As a religious canon or collection of scriptures for the Christian faithful, the books of the Bible are important. The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) spans a wide sweep of history—from the earliest stories of creation to Israel’s exile and return—and anchors the beliefs and practices that the New Testament builds upon.
While the New Testament focuses on Jesus Christ and the early church, the Old Testament books are an essential foundation for those later writings. Traditionally, the Old Testament is grouped into major categories: the Pentateuch (Torah), Historical Books, Wisdom/Poetry, and the Prophets. In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, additional deuterocanonical books are included.
If you’ve ever wondered about the order of the books of the Old Testament, you’re not alone. Whether for study or curiosity, read on for a full list of the books in order, what “chronological order” can mean, and brief overviews of the contents and significance of each section.
What Are the 46 Books of the Old Testament in Order?
The Protestant Old Testament lists 39 books. The Catholic and many Orthodox churches include additional deuterocanonical books (often called the Apocrypha in Protestant traditions), bringing the total commonly listed to 46. These texts were written and compiled over more than a millennium.
Understanding how all 46 books fit together can deepen your grasp of the Bible’s overarching story.
| Number | Book | Number | Book | Number | Book | Number | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis | 13 | 1 Chronicles | 25 | Lamentations | 37 | Haggai |
| 2 | Exodus | 14 | 2 Chronicles | 26 | Ezekiel | 38 | Zechariah |
| 3 | Leviticus | 15 | Ezra | 27 | Daniel | 39 | Malachi |
| 4 | Numbers | 16 | Nehemiah | 28 | Hosea | 40 | Tobit |
| 5 | Deuteronomy | 17 | Esther | 29 | Joel | 41 | Judith |
| 6 | Joshua | 18 | Job | 30 | Amos | 42 | Wisdom of Solomon |
| 7 | Judges | 19 | Psalms | 31 | Obadiah | 43 | Ecclesiasticus |
| 8 | Ruth | 20 | Proverbs | 32 | Jonah | 44 | Baruch |
| 9 | 1 Samuel | 21 | Ecclesiastes | 33 | Micah | 45 | 1 Maccabees |
| 10 | 2 Samuel | 22 | Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) | 34 | Nahum | 46 | 2 Maccabees |
| 11 | 1 Kings | 23 | Isaiah | 35 | Habakkuk | ||
| 12 | 2 Kings | 24 | Jeremiah | 36 | Zephaniah |
An Overview of the Old Testament Books and Their Categories
The Old Testament books were written across many centuries and literary styles. Below is a quick overview of the traditional groupings and what each contributes to the Bible’s big story.
The Five Books of the Law (Pentateuch/Torah): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
These foundational books introduce the grand themes of creation, covenant, law, worship, and the identity of Israel.
Genesis narrates creation, the fall, the flood, and the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph).
Exodus tells of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, the Sinai covenant, and the tabernacle.
Leviticus outlines worship, holiness, and priestly instructions.
Numbers follows Israel’s wilderness journey and census accounts.
Deuteronomy recaps the law in Moses’ farewell speeches and calls Israel to covenant faithfulness.
Fun Fact: “Torah” means “instruction” in Hebrew.
Historical Books: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther
These books trace Israel’s life in the land—from conquest to kingdom, division, exile, and restoration.
Joshua records the entry into Canaan and covenant renewal.
Judges depicts cycles of unfaithfulness and deliverance.
Ruth is a story of loyalty set in the time of the judges, leading to David’s line.
1–2 Samuel follow Samuel, Saul, and David.
1–2 Kings recount Solomon’s reign, the divided monarchy, and the path to exile.
1–2 Chronicles retell Israel’s story with a focus on David’s line, temple, and worship.
Ezra–Nehemiah describe the return from exile, rebuilding, and reforms.
Esther tells how a Jewish queen in Persia helps save her people.
Fun Fact: These histories span many centuries, culminating in Judah’s exile (586 BCE) and post-exilic restoration.
Wisdom & Poetry: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon (Song of Songs)
Israel’s wisdom tradition explores how to live well before God, while poetry gives voice to praise, lament, and hope.
Job wrestles with suffering, justice, and divine mystery.
Psalms collects 150 prayers and hymns for every season of the soul.
Proverbs offers wise sayings for everyday life.
Ecclesiastes reflects on life’s enigmas and the fear of God.
Song of Solomon celebrates love and covenantal devotion.
Fun Fact: The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, with portions in Aramaic (e.g., parts of Daniel and Ezra).
Prophets
The prophetic books call God’s people back to covenant faithfulness, confront injustice and idolatry, and point toward restoration.
Major Prophets (by length): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel
Isaiah blends judgment and hope, with visions of a coming king and renewed creation.
Jeremiah warns Judah before the exile and promises a new covenant.
Lamentations mourns Jerusalem’s fall in poignant poems.
Ezekiel proclaims God’s holiness, judgment, and future renewal.
Daniel combines court tales and visions of God’s kingdom amid empires.
Minor Prophets (The Twelve): Hosea through Malachi
Hosea underscores covenant love and faithfulness.
Joel calls to repentance and promises the Spirit.
Amos champions justice and righteousness.
Obadiah speaks judgment on Edom and hope for Zion.
Jonah shows God’s mercy toward even Nineveh.
Micah calls for justice, mercy, and humility.
Nahum proclaims judgment on oppressive Nineveh.
Habakkuk wrestles with evil and trusts God’s timing.
Zephaniah warns of “the day of the Lord” and future joy.
Haggai urges the rebuilding of the temple.
Zechariah offers visions of restoration and a coming king.
Malachi closes with calls to faithfulness and future hope.
Deuterocanonical Books (Catholic/Orthodox Canons): Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1–2 Maccabees
These books, included in Catholic and most Orthodox Bibles, add prayers, wisdom, and history from the Second Temple period.
Tobit and Judith highlight providence, piety, and courage.
Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) deepen the wisdom tradition.
Baruch (with the Letter of Jeremiah in some traditions) focuses on repentance and hope.
1–2 Maccabees recount the Jewish resistance against Seleucid oppression and the rededication of the temple.
Fun Fact: Some editions of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) include Psalm 151, an additional psalm outside the standard 150.
Summing Up the Old Testament Books
The Old Testament is a rich, diverse library that shaped Judaism and Christianity. Reading the books in order helps you trace the unfolding story—from creation and covenant to exile and hope for renewal.
Want more? Try our Books of the Bible Quiz. To explore the New Testament—from Matthew to Revelation—see Books of the Bible: New Testament Books in Order.
See also: The King James Bible, Old Testament Names, and Kings of Judah & Israel
People also ask
- How many books are in the Old Testament? Protestants count 39; Catholic and many Orthodox canons include additional deuterocanonical books for a total near 46.
- What are the 5 books of Moses? Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy (the Pentateuch/Torah).
- Which Old Testament books are poetry? Primarily Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon; Lamentations is also poetic.
- What does “deuterocanonical” mean? “Second canon”; books received in Catholic/Orthodox canons but not in the Jewish or most Protestant canons.
- Were the Old Testament books written in order? No. They were written over many centuries and later compiled into the current order.
