Books of the Bible Classification

Books of the Bible Overview

• The Bible is divided into the Old Testament (OT) and New Testament (NT), with each consisting of various classifications of books.

Pentateuch (OT)

• Comprised of the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
• Often referred to as the Torah or the Law, outlining creation, laws, and the early history of Israel.

Historical Books (OT)

• Includes books that narrate the history of Israel from conquest to exile:
  • Joshua
  • Judges
  • Ruth
  • 1 Samuel
  • 2 Samuel
  • 1 Kings
  • 2 Kings
  • 1 Chronicles
  • 2 Chronicles
  • Ezra
  • Nehemiah
  • Tobit
  • Judith
  • Esther
  • 1 Maccabees
  • 2 Maccabees

Wisdom Literature (OT)

• Contains reflective and philosophical texts focusing on morality, suffering, and devotion:
  • Job
  • Psalms
  • Proverbs
  • Ecclesiastes
  • Song of Songs
  • Wisdom
  • Sirach

Prophetic Books (OT)

• A collection of writings from prophets warning, guiding, and speaking to Israel about their spiritual condition:
  • Isaiah
  • Jeremiah
  • Lamentations
  • Baruch
  • Ezekiel
  • Daniel
  • Hosea
  • Joel
  • Amos
  • Obadiah
  • Jonah
  • Micah
  • Nahum
  • Habakkuk
  • Zephaniah
  • Haggai
  • Zechariah
  • Malachi

Gospels (NT)

• Four narratives of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ:
  • Matthew
  • Mark
  • Luke
  • John

Other New Testament Writings

• Includes texts that expand on the teachings and events of the early church:
  • Acts of the Apostles
  • Hebrews
  • Revelation

Paul's Epistles (NT)

• Letters written by Apostle Paul addressing different Christian communities and issues:
  • Romans
  • 1 Corinthians
  • 2 Corinthians
  • Galatians
  • Ephesians
  • Philippians
  • Colossians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians
  • 1 Timothy
  • 2 Timothy
  • Titus
  • Philemon

Catholic Epistles (NT)

• General letters addressing a broader audience, emphasizing faith and community:
  • James
  • 1 Peter
  • 2 Peter
  • 1 John
  • 2 John
  • 3 John
  • Jude