The BibleUNDERSTAND THE BIBLE
Structure of the Bible
How is the Bible structured? Old and New Testament, the groups of books, chapters and verses – explained simply.
The Bible is divided into books, chapters and verses. The books are arranged in groups; chapters and verses were added later so passages are easier to find – for example “John 3:16” for the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16.
The Old Testament
In the Protestant count it contains 39 books: the five books of Moses, historical books, wisdom and poetry (such as the Psalms) and the prophets. The Old Testament is planned for this platform.
The New Testament
The Gospels (4)
History (1)
Letters of Paul (13)
Romans · 1 Corinthians · 2 Corinthians · Galatians · Ephesians · Philippians · Colossians · 1 Thessalonians · 2 Thessalonians · 1 Timothy · 2 Timothy · Titus · Philemon
General Letters (8)
Hebrews · James · 1 Peter · 2 Peter · 1 John · 2 John · 3 John · Jude
Revelation (1)
Chapters and verses
The chapter divisions go back to the Middle Ages, the verse numbering to the 16th century. They are not part of the original text but are standard today.