The Bible is one of the most influential books in human history, serving as a spiritual guide for billions of people. It is made up of a collection of books that recount historical events, laws, teachings, poetry, and prophecy. However, the number of books in the Bible is not the same for every tradition. Different branches of Christianity have their own versions, each varying slightly in the number of included texts.
This variance can raise questions—how many books are there exactly? Depending on whether you are holding a Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox Bible, the count might differ. In this article, we’ll discuss how many books are present in different versions of the Bible, why those differences exist, and what those books represent.
The structure of the Bible is more than just a collection of ancient writings; it represents centuries of spiritual tradition, cultural heritage, and theological debate. Understanding the number of books in the Bible helps you better appreciate these differences and the shared message that connects all versions of the scripture.
Books of the Bible in Order
| Section | Protestant Bible (66 Books) | Catholic Bible (73 Books) | Eastern Orthodox Bible (Up to 81 Books) |
| Old Testament – Torah (Law/Pentateuch) | Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy | Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy | Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy |
| Historical Books | Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther | Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (expanded) | Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (expanded), 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras |
| Poetic and Wisdom Books | Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon | Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) | Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Psalm 151 |
| Major Prophets | Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel | Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel (expanded) | Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel (expanded), Letter of Jeremiah |
| Minor Prophets | Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi | Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi | Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi |
| Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books | Not Included | Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees | Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, 3 Maccabees, 4 Maccabees, Prayer of Manasseh |
| New Testament – Gospels | Matthew, Mark, Luke, John | Matthew, Mark, Luke, John | Matthew, Mark, Luke, John |
| History | Acts of the Apostles | Acts of the Apostles | Acts of the Apostles |
| Pauline Epistles | Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon | Same as Protestant | Same as Protestant |
| General Epistles | Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude | Same as Protestant | Same as Protestant |
| Prophecy | Revelation | Revelation | Revelation |
Breakdown of the Bible’s Structure
The Bible is generally divided into two major parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each of these sections serves a different purpose and covers distinct periods of history. Understanding this structure can help clarify how the Bible was organized and why various books were included.
The Old Testament – Number of Books
The Old Testament comprises 39 books for Protestants, while it is divided into 24 books in the Hebrew Bible. Although these numbers differ, the content is largely the same—the difference lies in how the books are grouped. The Old Testament contains foundational texts that were written over a period of about 1,000 years, mostly in Hebrew and some parts in Aramaic.
Divisions of the Old Testament
The Old Testament can be categorized into the following groups:
- Books of Law (Torah or Pentateuch): These include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. They outline God’s covenant with humanity, including laws and commandments.
- Historical Books: From Joshua to Esther, these books narrate the history of Israel, covering conquest, kingdom periods, and exile.
- Poetic and Wisdom Books: Books like Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job offer insights into worship, human suffering, and the quest for wisdom.
- Major and Minor Prophets: The prophets are divided into “major” (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel) and “minor” (12 shorter books from Hosea to Malachi) based on the length of the texts. These books contain prophecies and messages from God delivered by chosen individuals.
- Jewish vs. Christian Old Testament In the Hebrew tradition, the Old Testament is arranged differently and is called the Tanakh, divided into the Torah, Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). While the content remains essentially the same, the organization reflects the Jewish perspective on scripture and spiritual emphasis.
The New Testament – Number of Books
The New Testament consists of 27 books across all Christian traditions. It was written between 50 and 100 AD, primarily in Greek, and it focuses on the life of Jesus Christ, the establishment of the early church, and Christian doctrine.
Divisions of the New Testament
The New Testament can be divided into different parts:
- The Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Each Gospel offers a unique perspective on His teachings.
- Acts of the Apostles: This historical book records the spread of Christianity after Jesus’ ascension and the acts of the apostles, especially focusing on Peter and Paul.
- Pauline Epistles (13 books): Letters written by the Apostle Paul to various churches and individuals. They include teachings on faith, conduct, and church organization.
- General Epistles (8 books): These letters, written by apostles like Peter, James, John, and others, address broader Christian audiences and focus on themes of faith and endurance.
