Many people like to memorize the list of the books of the Bible in the order they are found in their version of the Scriptures. This helps to find books and verses more quickly, and I encourage everyone who wants to use their Bible more effectively to do so.
But, how about memorizing the authors along with the books? Bible believers believe that God wrote the Bible using human writers. Learning who these writers were would give you a better understanding of the perspective of the book; assuming you know a little bit about the author.
In some cases the author is not absolutely known. I will first list the name of the commonly accepted author. If there are multiple people who possibly authored the book I will list them in descending order of common acceptance. There is much debate on some of the authors and probably won’t be definitively answered by us here, but you are welcome to comment as to why you think a certain person was the author of a particular book.
Old Testament
In the English Bible the Old Testament is arranged in groups based on the type of book. They are then arranged chronologically within their grouping. That means that some books towards the end of the Old Testament (in the section of the prophets) actually fit chronologically earlier in the Old Testament with the books of history.
Pentateuch
These are the books of the Law. These are also called the Books of Moses. This includes the first five books:
Genesis, written by Moses
Exodus, written by Moses
Leviticus, written by Moses
Numbers, written by Moses
Deuteronomy, written by Moses
The Books of History
The Books of history are so named because they contain historical records and these books include:
Joshua, written by Joshua (except the parts relating to his death)
Judges, written by Samuel, Nathan, Gad
Ruth, written by Samuel, Nathan, Gad
1 Samuel, written by Samuel, Nathan, Gad
2 Samuel, written by Samuel, Nathan, Gad
1 Kings, written by Jeremiah
2 Kings, written by Jeremiah
1 Chronicles, written by Ezra
2 Chronicles, written by Ezra
Ezra, written by Ezra
Nehemiah, written by Nehemiah, Ezra
Esther, written by Mordecai: It is probable that the book was compiled after his death based on his personal records
The Books Poetry
Bible believers believe that God wrote the Bible using human writers.
Also called the books of Writings include the following books:
Job, written by Job: Moses may have compiled the book based on Job’s records
Psalms, written by David, and several others including Asaph, Ezra, the sons of Korah, Heman, Ethan, Moses and a host of unnamed authors
Proverbs, written by Solomon: Agur and Lemuel are specifically named as the writers of Proverbs 30 and 31
Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon
Song of Solomon (also known as, Song of Songs or Canticles), written by Solomon: though this is debated
Major Prophets
The Major Prophets are so named because their books are longer, not because they are more important.
Isaiah, written by Isaiah
Jeremiah, written by Jeremiah
Lamentations, written by Jeremiah
Ezekiel, written by Ezekiel
Daniel, written by Daniel
Minor Prophets
The Minor Prophets are so named because they are shorter not because they are less important.
Hosea, written by Hosea
Joel, written by Joel
Amos, written by Amos
Obadiah, written by Obadiah
Jonah, written by Jonah
Micah, written by Micah
Nahum, written by Nahum
Habakkuk, written by Habakkuk
Zephaniah, written by Zephaniah
Haggai, written by Haggai
Zechariah, written by Zechariah
Malachi, written by Malachi
New Testament
The New Testament is also divided into groups. All of these books were written in the first century AD.
Gospels
Matthew, written by Matthew
Mark, written by John Mark
Luke, written by Luke
John, written by John, the Apostle
History
Acts, written by Luke
Pauline Epistles
Romans, written by Paul
1 Corinthians, written by Paul
2 Corinthians, written by Paul
Galatians, written by Paul
Ephesians, written by Paul
Philippians, written by Paul
Colossians, written by Paul
1 Thessalonians, written by Paul
2 Thessalonians, written by Paul
1 Timothy, written by Paul
2 Timothy, written by Paul
Titus, written by Paul
Philemon, written by Paul
General Epistles
Hebrews, written by Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos
James, written by James: there are several men named James who could have been the author. Most scholars say this is James the brother of Jesus and Jude (not the Apostle, brother of John).
1 Peter, written by Peter
2 Peter, written by Peter
1 John, written by John, the Apostle
2 John, written by John, the Apostle
3 John, written by John, the Apostle
Jude, written by Jude, the brother of Jesus and James, not the Apostle (Jude 17)
Prophecy
Revelation, written by John, the Apostle
One of the projects I remember from Bible college that came up often was to do research to show why it is believed that certain men wrote each book. I always enjoyed these projects and studying about the various ways scholars make a connection to a certain author. Of course, many of the books are very clear whom the author is because we are told in the book itself.
Then there is the book of Hebrews which gives no clear indication as to who the author might have been. Most people believe it was Paul because of how many other books in the same genre he wrote. However, Hebrews was written to the Jews and Paul focused his ministry on reaching Gentiles. The style of writing is not quite like Paul’s either. Yet, if Paul were to write a book with a purely Jewish audience in mind, it would probably come out to be written just like the book of Hebrews is.
I realize there are people who debate the authorship of various books for the purpose of tearing down the authority of the Bible. That is not my purpose here. It is simply to help you see that God used real people to pen His Word; and sometimes we don’t know who it was that God used. Regardless of who you believe wrote the book of Hebrews, or any other book, the important thing is to trust the content of God’s Word. He wants to have a relationship with man. He does this through His Holy Scriptures.
Want to read more about the history of the Bible? Take a look:
Why the Bible is Called the Bible
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
David, thank you for this awesome list of the books and authors! I didn’t realize some of the people that may have been included as authors, like Apollos. God bless you!
I agree with Derek. I knew some of these but not all of these. Thanks for helping me learn more about the Bible David.
Well done sir!
