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What Is the Bible?
The Bible is not just a single book — it is a collection of 66 writings shaped across 1,500 years by around 40 different authors. Though formed across centuries and cultures, many Christians understand it as telling one unified story — a story about the relationship between God and humanity.
The Bible is a library, not a single book.
The word "Bible" comes from the Greek "biblia", meaning “books.” Understanding this helps us avoid reading the Bible as one uniform text, and instead as a collection of interconnected writings.
The Bible includes multiple genres: history, poetry, law, letters, and apocalyptic vision. Not every part should be read in the same way.
66
Books total
39
Old Testament
27
New Testament
~40
Authors
Written by people from many different backgrounds
The writings of the Bible were not produced by a single type of author. They came from people in very different roles and stages of life.- King·such as DavidShepherd·such as AmosGovernment Official·such as DanielPhysician·such as LukeFisherman·such as PeterTax Collector·such as Matthew
Despite their different backgrounds, many readers believe these writings together form a coherent story about God and humanity.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
Two main parts: Old Testament and New Testament
The Bible is often summarized as two large collections — each written in different languages and genres, yet telling one continuous story. The cards below give a quick sense of how the two parts differ and how they fit together.
Hebrew & Aramaic
Old Testament
Creation · Law · Promise
The Old Testament was written mainly in Hebrew (with some parts in Aramaic). It tells the story from creation to the time before Jesus was born — about God, His people Israel, and the promise of a coming Saviour.
Greek
New Testament
Jesus · The Church
The New Testament was written in Greek. It begins with four Gospels about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It then tells how the early church spread, and points to the future when everything will be made complete in Him.
Why It Matters
If the Bible were just ancient literature, it would only matter to historians. You might respect it, but have no reason to care.
But the Bible tells the big human story — from the world's creation to humanity's ultimate future. And that story includes you. So... should you care?
The real question isn't "What does the Bible say?" It's: "Do you want to know your own future?"
Quick Glossary
Old Testament
The first section of the Bible, containing Israel's history, law, poetry, and prophetic writings before the time of Jesus.
New Testament
The second section of the Bible, beginning with the Gospels and continuing with the growth of the early church.
Canon
The recognised collection of books considered authoritative Scripture within the Christian tradition.
Covenant
A relational commitment between God and His people, a theme that runs throughout both Testaments.
Gospel
Literally "good news" — referring to the message about Jesus and the significance of His life, death, and resurrection.
Prophet
A messenger called to speak God's message within a specific historical context.
Revelation (Apocalyptic)
A symbolic literary style that uses imagery to describe judgment, hope, and the ultimate restoration of creation.