- Revelation: The final book is an apocalyptic text that contains visions of the future, focusing on the end of times and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
These divisions highlight the different roles that the Old and New Testaments play within the Christian faith. The Old Testament serves as a historical and religious foundation, while the New Testament fulfills those promises through the coming of Jesus Christ. Each book within these parts contributes to the cohesive spiritual narrative shared by many across generations.
Total Number of Books in Different Bible Versions
The total number of books in the Bible can differ based on the version you refer to. Different Christian denominations have variations in their biblical canons, including additional texts or excluding others. Let’s explore the key differences among Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Bibles.
1. Protestant Bible – Number of Books 66
The Protestant Bible has 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. This version was shaped during the Reformation, when Martin Luther and other leaders decided to remove certain books considered non-authoritative or lacking historical authenticity.
Why Only 66 Books?
During the Reformation, many texts included in the Catholic canon were excluded by Protestant reformers. They aimed to align more closely with the Hebrew Bible and adopted the Old Testament’s 39 books. They rejected the Apocrypha, which was viewed as having valuable historical information but not as divinely inspired scripture.
2. Catholic Bible – Number of Books 73
The Catholic Bible includes 73 books—66 from the Protestant canon plus 7 additional ones known as the Deuterocanonical books. These books are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. Portions of Esther and Daniel also have additions that are recognized only in Catholic Bibles.
Why Are There 7 Extra Books?
The additional books are collectively called the Deuterocanonical books. They were included in the Septuagint, a Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures completed in the third century BC, which was heavily used in early Christianity. The Council of Trent (1546 AD) affirmed these books as part of the canon in response to the Protestant Reformation. These books provide historical context for the intertestamental period and contain religious teachings that complement the rest of the Old Testament.
3. Eastern Orthodox Bible – Number of Books Around 79-81
The number of books in the Eastern Orthodox Bible can vary depending on the specific tradition. The Orthodox Old Testament includes several additional books that are not found in either the Protestant or Catholic versions, such as 3 and 4 Maccabees, Psalm 151, and the Prayer of Manasseh.
Why Do the Orthodox Have More Books?
The Orthodox churches maintained the Greek Septuagint as the foundational Old Testament. This version includes books that were seen as vital for early Christian communities. The Orthodox Church recognizes the value of these books both for their historical narratives and spiritual guidance.
4. Jewish Hebrew Bible – Number of Books 24
The Hebrew Bible consists of 24 books, corresponding to the Protestant Old Testament’s 39 books. However, the structure differs as some books, like Samuel and Kings, are not divided into parts as they are in Christian versions. The Hebrew Bible’s tripartite division includes the Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).
Similar Content, Different Arrangement
The content of the Hebrew Bible is similar to the Protestant Old Testament, but the books are grouped differently. For example, the 12 minor prophets are counted as a single book. This reflects a different focus on thematic and historical groupings compared to Christian arrangements.
These differences in the number of books reflect theological traditions and historical decisions about which writings were considered inspired. Though each branch of Christianity maintains its own canon, the core messages of faith and spirituality remain consistent.
What Are the Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal Books?
The term “Deuterocanonical” refers to books that are included in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox versions of the Bible but are excluded from the Protestant Bible. These books are often referred to as the Apocrypha, which means “hidden” or “obscure.” Understanding what these books are and why they are not universally accepted helps clarify the distinctions between the different biblical canons.
What Books Are Deuterocanonical?
The Deuterocanonical books include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. Additionally, there are some expanded portions in Esther and Daniel that are only recognized in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. These additions are usually printed separately in Protestant Bibles, if they are included at all.
Where Did These Books Originate?
The origin of these books can be traced back to the Septuagint, which was a Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures completed around the third century BC. During that period, Jewish scholars translated their sacred texts into Greek, and in doing so, included additional books. The early Christian church, largely Greek-speaking at that time, also used the Septuagint extensively, thus adopting these texts into their own canon.
Why Does the Catholic Church Include Them?
