The following is a comprehensive list of Biblical books by date or in chronological order based on authorship. This page is designed to provide an easy-to-follow, sequential list of the biblical texts, offering insights into their historical and theological contexts. Whether you’re a scholar, a student, or someone exploring the Bible for personal enrichment, this resource will help you understand the timeline of biblical events and writings.
| Book | Authored Time Period | Time Period | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job | Possibly pre-dating the authoring of Genesis, but exact name/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 | Creation-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 | The Book of Psalms is a collection of poetic prayers and hymns expressing worship, praise, lament, and thanksgiving to God, reflecting a wide range of human emotions and spiritual experiences. |
| 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 | The Song of Solomon is a poetic and sensual dialogue celebrating the passionate love between a bride and her groom, symbolizing the beauty and intensity of romantic love. |
| Proverbs | 971-686 BC | 971-686 BC | The Book of Proverbs offers practical wisdom and moral guidance through a collection of sayings and teachings, emphasizing the fear of the Lord, diligence, and discernment in everyday life. |
| Ecclesiastes | 940-931 BC | 940-931 BC | The Book of Ecclesiastes reflects on the futility of human endeavors and the search for meaning, ultimately advocating for a life of reverence toward God amidst the uncertainties of existence. |
| 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 military conquests, personal failures, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. |
| Obadiah | 850-840 BC | 850-840 BC | The Book of Obadiah prophesies the downfall of Edom due to its arrogance and mistreatment of Israel, while promising deliverance and restoration for the people of Judah. |
| Joel | 835-796 BC | 835-796 BC | The Book of Joel prophesies a devastating locust plague as a metaphor for divine judgment, calls for national repentance, and promises future restoration and blessings from God. |
| Jonah | 775 BC | 793–753 BC | The Book of Jonah recounts the prophet’s reluctant mission to Nineveh, highlighting God’s mercy toward repentant sinners and Jonah’s journey of spiritual growth. |
| Amos | 750 BC | 750 BC | The Book of Amos delivers messages of social justice and warnings of impending judgment to Israel and neighboring nations, emphasizing the importance of ethical living and genuine worship. |
| Hosea | 750-710 BC | 750-710 BC | The Book of Hosea portrays God’s faithful love through the prophet’s tumultuous marriage, symbolizing Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s enduring commitment to reconcile with His people. |
| Micah | 735-710 BC | 735-710 BC | The Book of Micah condemns social injustices and idolatry while offering hope through the promise of a future Messianic ruler from Bethlehem. |
| Isaiah | 700-681 BC | 700-681 BC | The Book of Isaiah contains prophecies of judgment against sin and nations, alongside promises of restoration, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. |
| Nahum | 650 BC | 650 BC | The Book of Nahum declares the impending downfall of Nineveh due to its wickedness and cruelty, illustrating God’s justice and protection of His people. |
| Zephaniah | 635-625 BC | 635-625 BC | The Book of Zephaniah warns of God’s judgment on Judah and other nations, yet holds out hope for a remnant who will seek righteousness and humility. |
| Habakkuk | 615-605 BC | 615-605 BC | The Book of Habakkuk records the prophet’s dialogue with God regarding injustice and God’s mysterious ways, culminating in a declaration of trust and faith. |
| Ezekiel | 590-570 BC | 590-570 BC | The Book of Ezekiel presents visions and prophecies concerning the exile, restoration, and future glory of Israel, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and holiness. |
| Lamentations | 586 BC | 586 BC | The Book of Lamentations mourns the destruction of Jerusalem, expressing profound grief and anguish while seeking hope in God’s faithfulness. |
| Jeremiah | 586-570 BC | 586-570 BC | The Book of Jeremiah prophesies judgment on Judah for its unfaithfulness, yet offers hope through promises of restoration and a new covenant with God. |
| 1 Kings | 561-538 BC | 970-853 BC | The reign of Solomon, the division of the kingdom, and the subsequent kings of Israel and Judah. |
| 2 Kings | 561-538 BC | 853-586 BC | The continuation of the history of the divided kingdoms, leading to the fall of Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon. |
| Daniel | 536-530 BC | 605-539 BC | The Book of Daniel narrates the experiences of Daniel and his friends in Babylon, showcasing their faithfulness amidst trials and God’s sovereignty over history and 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 future messianic expectations. |
| 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 | Covers events from creation to 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, emphasizing the temple and religious reforms. |
| 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-33AD | The life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| Matthew | AD 50-60 | 4 BC-33AD | The life of Jesus, emphasizing his role as the Messiah and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. |
| 1 Thessalonians | AD 51 | AD 51 | Encouragement and teachings about the return of Christ. |
| 2 Thessalonians | AD 51-52 | AD 51-52 | Further teachings 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 or 57 | AD 56 or 57 | A comprehensive explanation of the gospel, righteousness, and faith. |
| Luke | AD 60-61 | 4 BC-33AD | A detailed account of Jesus’ life, with a focus on his compassion and inclusiveness. |
| Ephesians | AD 60-62 | AD 60 | Teachings on the church, unity in Christ, and Christian living. |
| Philippians | AD 60-62 | AD 60-62 | Joy and encouragement amidst 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-33AD | 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 ultimate victory of good over evil. |
This chronological order of Biblical Books by Date helps to contextualize the events and teachings of the Bible, allowing for a deeper understanding of its narrative and historical background.