Learning the 66 books of the Bible can be fun and easy when you turn it into a song and story-based activity. Here’s a breakdown of all 66 books with short summaries to help you understand what each book is about. We’ll also include a song to memorize the names in order.
Old Testament (39 Books)
The Old Testament tells the story of creation, God’s covenant with Israel, and His promises for a Savior.
Genesis to Deuteronomy – The Law (Pentateuch)
- Genesis – The beginning of everything: Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, and Abraham.
- Exodus – God delivers Israel from Egypt and gives the Ten Commandments.
- Leviticus – Instructions for worship and holy living.
- Numbers – Israel’s journey through the wilderness.
- Deuteronomy – Moses’ final speeches before entering the Promised Land.
Joshua to Esther – History
- Joshua – Israel enters the Promised Land.
- Judges – Israel’s cycle of disobedience and deliverance.
- Ruth – A story of loyalty and God’s providence.
- 1 Samuel – Samuel, Saul, and David’s early reign.
- 2 Samuel – King David’s rule and struggles.
- 1 Kings – Solomon’s reign and the division of the kingdom.
- 2 Kings – The fall of Israel and Judah.
- 1 Chronicles – Israel’s history retold.
- 2 Chronicles – Focuses on Judah’s kings.
- Ezra – The return from exile and rebuilding the temple.
- Nehemiah – Rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.
- Esther – God’s protection of His people through Queen Esther.
Job to Song of Solomon – Poetry & Wisdom
- Job – A story of suffering and trusting God.
- Psalms – Songs and prayers to God.
- Proverbs – Wisdom for daily life.
- Ecclesiastes – The search for meaning in life.
- Song of Solomon – A love poem celebrating marriage.
Isaiah to Malachi – Major & Minor Prophets
- Isaiah – God’s promises of judgment and salvation.
- Jeremiah – A warning before Jerusalem’s fall.
- Lamentations – Jeremiah’s sorrow over Jerusalem.
- Ezekiel – God’s judgment and restoration.
- Daniel – Faithfulness in exile and God’s future plans.
- Hosea – God’s love despite Israel’s unfaithfulness.
- Joel – The Day of the Lord.
- Amos – Justice and righteousness.
- Obadiah – Judgment on Edom.
- Jonah – God’s mercy on Nineveh.
- Micah – Justice, mercy, and humility.
- Nahum – Judgment on Nineveh.
- Habakkuk – Trusting God in hard times.
- Zephaniah – Judgment and restoration.
- Haggai – Rebuilding God’s temple.
- Zechariah – God’s future plans for Israel.
- Malachi – God’s final call before 400 years of silence.
New Testament (27 Books)
The New Testament tells the story of Jesus, the early church, and how to live as His followers.
Matthew to Acts – The Gospels & Church History
- Matthew – Jesus as King and Savior.
- Mark – Jesus’ ministry and miracles.
- Luke – Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
- John – Jesus as the Son of God.
- Acts – The early church’s growth.
Romans to Philemon – Paul’s Letters
- Romans – Salvation through faith.
- 1 Corinthians – Instructions for church living.
- 2 Corinthians – Paul’s defense of his ministry.
- Galatians – Freedom in Christ.
- Ephesians – Unity in Christ.
- Philippians – Joy in all circumstances.
- Colossians – Christ’s supremacy.
- 1 Thessalonians – Jesus’ return.
- 2 Thessalonians – Encouragement in persecution.
- 1 Timothy – Instructions for church leaders.
- 2 Timothy – Paul’s final letter.
- Titus – Church leadership and good works.
- Philemon – Forgiveness and reconciliation.
Hebrews to Revelation – General Letters & Prophecy
- Hebrews – Jesus as the perfect sacrifice.
- James – Faith in action.
- 1 Peter – Hope in suffering.
- 2 Peter – Warnings against false teachers.
- 1 John – God’s love and truth.
- 2 John – Walk in truth and love.
- 3 John – Hospitality and truth.
- Jude – Contend for the faith.
- Revelation – God’s victory and the new creation.
Memorization Song for the 66 Books
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Old Testament:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth,
1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther too!
New Testament:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Acts and Romans, follow on!
1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians!
1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James!
1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation!
Fun Quiz: Test Your Bible Knowledge!
- How many books are in the Bible?
A) 27
B) 66
C) 39Answer: B) 66 - Which book tells the story of creation?
A) Exodus
B) Psalms
C) GenesisAnswer: C) Genesis - What’s the last book of the Bible?
A) Revelation
B) Jude
C) ActsAnswer: A) Revelation
