocanonical or Apocryphal books), the 66 books outlined above represent the historically affirmed collection regarded as divinely inspired and wholly authoritative.

From the earliest manuscripts and councils confirming these texts, to modern archaeological research lending external corroboration, the biblical record exhibits remarkable consistency. The specificity of each book’s position allows readers to follow a logical progression from creation, covenant, promise, and prophecy to fulfillment in Christ and the culminating hope of believers. Thus, the order of these books, preserved and passed down through the centuries, continues to serve as a clear framework for all who seek to understand the unfolding revelation of God in Scripture.