Background

How the Bible Came Together

A rough timeline from creation through the writing of both Testaments to how the text reached us today. Looking for who wrote it, what languages, and other quick facts? Those now live on the homepage. Looking for a verse for a specific moment? See 120 popular Bible verses, grouped by category.

Big picture

A rough timeline

c. 1400–400 BC

The Old Testament is written, covering creation through Israel's return from exile in Babylon.

3rd–2nd century BC

The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament, is produced for Greek-speaking Jewish communities.

c. 4 BC – AD 30

The life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus, later recorded in the four Gospels.

c. AD 45–95

The New Testament letters, Gospels, Acts, and Revelation are written.

4th century AD

Church councils affirm the 27-book New Testament canon as it's recognized today.

1947

The Dead Sea Scrolls are discovered, confirming the remarkable accuracy of Old Testament copying over centuries.

Today

The Bible is available in whole or in part in more than 3,500 languages, and remains the best-selling book of all time.