Books of the Bible: Complete list with authors

The Bible is a collection of sacred texts that are central to the Christian faith, composed of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each book has its unique author and purpose, contributing to the overarching narrative of God’s relationship with humanity. Below is a complete list of the books of the Bible along with their traditionally accepted authors.

Old Testament

1. Genesis

Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
Description: The creation of the world, the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and God's covenant with His people.

2. Exodus

Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
Description: The story of Israel's liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

3. Leviticus

Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
Description: Laws and regulations for worship, moral conduct, and the priesthood.

4. Numbers

Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
Description: The Israelites' wanderings in the desert and the census of the tribes.

5. Deuteronomy

Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
Description: Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites, reiterating the Law.

6. Joshua

Author: Traditionally attributed to Joshua
Description: The conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.

7. Judges

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Description: The cycle of Israel's sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance by judges.

8. Ruth

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Description: The story of Ruth, a Moabite woman, and her loyalty to Naomi; part of the lineage of David.

9. 1 Samuel

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel (with contributions from Nathan and Gad)
Description: The establishment of monarchy in Israel and the reign of Saul.

10. 2 Samuel

Author: Traditionally attributed to Nathan and Gad
Description: The reign of King David, his successes, and failures.

11. 1 Kings

Author: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
Description: The history of the monarchy in Israel and the division of the kingdom.

12. 2 Kings

Author: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
Description: The decline of both the northern and southern kingdoms leading to exile.

13. 1 Chronicles

Author: Traditionally attributed to Ezra
Description: A retelling of the history, focusing on David’s reign.

14. 2 Chronicles

Author: Traditionally attributed to Ezra
Description: The history of Judah's kings and the temple.

15. Ezra

Author: Ezra
Description: The return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the temple.

16. Nehemiah

Author: Nehemiah
Description: The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and reforming the community.

17. Esther

Author: Traditionally attributed to Mordecai
Description: The story of Esther’s bravery in saving her people from destruction.

18. Job

Author: Unknown (traditionally attributed to Moses or Job himself)
Description: The story of Job’s suffering and dialogues on God's justice.

19. Psalms

Author: Primarily David (but includes contributions from others like Asaph, Solomon, and the sons of Korah)
Description: A collection of songs, prayers, and poetry expressing emotions from joy to lament.

20. Proverbs

Author: Mainly Solomon (with contributions from others)
Description: Wise sayings and practical advice for living a righteous life.

21. Ecclesiastes

Author: Traditionally attributed to Solomon
Description: Reflections on the meaning of life and the pursuit of fulfillment.

22. Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)

Author: Traditionally attributed to Solomon
Description: A poetic dialogue celebrating love and desire.

23. Isaiah

Author: Isaiah
Description: Prophecies addressing judgment and hope for the people of Israel, including messianic predictions.

24. Jeremiah

Author: Jeremiah
Description: Prophecies and laments during the decline of Judah leading to exile.

25. Lamentations

Author: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah
Description: Mourning over the destruction of Jerusalem.

26. Ezekiel

Author: Ezekiel
Description: Prophecies and visions during the Babylonian exile.

27. Daniel

Author: Daniel
Description: Daniel’s experiences and visions during the Babylonian captivity.

28. Hosea

Author: Hosea
Description: Messages of judgment and reconciliation to Israel through the metaphor of marriage.

29. Joel

Author: Joel
Description: Prophecies about a locust plague and the promise of God's Spirit being poured out.

30. Amos

Author: Amos
Description: Prophecies of judgment against Israel for social injustice and unfaithfulness.

31. Obadiah

Author: Obadiah
Description: A prophecy against Edom for their treatment of Israel.

32. Jonah

Author: Jonah
Description: Jonah's reluctant mission to proclaim God's message to Nineveh.

33. Micah

Author: Micah
Description: Messages of judgment and hope, emphasizing justice and mercy.

34. Nahum

Author: Nahum
Description: A prophecy of judgment against Nineveh.

35. Habakkuk

Author: Habakkuk
Description: Dialogues with God regarding justice and faith.

36. Zephaniah

Author: Zephaniah
Description: Prophecies of judgment against Judah and the nations, along with visions of hope.

37. Haggai

Author: Haggai
Description: Messages encouraging the rebuilding of the temple after the exile.

38. Zechariah

Author: Zechariah
Description: Visions and prophecies about Israel's future and the coming Messiah.

39. Malachi

Author: Malachi
Description: Messages addressing Israel's spiritual decline and the promise of the coming messenger.

New Testament

1. Matthew

Author: Matthew
Description: The life and teachings of Jesus, focusing on His role as the Messiah.

2. Mark

Author: Mark
Description: A succinct account of Jesus’ ministry, emphasizing His actions.

3. Luke

Author: Luke
Description: A detailed narrative of the life of Jesus and the early church.

4. John

Author: John
Description: A theological portrayal of Jesus as the Son of God and the Word made flesh.

5. Acts

Author: Luke
Description: The history of the early church and the spread of the Gospel after Jesus’ ascension.

6. Romans

Author: Paul
Description: A theological exploration of the Gospel and its implications for salvation.

7. 1 Corinthians

Author: Paul
Description: Addressing issues in the Corinthian church and providing teachings on various topics.

8. 2 Corinthians

Author: Paul
Description: A letter defending his apostleship and addressing challenges within the church.

9. Galatians

Author: Paul
Description: A defense of the Gospel and a warning against legalism.

10. Ephesians

Author: Paul
Description: A letter emphasizing God's grace and unity within the body of Christ.

11. Philippians

Author: Paul
Description: A letter of encouragement and exhortation to rejoice in the Lord.

12. Colossians

Author: Paul
Description: A defense of Christ's supremacy and instructions for holy living.

13. 1 Thessalonians

Author: Paul
Description: Encouragement for the church and teachings about the second coming of Christ.

14. 2 Thessalonians

Author: Paul
Description: Clarifications regarding the return of Christ and encouragement to stand firm.

15. 1 Timothy

Author: Paul
Description: Instructions on church leadership and sound doctrine.

16. 2 Timothy

Author: Paul
Description: A personal letter to Timothy, encouraging him to remain faithful.

17. Titus

Author: Paul
Description: Guidelines for church leadership and living out the faith.

18. Philemon

Author: Paul
Description: A personal appeal regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus.

19. Hebrews

Author: Unknown (traditionally attributed to Paul but disputed)
Description: A treatise on the superiority of Christ and encouragement for believers.

20. James

Author: James (the brother of Jesus)
Description: Practical teachings on faith and works.

21. 1 Peter

Author: Peter
Description: Encouragement for suffering believers and calls for holy living.

22. 2 Peter

Author: Peter
Description: Warnings against false teachers and reminders of Christian growth.

23. 1 John

Author: John
Description: Teachings on love, truth, and assurance of salvation.

24. 2 John

Author: John
Description: A letter emphasizing love and warning against false teachers.

25. 3 John

Author: John
Description: A personal letter commending Gaius and addressing Diotrephes.

26. Jude

Author: Jude (the brother of James)
Description: Warning against false teachers and encouragement to defend the faith.

27. Revelation

Author: John
Description: Apocalyptic visions and prophecies regarding the end times and the return of Christ.

This list outlines the books of the Bible along with their traditionally accepted authors and serves as a useful reference for anyone seeking to understand the framework of Scripture. Each book has its own unique perspective and message, contributing to the overall narrative of God’s relationship with humanity through history.