How Many Books Are in the Old Testament? A Complete Guide
How Many Books Are in the Old Testament? A Complete Guide The Old Testament is one of the most important collections of sacred writings in history. It is central to both Judaism and Christianity and contains stories of creation, laws, poetry, wisdom, and prophecy. But a common question many readers ask is: how many books are in the Old Testament? The answer depends on which religious tradition you are looking at. What Is the Old Testament? The Old Testament is the first section of the Christian Bible and is closely related to the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) . It includes texts about the relationship between God and the people of Israel, historical narratives, poetry, and prophetic messages. Number of Books in the Old Testament Different religious traditions recognize a slightly different number of books in the Old Testament. 1. Protestant Old Testament Total Books: 39 These books are divided into sections: the Law (Torah) , Historical Books , Wisdom Literature , and Pr...