About the Bible: The Structure

The Bible is a library of books in two main sections.

It is obvious from even a quick glance that the Bible is unusual.  It has two main parts, known as the Old and New Testaments; but these are both broken down into many smaller books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New.

In fact each of these sections is a book in itself.  So the volume that we call the Bible is effectively a library of 66 books all bound together.

Like any library it includes many different kinds of literature.  As we look through the Old Testament we find it starts with historical records, and includes a large section comprising national and personal laws.

There are accounts cast in dramatic form, there are collections of songs, poetry and proverbs containing practical wisdom and advice, and there are books of prophecy and allegorical writings.

The New Testament is just as diverse, containing biographies, history, personal letters and prophecy.