This page gathers quick answers to some of the most common questions people ask about the Bible. Each answer links to a fuller guide if you want to learn more.
About the Bible
1. What is the Bible?
A collection of 66 books, written over many centuries, which Christians believe is God's Word. It tells the story of God's relationship with the world, centred on Jesus Christ. Read more.
2. How many books are in the Bible?
Protestant Bibles have 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include some additional Old Testament books. See the 66 books.
3. What is the difference between the Old and New Testaments?
The Old Testament was written before Jesus and tells of creation and God's dealings with Israel. The New Testament was written after Jesus and tells of his life, death and resurrection and the early church. Read more.
4. Who wrote the Bible?
Around forty human authors — including Moses, David, prophets, apostles and Luke the doctor — whom Christians believe were guided by God. Read more.
5. How long did it take to write?
Roughly 1,500 years, from the time of Moses to the end of the first century AD. Read more.
6. What languages was it written in?
Hebrew and a little Aramaic for the Old Testament; Greek for the New Testament. Read more.
7. Has the Bible been changed over time?
Thousands of ancient manuscripts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, show that it has been passed down with remarkable care. Read more.
8. What is the Apocrypha?
A group of Jewish writings from between the testaments, included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but not in most Protestant Bibles. Read more.
Reading the Bible
9. Where should I start reading?
Most new readers start with the Gospel of Mark or John, then Acts, then a short letter such as Philippians. Read the beginner's guide.
10. Which translation should I read?
For easy reading, the NLT or NIV; for close study, the ESV, NKJV or CSB; for traditional church use, the KJV. Compare translations.
11. What does "John 3:16" mean?
It means the book of John, chapter 3, verse 16. Learn to look up verses.
12. How long does it take to read the whole Bible?
About 70–80 hours in total. Reading around 15 minutes a day takes you through it in a year. See reading plans.
13. How can I understand difficult passages?
Read the surrounding context, notice the type of writing, learn the background and compare with other Scripture. A study Bible helps. Read more.
14. Do I need a study Bible?
Not to begin with, but a study Bible's notes, introductions and maps are very helpful. How to choose one.
Bible facts
15. What is the longest book of the Bible?
Psalms, with 150 psalms, is the longest book by chapters.
16. What is the shortest verse?
In English, John 11:35 — "Jesus wept." (KJV)
17. What is the longest chapter?
Psalm 119, with 176 verses. The shortest chapter is Psalm 117, with 2 verses.
18. Who added chapters and verses?
Chapters were added around the 13th century, and New Testament verse numbers in 1551. Read more.
The Bible in India
19. Is the Bible available in Indian languages?
Yes. The Bible is available in full or in part in a great many Indian languages, and the Bible Society of India publishes Bibles in a wide range of them. Read the history.
20. What is a diglot or parallel Bible?
A Bible with two languages or two translations side by side — for example, English and Telugu. Read more.
Still have questions?
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