How Many Chapters Are in the Bible

The Bible is one of the most widely read and influential books in human history. Composed of two main sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament, the Bible is a collection of religious texts central to Christianity. These texts are divided into chapters and verses to facilitate study, discussion, and worship.

READ ALSO: How Many Unforgivable Sins Are There in The Bible

Total Number of Chapters in the Bible

The Bible contains 1,189 chapters in total. These chapters are distributed across the 66 books that make up the Bible, with the Old Testament containing 929 chapters and the New Testament containing 260 chapters.

Breakdown of Chapters by Testament

Old Testament

The Old Testament, which is foundational to both Judaism and Christianity, consists of 39 books. These books are traditionally grouped into several categories, including the Law (Torah), History, Poetry and Wisdom, and Prophecy. Here is a breakdown of the chapters within each of these categories:

The Law (Torah or Pentateuch):

• Genesis: 50 chapters
• Exodus: 40 chapters
• Leviticus: 27 chapters
• Numbers: 36 chapters
• Deuteronomy: 34 chapters
  Total: 187 chapters

Historical Books:

• Joshua: 24 chapters
• Judges: 21 chapters
• Ruth: 4 chapters
• 1 Samuel: 31 chapters
• 2 Samuel: 24 chapters
• 1 Kings: 22 chapters
• 2 Kings: 25 chapters
• 1 Chronicles: 29 chapters
• 2 Chronicles: 36 chapters
• Ezra: 10 chapters
• Nehemiah: 13 chapters
• Esther: 10 chapters
  Total: 249 chapters

Poetry and Wisdom Books:

• Job: 42 chapters
• Psalms: 150 chapters
• Proverbs: 31 chapters
• Ecclesiastes: 12 chapters
• Song of Solomon: 8 chapters
  Total: 243 chapters

Prophetic Books:

• Isaiah: 66 chapters
• Jeremiah: 52 chapters
• Lamentations: 5 chapters
• Ezekiel: 48 chapters
• Daniel: 12 chapters
• Hosea: 14 chapters
• Joel: 3 chapters
• Amos: 9 chapters
• Obadiah: 1 chapter
• Jonah: 4 chapters
• Micah: 7 chapters
• Nahum: 3 chapters
• Habakkuk: 3 chapters
• Zephaniah: 3 chapters
• Haggai: 2 chapters
• Zechariah: 14 chapters
• Malachi: 4 chapters
  Total: 250 chapters

READ ALSO: How Many Ananias’ Are in the Bible

The Old Testament’s total number of chapters is 929.

New Testament

The New Testament, which is central to Christian belief, is composed of 27 books. These books are categorized into the Gospels, History, Pauline Epistles, General Epistles, and Prophecy. Here’s the chapter breakdown:

Gospels:

• Matthew: 28 chapters
• Mark: 16 chapters
• Luke: 24 chapters
• John: 21 chapters
  Total: 89 chapters

History:

• Acts: 28 chapters
  Total: 28 chapters

Pauline Epistles:

• Romans: 16 chapters
• 1 Corinthians: 16 chapters
• 2 Corinthians: 13 chapters
• Galatians: 6 chapters
• Ephesians: 6 chapters
• Philippians: 4 chapters
• Colossians: 4 chapters
• 1 Thessalonians: 5 chapters
• 2 Thessalonians: 3 chapters
• 1 Timothy: 6 chapters
• 2 Timothy: 4 chapters
• Titus: 3 chapters
• Philemon: 1 chapter
  Total: 83 chapters

General Epistles:

• Hebrews: 13 chapters
• James: 5 chapters
• 1 Peter: 5 chapters
• 2 Peter: 3 chapters
• 1 John: 5 chapters
• 2 John: 1 chapter
• 3 John: 1 chapter
• Jude: 1 chapter
  Total: 34 chapters

Prophecy:

• Revelation: 22 chapters
  Total: 22 chapters

The New Testament’s total number of chapters is 260.

READ ALSO: What Does Being Perverse Mean In The Bible

Importance of Chapters in Bible Study

The division of the Bible into chapters and verses is a relatively modern convention, introduced to help readers navigate the texts more easily.

This system allows for easier referencing, memorization, and study, making the Bible accessible to both scholars and laypeople alike.

For example, one of the most famous chapters in the Bible is Psalm 23, which begins with the line, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This chapter is often recited in religious services and is known for its comforting message.

Another significant chapter is John 3, which includes the well-known verse John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Conclusion

The Bible’s 1,189 chapters provide a structured way to engage with the sacred texts of Christianity. Whether you are reading for spiritual growth, academic study, or personal interest, understanding the number and structure of these chapters can deepen your appreciation of the Bible’s timeless message.

FAQ

How many chapters are in the Bible?

The Bible contains a total of 1,189 chapters, with 929 chapters in the Old Testament and 260 chapters in the New Testament.

What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?

The shortest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117, which has only two verses.

What is the longest chapter in the Bible?

The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119, which has 176 verses.

Why are chapters important in the Bible?

Chapters in the Bible help readers locate specific passages and facilitate study, discussion, and worship. They were introduced to make the Bible more accessible to readers.

Who introduced the chapter divisions in the Bible?

The chapter divisions in the Bible were introduced by Stephen Langton, an Archbishop of Canterbury, around the year 1227.

Are chapter divisions the same in all versions of the Bible?

While most versions of the Bible follow the same chapter divisions, there are some differences in certain translations, particularly between Protestant and Catholic Bibles.