How many books are in the 1599 Geneva Bible?

First published in 1560, the Geneva Bible was the first English Bible to be translated directly from the original Greek and Hebrew texts. It was printed by English Protestant exiles in Geneva, and it became immensely popular among early English-speaking Protestants. The 1599 edition represents one of the later versions of this influential Bible. Understanding how many books it contains offers insight into its structure and its role in shaping biblical understanding during the Reformation and beyond.

The Canon of the 1599 Geneva Bible

The 1599 Geneva Bible includes a total of 66 books, which consist of 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. This compilation aligns with the traditional Protestant canon, which excludes the books that are commonly referred to as the Apocrypha. The Apocrypha consists of texts that are included in the Catholic Bible but are not considered canonical by most Protestant denominations. The Geneva Bible, adhering to the views of its supporters, reflected the theological convictions of the Reformation era, focusing solely on texts that were widely accepted as part of the Protestant canon.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament of the 1599 Geneva Bible is comprised of the same 39 books found in the Jewish Tanakh and the Protestant Old Testament. These books include well-known texts such as Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Isaiah, among others. The Old Testament serves as the foundational scripture for both Judaism and Christianity, providing historical narratives, laws, prophetic writings, and poetry that are integral to understanding the character of God and His covenant with humanity.

The arrangement of the Old Testament books in the Geneva Bible follows a similar order to that of other Protestant Bibles, beginning with the Pentateuch (the first five books of Moses) and continuing through historical narratives, wisdom literature, and prophetic writings. This cohesiveness reflects the theological emphasis on God’s plan for redemption, foreshadowing the coming of Christ as foretold by the prophets.

The New Testament

The New Testament contains 27 books in the 1599 Geneva Bible, beginning with the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—which recount the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This section of the Bible is central to Christian doctrine, and the Geneva Bible emphasizes the importance of these texts in understanding salvation and the teachings of Jesus.

Following the Gospels, the New Testament includes the Acts of the Apostles, which describes the early church’s formation and spread, followed by the Epistles—letters written by apostles such as Paul, Peter, and John to various early Christian communities. These letters provide insight into theological concepts, ethical teachings, and the practical concerns of the early Church. The New Testament concludes with the Book of Revelation, which presents apocalyptic visions and the ultimate victory of Christ.

The Exclusion of the Apocrypha

One notable aspect of the 1599 Geneva Bible is the explicit exclusion of the Apocrypha. The Apocryphal books, which include texts like Tobit, Judith, and the Wisdom of Solomon, were included in the Latin Vulgate Bible and are accepted by the Catholic Church but are not considered part of the canonical scripture by most Protestant denominations.

The Geneva Bible’s omission of these texts was rooted in the Reformers' emphasis on sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the guiding principle of faith and practice. The decision to exclude the Apocrypha aligns with the growing sentiment during the Reformation that the authority of Scripture should rest solely on texts inspired by God, as they were available in the original languages.

The Impact of the 1599 Geneva Bible

The 1599 edition of the Geneva Bible marked a significant moment in biblical history as it provided a translation that was accessible to English-speaking Christians, bolstering their faith through its clarity and readability. The Geneva Bible was renowned for its extensive marginal notes, which offered commentary and interpretation from a Protestant perspective, making it a valuable resource for believers seeking deeper understanding.

While eventually overshadowed by the King James Version, which was published in 1611 and adopted by many English-speaking churches, the Geneva Bible’s influence persisted for generations. It played a fundamental role in shaping the language and thought of the English-speaking Protestant community, contributing to the cultural and religious landscape of the time.

Conclusion

In summary, the 1599 Geneva Bible contains a total of 66 books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Its exclusion of the Apocrypha reflects the convictions of the Reformation and serves as a testament to the enduring quest for a biblical canon that speaks to the core tenets of the Christian faith.