The Old Testament consists of 46 books in the Catholic Bible, while Protestant Bibles include 39 books. These texts were written over centuries and hold deep religious, historical, and moral significance. The books are divided into four sections: the Books of Moses, the Books of History, the Books of Wisdom, and the Books of the Prophets.
Different Christian traditions recognize different canonical books. The Catholic Old Testament includes the Deuterocanonical books, which are absent from the Protestant Old Testament. These books are sometimes referred to as the Apocrypha by those who do not consider them scripture.
What Books Comprise the Old Testament?
The Old Testament contains writings that document the creation of the world, the laws given to Israel, the history of the Jewish people, and the words of the prophets. Each section of these books serves a distinct purpose and provides insight into God’s relationship with humanity.
The Hebrew Bible includes the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings, while Christian Bibles organize the books differently. Catholic and Orthodox traditions include additional texts that Protestants do not accept as scripture.
The Books of Moses
The first five books of the Old Testament are known as the Books of Moses or the Pentateuch. These books describe the creation of the world, the covenant with Israel, and the establishment of the law.
Genesis
Genesis begins with the creation of the world and details events such as Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, and the Tower of Babel. It also recounts the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, who form the foundation of Israel’s ancestry.
Exodus
Exodus tells the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The book records the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
Leviticus
Leviticus contains the laws and rituals given to the Israelites. It details sacrificial practices, dietary restrictions, and instructions for holiness.
Numbers
Numbers recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness. It includes census data, rebellions against Moses, and accounts of God’s provision.
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy consists of Moses’ farewell speeches, where he reiterates God’s laws before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. It includes blessings and warnings for obedience and disobedience.
The Books of History
The historical books cover the conquest of Canaan, the rise and fall of kings, and the exile of Israel. These books provide chronicles of wars, leadership, and divine intervention.
Joshua
Joshua narrates the conquest of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. It describes the fall of Jericho, battles against foreign nations, and the division of the land among the tribes of Israel.
Judges
Judges records the cycles of Israel’s disobedience, oppression, and deliverance. It introduces figures like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson, who lead Israel to victory.
Ruth
Ruth tells the story of a Moabite woman who remains faithful to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her marriage to Boaz leads to her becoming an ancestor of King David.
1 Samuel & 2 Samuel
These books trace the transition from judges to kingship. They describe Samuel’s role as a prophet, Saul’s reign as the first king, and David’s rise to power.
1 Kings & 2 Kings
These books detail the reign of Solomon, the division of Israel into two kingdoms, and the downfall of both due to idolatry and corruption.
1 Chronicles & 2 Chronicles
Chronicles revisits Israel’s history, focusing on the lineage of David and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Ezra
Ezra documents the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple.
Nehemiah
Nehemiah recounts the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls and the renewal of Israel’s covenant with God.
Tobit, Judith, and Esther
Tobit and Judith are included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. They tell stories of divine protection and deliverance. Esther describes how a Jewish queen saved her people from destruction.
1 Maccabees & 2 Maccabees
These books narrate the Jewish revolt against Greek rule and the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The Books of Wisdom
The wisdom books contain poetry, prayers, philosophical reflections, and moral teachings. These writings provide guidance on faith, suffering, and righteous living.
Job
Job explores the nature of suffering through the story of a righteous man tested by God. It questions why the innocent suffer.
Psalms
Psalms consists of 150 songs and prayers. These express praise, lament, thanksgiving, and trust in God.
Proverbs
Proverbs presents practical wisdom on life, work, relationships, and righteousness. Many proverbs are attributed to Solomon.
Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes reflects on the meaning of life. It concludes that everything is temporary, and true purpose is found in fearing God.
Song of Solomon
This poetic book describes love and marriage through expressive imagery.
Wisdom & Sirach
Wisdom and Sirach appear in the Catholic and Orthodox Old Testaments. They discuss God’s wisdom and moral teachings.
The Books of the Prophets
The prophetic books contain messages from God delivered by prophets to Israel and other nations. These books warn of judgment and promise restoration.
Isaiah
Isaiah warns of Israel’s exile but also foretells the coming of the Messiah.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah records prophecies about Jerusalem’s fall and God’s promise to establish a new covenant.
Lamentations
Lamentations is a collection of poems mourning the destruction of Jerusalem.
Baruch
Baruch is included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. It calls for repentance and trust in God.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel describes visions of God’s glory and prophecies of restoration.
Daniel
Daniel includes visions of future kingdoms and prophecies about the end times.
Hosea to Malachi
These 12 minor prophets convey messages of repentance, warning, and hope.
What Is the Apocrypha?
The Apocrypha refers to books included in the Catholic and Orthodox Old Testaments but excluded from the Protestant Bible. These books were written during the intertestamental period, between the Old and New Testaments.
Are There Seven or 13 Books?
The Catholic Bible includes seven Deuterocanonical books: Tobit, Judith, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach, and Baruch. However, when considering additional portions of Daniel and Esther, the list expands.
Orthodox Bibles contain more books, including 3 Maccabees, 4 Maccabees, Psalm 151, and additional sections in Ezra.
Who Accepts the Apocrypha?
The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize the Deuterocanonical books as part of the Old Testament. Protestant denominations follow the Jewish canon, which excludes them.
Jewish and Protestant traditions refer to these books as Apocryphal, considering them valuable but not divinely inspired. Catholic and Orthodox Christians regard them as scripture.