What Are the Old and New Testaments?
The Bible is divided into two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word rendered "testament" here means "covenant" — an agreement between God and people. This page explains, neutrally, what the two parts mean, which books they contain and how they relate to each other; afterward you can begin reading any book from either part here for free.
What does "covenant" (testament) mean?
A "covenant" is a binding agreement between two parties. In the biblical tradition it describes the relationship God establishes with a community and the promises given. The division of the book into two parts rests on these two covenant eras: "Old Testament" and "Old Covenant" name the same thing, as do "New Testament" and "New Covenant."
What is in the Old Testament?
The Old Testament contains 39 books, written mostly in Hebrew. It opens with the creation of the world and of humankind; it recounts the history of the people of Israel, the law given through Moses, the eras of kings and prophets, and poetic and wisdom writings such as the Psalms and Proverbs. Genesis, Exodus, Psalms and Isaiah are among its best-known books.
What is in the New Testament?
The New Testament contains 27 books, written in Greek. It begins with the four Gospels recounting the life of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John); it continues with the Acts of the Apostles (the story of the early church), the letters the apostles wrote to communities and the book of Revelation. This part focuses on Jesus' teaching, death and resurrection, and the faith of the first Christian communities.
How do the two parts relate?
The Old and New Testaments are not two separate books but two parts of one whole. The New Testament frequently refers back to the events, people and promises of the Old Testament; in the Christian tradition it is read as the fulfillment of the expectation of a "new covenant" voiced in the Old. The prophet Jeremiah, for instance, speaks of a "new covenant" to come (Jeremiah 31). The two parts are therefore read as complementing each other.
Where should I start reading?
First-time readers are often encouraged to begin with the New Testament, especially the Gospel of John, which focuses on who Jesus is. For those wishing to get to know the Old Testament, the usual starting point is the book of Genesis. On this site you can read both parts book by book and chapter by chapter, free and ad-free.
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Guides
- What Is the Gospel (İncil)?
- What Are the Torah, Psalms (Zebur) and Gospel?
- The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
- Who Wrote the Bible? When Was It Written?
- How Many Books Are There in the Bible?
- Chapters and Verses: How to Read a Reference Like "John 3:16"
- Who Is Jesus Christ?
- What Is the Zebur (Book of Psalms)?
- What Is Baptism?
- How Did the Bible Reach Us? (Manuscripts and Translation)
- What Is Prayer and How Do You Pray?
- What Are the Ten Commandments?
- What Are the Parables of Jesus?
- What Are the Old and New Testaments?
- What Is Christmas? When and Where Was Jesus Born?
- What Are Easter and the Resurrection?
- Who or What Is the Holy Spirit?
- What Is a Church (Kilise)?
- What Is Christianity?
- What Is Sin (Günah)?
- What Are Angels?
- What Are Heaven and Hell?
- What Is a Prophet?
- What Is the Trinity?
- Satan and Evil According to the Bible
- How Do You Memorize Bible Verses?
- Kadıköy Kilise Translation (KKR): Sources and Revision Notes
Are the Old Testament and the "Old Covenant" the same?
Yes. Since "testament" and "covenant" render the same concept, "Old Testament" and "Old Covenant" refer to the same part, as do "New Testament" and "New Covenant"; only the word choice differs.
How many books are in the Old and New Testaments?
The Old Testament has 39 books and the New Testament 27; together they make up the 66 books of the Bible.
What is the main difference between the two parts?
The Old Testament ranges from the creation of the world to the history of Israel and the prophets; the New Testament focuses on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ and the faith of the early church. The two are complementary parts of one whole.
Where does the phrase "new covenant" come from?
The expectation of a "new covenant" is voiced already in the Old Testament — for example in the words of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31). The Christian tradition reads the New Testament in connection with this expectation.
Can I read the Old and New Testaments on this site?
Yes. On this site you can read the books of both the Old and New Testaments chapter by chapter, free and ad-free. Choose any book from the index to begin.