The Council of Rome in 382 AD, followed by the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD), affirmed the canonicity of these texts. The Council of Trent (1546 AD) later reaffirmed them, specifically in response to the challenges posed by the Protestant Reformation. For the Catholic Church, these books provide important teachings on ethics, historical narratives, and spiritual lessons, which were deemed valuable in understanding the broader context of scripture.
Themes in the Deuterocanonical Books
- Historical and Religious Significance: The books of 1 and 2 Maccabees provide historical context for the Maccabean Revolt, an important event in Jewish history that took place during the intertestamental period. They highlight Jewish resistance to oppression, emphasizing themes of religious identity and resilience. Other books, such as Tobit and Judith, tell moral and instructive tales that offer insight into family loyalty and faith under difficult circumstances.
- Ethical and Wisdom Teachings: Books like Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon provide reflections on practical living, morality, and the nature of wisdom. They bear similarities to Proverbs in the canonical texts, offering guidance on leading a righteous life. Baruch, attributed to the scribe of the prophet Jeremiah, contains prayers and confessions of faith that were meaningful for the Jewish community during their exile.
Why Some Christian Groups Reject the Apocrypha
- Lack of New Testament Endorsement: One significant reason for the rejection of the Deuterocanonical books by Protestants is that these texts are not quoted directly by Jesus or the New Testament authors. In contrast, the canonical books of the Old Testament are frequently referenced, lending them greater perceived authority.
- Doctrinal Differences:Certain teachings found in the Apocryphal books do not align with mainstream doctrines held by Protestant reformers. For example, the concept of prayers for the dead found in 2 Maccabees was seen as inconsistent with the Protestant doctrine of salvation. Because of these discrepancies, the Apocrypha was viewed as a non-essential addition to the core biblical message.
Understanding the Deuterocanonical books and their place in different versions of the Bible helps clarify why Christians hold different views on scripture. While their inclusion varies, they offer unique historical insights and additional reflections on faith and morality, shaping how different branches of Christianity approach the Bible.
History and Canonization Process
The Bible as we know it today didn’t always exist in a single compiled form. Instead, it evolved through centuries of debate, selection, and meticulous scribing. Understanding the history of the Bible’s canonization helps explain why different Christian traditions hold slightly different collections of texts.
Formation of the Old Testament Canon
The Role of Ancient Councils
The Old Testament canon, often called the Hebrew Bible, was formed over several centuries, and its final compilation is thought to have been completed between 500 BC and 100 BC. This process involved the contributions of various Jewish scholars, priests, and rabbis, who considered which texts had divine authority and historical value. By around the second century BC, the Hebrew scriptures were mostly settled into the form we know today. The Council of Jamnia (90 AD), although debated in historical accuracy, is believed to have played a role in solidifying the accepted Jewish texts, marking a boundary for which writings were included in the canon.
Criteria for Inclusion
There were specific criteria for a book to be accepted into the Old Testament canon:
- It had to be historically verified and theologically sound.
- It needed to have a significant connection to a prophet or a recognized religious figure.
- The content had to align with existing scriptures and the accepted beliefs of the community.
The Old Testament was eventually translated into Greek as the Septuagint, which included both canonical books and others later termed the Apocrypha. This version became influential among early Christians who spoke Greek.
Formation of the New Testament Canon
Letters and Gospels Circulated Individually: The New Testament books were initially separate writings. Early Christians circulated letters (Epistles) from the apostles, Gospels recounting Jesus’ life, and records of early church activities. The letters written by Paul, as well as those attributed to Peter, John, and others, were particularly important in establishing Christian doctrine. Over time, these texts gained authority, with churches using them in worship and for instruction.
Early Lists and Councils: By around 200 AD, early church leaders like Irenaeus and Tertullian began discussing which writings were authoritative. By 367 AD, Athanasius of Alexandria listed the 27 books of the New Testament that are still in use today. Later, the Council of Carthage in 397 AD formally ratified this list, affirming the books that the church already widely recognized.
Criteria for Canonization
The church used several key criteria to determine which books should be included:
- Apostolic Authority: The book had to be authored by an apostle or a close associate.
