Who Wrote the Bible? When Was It Written?
"Who wrote the Bible?" is a frequently asked question with no short answer, because the Bible is not a single book written by one author in one sitting. It is a collection formed from the writings of many authors who lived in different centuries, composed in more than one language. This page explains, neutrally, by whom, in which periods and in which languages the Bible was written; afterward you can begin reading these books here for free.
Was the Bible written by a single person?
No. The Bible is a collection made up of the writings of many authors who lived in different eras. Traditionally the contribution of around forty authors is mentioned, among them prophets, kings, historians, poets and apostles. Because the texts were written over many centuries, the Bible is less a single book than a library of books forming a shared whole.
Who wrote the Old Testament, and when?
The books of the Old Testament were written over a long span of time, mostly in Hebrew (with small portions in Aramaic). This part contains the creation narrative, the history of the people of Israel, the laws, the psalms (prayers and poetry), the wisdom writings and the words of the prophets. Some books are traditionally associated with particular figures; for example, much of the Psalms is linked with King David and the wisdom writings with King Solomon.
Who wrote the New Testament, and when?
The 27 books of the New Testament were written in the first century, after the life of Jesus Christ, in Greek. This part contains the four Gospels recounting the life of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), the Acts of the Apostles telling the story of the early church, the letters the apostles wrote to communities, and the book of Revelation. A significant portion of the letters is traditionally attributed to the apostle Paul; the other writings are linked to Jesus' disciples and leading figures of the early church.
In which languages was the Bible written?
The Bible was written in three languages: the Old Testament largely in Hebrew, with small portions in Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek. All the Turkish, English and other translations we read today were made from these original languages. This is why small differences in word choice and style may appear between translations; they arise from rendering the text into different languages.
How can I read these texts on this site?
On this site you can read all the books of the Bible — across the Old and New Testament — chapter by chapter, free and ad-free. You can start with Genesis and go in order, or begin directly with a familiar book such as the Psalms or John. You can go to any book from the index.
Start here
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
Who wrote the Bible?
The Bible was not written by a single person but by many authors who lived in different centuries. Traditionally around forty authors are mentioned, including prophets, kings, historians, poets and apostles.
When was the Bible written?
The Bible was written over a long period of time. The books of the Old Testament come from much earlier periods, while the 27 books of the New Testament were written in the first century, after the life of Jesus.
What language was the Bible written in?
The Bible was written in three languages: the Old Testament largely in Hebrew (with small parts in Aramaic) and the New Testament in Greek. Turkish and other translations were made from these original languages.
Did a single author write the Bible?
No. The Bible is a collection of writings by many authors who lived in different eras; it is therefore best thought of not as a single book but as a library of books forming a shared whole.
Can I read the Bible online?
Yes. On this site you can read all the books of the Bible, across the Old and New Testament, chapter by chapter, free and ad-free.