Biblical Books by Date

An interactive chronology of the 66 biblical books. Switch between authorship and narrative time, jump by era, and open any book in the BibleAsk KJV.

Books

Old Testament

New Testament

Eras

Beginnings

Exodus & Wilderness

Conquest & Judges

United Kingdom

Divided Kingdom

Exile

Return

Intertestamental

Life of Christ

Early Church

Job — Possibly before Genesis; author unknown (Approx. 2000–1800 BC): A poetic dialogue exploring themes of suffering, righteousness, and God’s justice through the story of Job.

Genesis — 1445–1405 BC (4000–1800 BC): The book of beginnings, covering creation, the fall, the flood, and the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

Exodus — 1445–1405 BC (1500–1400 BC): The story of Israel’s liberation from Egyptian slavery under Moses and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai.

Leviticus — 1445–1405 BC (1440 BC): Detailed laws regarding worship, sacrifices, and rituals for the Israelites.

Numbers — 1445–1405 BC (1440–1400 BC): The journey of the Israelites in the wilderness and their preparation to enter the Promised Land.

Deuteronomy — 1445–1405 BC (1400 BC): Moses’ speeches revisiting the laws and covenant as the Israelites prepare to enter Canaan.

Psalms — 1410–450 BC (1410–450 BC): A collection of poetic prayers and hymns expressing worship, praise, lament, and thanksgiving to God.

Joshua — 1405–1385 BC (1400–1370 BC): The conquest and settlement of the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership.

Judges — 1043 BC (1370–1050 BC): The cycles of Israel’s apostasy, oppression, and deliverance through judges.

Ruth — 1030–1010 BC (1100 BC): The story of loyalty and redemption set during the time of the judges, focusing on Ruth, a Moabite widow.

Song of Solomon — 971–965 BC (971–965 BC): A poetic dialogue celebrating the passionate love between a bride and her groom.

Proverbs — 971–686 BC (971–686 BC): Practical wisdom and moral guidance emphasizing the fear of the Lord, diligence, and discernment.

Ecclesiastes — 940–931 BC (940–931 BC): A reflection on the futility of human endeavors and the search for meaning under God.

1 Samuel — 931–722 BC (1100–1010 BC): The life of Samuel, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the anointing of David as king.

2 Samuel — 931–722 BC (1010–970 BC): The reign of King David, his conquests, personal failures, and the establishment of Jerusalem.

Obadiah — 850–840 BC (850–840 BC): A prophecy of Edom’s downfall and a promise of deliverance for Judah.

Joel — 835–796 BC (835–796 BC): A locust plague as a picture of judgment, a call to repentance, and a promise of restoration.

Jonah — 775 BC (793–753 BC): Jonah’s reluctant mission to Nineveh, highlighting God’s mercy toward repentant sinners.

Amos — 750 BC (750 BC): Messages of social justice and coming judgment, calling Israel to ethical living and genuine worship.

Hosea — 750–710 BC (750–710 BC): God’s faithful love portrayed through the prophet’s marriage, symbolizing Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Micah — 735–710 BC (735–710 BC): A condemnation of injustice and idolatry, with hope in a coming ruler from Bethlehem.

Isaiah — 700–681 BC (700–681 BC): Prophecies of judgment and restoration, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.

Nahum — 650 BC (650 BC): The coming downfall of Nineveh, illustrating God’s justice and protection of His people.

Zephaniah — 635–625 BC (635–625 BC): A warning of judgment on Judah and the nations, with hope for a remnant who seek righteousness.

Habakkuk — 615–605 BC (615–605 BC): A dialogue with God about injustice, ending in a declaration of trust and faith.

Ezekiel — 590–570 BC (590–570 BC): Visions of exile, restoration, and future glory, emphasizing God’s holiness and sovereignty.

Lamentations — 586 BC (586 BC): A lament over the destruction of Jerusalem, seeking hope in God’s faithfulness.

Jeremiah — 586–570 BC (586–570 BC): Judgment on Judah for unfaithfulness, with hope of restoration and a new covenant.

