The Order of the Books of the Bible

The Bible is a collection of 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. They are not arranged chronologically but by category. The Old Testament groups books into the Law, History, Poetry and Wisdom, and Prophets. The New Testament groups them into Gospels and Acts (history), Epistles (letters), and Revelation (prophecy). This order has been used for centuries and helps readers see how each book fits into God’s unfolding story of redemption.

What are the books of the Old Testament in order?

The Old Testament begins with the Law (also called the Pentateuch), the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These lay the foundation of creation, the fall, and God’s covenant with Israel. They are sometimes called the Law of Moses, the Book of the Law of Moses, or the Torah.

Next come the Historical books, which continue Israel’s story from entering the Promised Land to the return from exile: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. These books record how God led His people through judges, kings, and prophets, and how He brought them back after exile.

Then the Poetical and Wisdom books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. These explore suffering, worship, practical wisdom, and love. They teach us how to bring our hearts before God in every season of life.

The Old Testament closes with the Prophets, divided into Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel) and Minor Prophets (Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). The terms “major” and “minor” refer to length, not importance. The prophets called Israel and the nations to turn back to God and spoke of a coming Messiah.

Jesus himself referred to this threefold division: “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44).

Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” — Luke 24:44 (BSB)

What are the books of the New Testament in order?

The New Testament opens with the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—which tell the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each Gospel presents Jesus from a different angle, but all proclaim Him as the promised Savior. Acts follows, recording the birth and growth of the early church through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Then come the Epistles, letters written to churches and individuals. Paul’s letters appear first: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. These letters teach doctrine, correct error, and guide believers in daily living. Then Hebrews, followed by the General Epistles: James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude. These address faith, suffering, and perseverance.

The New Testament ends with Revelation, a prophetic book about the return of Christ and the final victory of God. It gives hope to every generation that Jesus is coming again and will make all things new.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness. — 2 Timothy 3:16 (BSB)

Why are the books arranged in this order?

The order is not chronological. For example, Job may be one of the oldest books, yet it appears in the Poetry section. The arrangement is logical and thematic: it groups similar types of literature together so readers can follow the flow of redemptive history.

The Hebrew Bible used by ancient Jews had a different order: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. Our English Old Testament follows the Greek Septuagint’s order, which groups by genre. The New Testament order was recognized early in church history and confirmed in the fourth century.

This order helps us see the Bible as one unified story. The Old Testament anticipates Christ; the New Testament reveals Him. As Jesus said, the Scriptures testify about Him (John 5:39). The order is not inspired in the same way the words are, but it serves the church by making the Bible easy to navigate and study.

How can I remember the order of the books?

Many believers use a mnemonic song or a simple list. But more important than memorizing the order is understanding each book’s message. Start by reading through the Bible in a plan that follows the order, or begin with the Gospels to know Christ, then read Acts and the Epistles to understand the church, and finally return to the Old Testament to see the foundation.

The Bible is God’s Word, and its order serves our understanding. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12 (BSB)

What about the Apocrypha and other books?

Some Bibles include the Apocrypha, a collection of books written between the Old and New Testaments. These are not part of the Hebrew Old Testament or the Protestant canon. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches include some of these books in their Old Testament, but Protestants do not consider them inspired Scripture. This site follows the historic Protestant canon of 66 books.

The order of the books of the Bible is a helpful tool, but the goal is to know the God who speaks through them. Read prayerfully, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you, and join a local church where you can study with others.

Common questions

What is the chronological order of the books of the Bible?

The Bible is not arranged chronologically. For example, Job likely predates Abraham, and some Psalms were written during the exile. A chronological reading plan reorders books by approximate date of events or writing, but the standard order groups by genre.

How many books are in the Bible?

The Protestant Bible has 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include additional books called the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonicals.

Why are the books of the Bible in this order?

The order follows categories: Law, History, Poetry, Prophets in the Old Testament; Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Revelation in the New. This arrangement helps readers see the Bible’s unified message about Jesus Christ.