Recently, I think its already been 2 months that I and my friend also make a list of the books in the bible. We make in to columns of 4. We named each columns, 1st “Book”, 2nd Name of “Authors”, 3rd Approximate “Covered Years” the book was written and the last 4th columns is for the “Category” (Prophecy, Poetry, Letters, History, Etc.) My friend asked me this for his School of Leaders training in their church and it is useful for us. I will review my lists and make a revision if I have missed ones in my lists. Thank you sir this wonderful lists.
Hello Joel. Could you please Share with us the list you and your mate compiled regarding authors of the books in the bible
Sir David,
Just want to ask if what is the appropriate to say for Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In our lists we categorized it as History. In your list you say it’s a “GOSPEL”. I beleive that I have so much learn from you sir. Thanks! in Christ, Joel
God bless you
I WAS BLESSED RICHLY, GOING THRU THE AUTHORS OF THE BIBLE. AMEN TO THAT
I am teaching foundations classes for new believers. This list is very helpful as I am establishing the class in handling the bible and knowing its functions. also getting the grounded in the word of God. I hope it is ok to use this list in it’s entirety as I am giving you credit for it. Thank you so much for making this available.
Thanks great Mr. Sloan. Thank you for asking. Hope it helps the new believers. Love the idea of this class.
Mr. David thanks for that update now i know all the authors of the Bible.
Started family Bible study. We are starting with learning the books and who wrote them. Thank you for your great information. God Bless you and keep writing.
This isn’t exactly why I’m here also! Yay us!
This has really helped me…thank you so much
Is there an article teaching or showing each of these author’s specific assignments. Thnaks
Hello Jeff. I don’t know of any book that answers the question to which assignment each author had in writing their books, however, we know that Matthew was written to the Jews, as was Hebrews, and Galatians was written for Gentiles, and Mark wrote His gospel (which was the Apostle Peter’s account) to be a quick read about Jesus’ ministry, and so on. You asked a great question. Wished I could be of more help sir.
Recently the current Pope said there is no hell, that people die and do not live afterwards as Christians will. Your thoughts? Some doubt Jesus ever was. I truly believe in the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. My question is “how long must we wait for the return of God?” Who can say if there is heaven or hell, once dead no one can answer, some say the bible and church do this to collect monies? Others say God knows the exact number of hairs on your head? Faith is what will take you to heaven? What will we do in heaven in the way of work? Lots of questions here I know, but if you have answers, please explain all.
Thank you Jackie. The Pope never actually said there is no hell but the Vatican has denied that Pope Francis told a well-known Italian journalist that “there is no hell”. The quote came in an article in Italy’s La Repubblica daily. But the Vatican said “no quotations” in the article so there is no evidence the Pope ever said that. As for hell? Who knows whether there is a hell or not? Who can say that? Jesus can and God can in His Word. Jesus spoke more about hell than heaven because it is a real place. As for what will we do in heaven, have you talked with your pastor about this? Maybe you can have a Bible study over this in your church. As for what will we do in heaven, please read this: https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/what-will-christians-be-doing-in-heaven/
I would like to comment on the Authors of the Books of the Bible and referring to the Book of Daniel. The fourth chapter of Daniel, I believe was written by King Nebuchadnezzar himself. All the sentences are in first person singular. I would like to hear comments from other readers on this subject.
My question was, who wrote the book of Job. You listed every book in the bible except Job. Does your bible not contain the book of Job…?
That’s a great question Mr. Broadway. Of course, we know the Holy Spirit moved men of old to record the very words of God, so ultimately, God wrote the Book of Job, but who dictated under the Spirit of God is another question. Most scholars believe it was Job himself or a contemporary of Job, like Elihu. Some believe Solomon may have written it, but it could well have been Moses because the people mentioned in the Book of Job were living around the time of Abraham, so we know Moses wrote Genesis so this was the time frame of the Book of Job, said to be the oldest book of the Bible.
Wonderful resource, thank you so much! If I may, a question that came to mind.
Should not the Book of Revelation be Gospel? Prophecy yes, but it is His Word directly. Yeshua, Jesus Christ. So if it’s a Prophet writing the book. I mean, why would Daniel be writing the book and get listed under prophet (yet it’s prophecy he speaks) however John writes the book and it’s under Prophecy. Um, doesn’t that make John a prophet too? Let’s be real, there’s a lot of prophecy in the Book of Revelation coming true as we speak… it’s no longer future tense, we’re in it.
“As it was in the days of Noah” Matthew 24. How was it in the days of Noah? We look to Moses to tell us… that’s history. However he also wrote Deuteronomy 18v10 – just look how prevelant and accepted witchcraft has become. Do a quick search and look at all the news and new shows putting it right on TV. But I digress…
In my humble opinion, the prophecy in Revelation is coming to pass, and is passing. Do we know the day? Nope, and we won’t just as He said, but He also said, “watch” Matthew 25v13.
I love you all.
Thank you Mr. Goodrich. I appreciate your comment very much sir. I see your point on the Book of Revelation as it does contation the gospel. It is really the Revelation of Jesus Christ given to the Apostle John (Rev 1:1-2) but yu bring up important points.
Way back in the 1400-1500s when the Bible was being transcribed there were books of the Bible that were not put into the Bible’s of today. What were they, why were they left out and who wrote them. I believe that if God had wanted them to be included they would be – but other people do not agree with me. As the last chapter of Revelation explains – we should not add or take anything away from this Bible. That is my reason for asking about those books. I know there must have been a good reason for not including them. Thank you.
Well said Mrs. Allison. You are certainly correct that they had good reason to not include them. Thank you for your comment.
Some of the books where written by two or three people, did they sit together to write them or they wrote them differently and someone compiled them. Example; Psalms, Nehemiah, Ruth,
1&2 Samuel and Judges.
GOD BLESS YOU.
James Dagadu
Hello friend. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit moved men to write the books of the Bible, but it was not their writings. God only used them to write them, but you bring up a good point sir. Thank you so kindly.