1 Kings — 561–538 BC (970–853 BC): The reign of Solomon, the division of the kingdom, and the kings of Israel and Judah.

2 Kings — 561–538 BC (853–586 BC): The history of the divided kingdoms through the fall of Israel and Judah.

Daniel — 536–530 BC (605–539 BC): Daniel and his friends in Babylon, showing faithfulness under trial and God’s rule over kingdoms.

Haggai — 520 BC (520 BC): Encouragement to rebuild the temple after the return from exile.

Zechariah — 480–470 BC (520–518 BC): Prophecies encouraging the completion of the temple and pointing to future messianic hope.

Ezra — 457–444 BC (538–450 BC): The return of the exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple.

1 Chronicles — 450–430 BC (4000–970 BC): A retelling of Israel’s history with a focus on David’s reign and the temple.

2 Chronicles — 450–430 BC (970–538 BC): The history of Judah’s kings from Solomon to the Babylonian exile.

Esther — 450–331 BC (483–473 BC): The story of Esther, a Jewish queen of Persia, who saves her people from genocide.

Malachi — 433–424 BC (430 BC): A call to repentance and fidelity to God’s covenant.

Nehemiah — 424–400 BC (445–420 BC): The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls and the reestablishment of the Jewish community.

James — AD 44–49 (AD 45–49): Practical teachings on Christian living and faith in action.

Galatians — AD 49–50 (AD 49–50): Paul’s defense of justification by faith and freedom from the Law.

Mark — AD 50–60 (4 BC–AD 33): The life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Matthew — AD 50–60 (4 BC–AD 33): The life of Jesus, emphasizing his role as Messiah and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

1 Thessalonians — AD 51 (AD 51): Encouragement and teaching about the return of Christ.

2 Thessalonians — AD 51–52 (AD 51–52): Further teaching on the end times and encouragement in persecution.

1 Corinthians — AD 55 (AD 55): Addressing divisions, immorality, and issues within the Corinthian church.

2 Corinthians — AD 55–56 (AD 55–56): Paul’s defense of his apostleship and encouragement to the Corinthian believers.

Romans — AD 56–57 (AD 56–57): A comprehensive explanation of the gospel, righteousness, and faith.

Luke — AD 60–61 (4 BC–AD 33): A detailed account of Jesus’ life, with a focus on his compassion and inclusiveness.

Ephesians — AD 60–62 (AD 60): Teaching on the church, unity in Christ, and Christian living.

Philippians — AD 60–62 (AD 60–62): Joy and encouragement in suffering, with emphasis on humility and unity.

Philemon — AD 60–62 (AD 60–62): A personal letter urging forgiveness and reconciliation.

Colossians — AD 60–62 (AD 60–62): The supremacy of Christ and instructions for Christian living.

Acts — AD 62 (AD 33–80): The history of the early church and the spread of the gospel.

1 Timothy — AD 62–64 (AD 62–64): Instructions for church leadership and sound teaching.

Titus — AD 62–64 (AD 62–64): Guidelines for church organization and Christian conduct.

1 Peter — AD 64–65 (AD 64–65): Encouragement and guidance for Christians facing persecution.

2 Timothy — AD 66–67 (AD 66–67): Paul’s final exhortations to Timothy to remain faithful.

2 Peter — AD 67–68 (AD 65–68): Warnings against false teachers and encouragement to grow in faith.

Hebrews — AD 67–69 (AD 67–69): The superiority of Christ and encouragement to remain faithful.

Jude — AD 68–70 (AD 65–80): A call to contend for the faith against false teachings.

John — AD 80–90 (4 BC–AD 33): The life of Jesus, emphasizing his divinity and relationship with the Father.

1 John — AD 90–95 (AD 90–95): Assurance of salvation, love, and fellowship in Christ.

2 John — AD 90–95 (AD 90–95): A short letter about walking in truth and love.

3 John — AD 90–95 (AD 90–95): A personal letter about hospitality and support for Christian workers.

Revelation — AD 94–96 (AD 95–96): A prophetic vision of the end times, the return of Christ, and the victory of God.