- Orthodoxy: The text needed to be consistent with the accepted teachings about Jesus and early Christian faith.
- Universal Acceptance: The book needed to be accepted by the majority of Christian communities.
- Liturgical Use: Texts used in church services and worship were considered for inclusion.
Essential Elements on the Canonization Process
Formation through Centuries: The canonization of the Bible was a process shaped by councils, church leaders, and the early Christian community’s discernment of which texts bore divine inspiration. This development was not a simple, uniform decision but rather a series of discussions and debates spanning centuries.
Role of the Early Church Fathers: Figures like Jerome and Augustine played pivotal roles in shaping the understanding of scripture. Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate), debated with Augustine regarding the value of the Apocryphal books. Jerome ultimately translated them but viewed them as of secondary importance. Augustine, on the other hand, gave them considerable support, which contributed to their later inclusion in the Catholic canon.
This long and complex history of the Bible’s canonization provides insight into why different denominations have variations in their scripture. It wasn’t until the printing press became widespread in the 15th century that the Bible as a singular, compiled volume became accessible to more people, reinforcing specific canon choices by different churches.
Why Do Different Christian Traditions Have Different Canons?
The variations in the books included in the Bible across different Christian traditions are the result of centuries of theological, cultural, and historical differences. Understanding why these canons diverge helps clarify the distinct spiritual emphases and beliefs held by Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christians.
Historical Differences Between Canons
Hebrew Bible vs. Septuagint
One major reason for these differences is rooted in the use of the Hebrew Bible versus the Septuagint. The Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh, consists of 24 books that correspond closely to the 39 books found in the Protestant Old Testament. The Septuagint, on the other hand, is a Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures created in the third century BC, which included additional texts. The Septuagint was widely used in early Christian communities, especially by Greek-speaking Jews and converts to Christianity.
The early church—which was primarily Greek-speaking—adopted the Septuagint as their Old Testament. Because it included additional books, such as Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, these texts became part of the early Christian tradition and were eventually incorporated into the Catholic and Orthodox canons. However, the Jewish community of that time did not recognize these additional books as canonical, which later influenced the Protestant rejection of these texts.
Jewish Canon Settling
By the time Christianity emerged, Jewish scholars were finalizing their canon, leading to the formation of the Hebrew Bible as a distinct collection without the extra books found in the Septuagint. This separation laid the foundation for the Protestant Reformation’s decision centuries later to follow the Hebrew canon rather than the Greek one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many books are in the Protestant Bible?
The Protestant Bible has 66 books, 39 of which are in the Old Testament and 27 of which are in the New Testament.
2. Why does the Catholic Bible have more books than the Protestant Bible?
The Catholic Bible includes 7 additional books called the Deuterocanonical books, which were part of the Greek Septuagint but rejected by Protestant reformers.
3. What are the Apocryphal books, and why are they significant?
The Apocryphal books are texts included in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but not in Protestant versions. They provide historical insights and spiritual teachings from the intertestamental period.
4. How was the canon of the Bible determined?
The canon was formed over centuries through councils and discussions among early church leaders. The criteria for inclusion included apostolic authority and theological alignment.
5. Why are some books excluded from certain versions of the Bible?
Some books are excluded because they were not part of the Hebrew Bible or were seen as not divinely inspired by certain traditions, particularly during the Protestant Reformation.
6. How does the Hebrew Bible compare to the Christian Old Testament?
The Hebrew Bible contains 24 books arranged differently but with similar content to the 39 books of the Christian Old Testament. They are divided by genre and historical emphasis.
Wrapping Up
The Bible’s structure and the number of books vary depending on the tradition—66 books in Protestant, 73 in Catholic, and up to 81 in Orthodox versions. Differences stem from historical decisions regarding the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Septuagint. Despite these variations, the core teachings and shared faith bind all versions together. Understanding these distinctions highlights the richness of Christian traditions and provides deeper insight into why each branch upholds its particular canon, reinforcing a collective commitment to faith and spiritual heritage.
