Who Wrote the Bible? The Authors of Each Book

Divinely Inspired Authors

It is correct to say that God wrote the Bible. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, Scripture is “breathed out” by God. Throughout the Bible, it is evident that God is being quoted. Over 400 times, we see the phrase “thus says the Lord” (NKJV). The Bible refers to itself as the Word of God dozens of times (e.g. Romans 10:17; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12).

　　All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

　　The Bible is declared to proceed from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Yet, God's “writing” of Scripture was not a physical action on His part. Rather, God’s authorship was achieved through His inspiration, as human authors documented God’s message.

Who Wrote the Books of the Bible?

In this article, we will go through each book of the Bible to provide its earthly author as traditionally believed. Browse a list of each Bible book with its author (if known) below:

Old Testament Authors

　　Traditionally, both Jews and Christians believe Moses is the author and compiler of Genesis and each of the first five books of the Bible also called the Pentateuch:

　　Genesis - Moses

　　Exodus - Moses

　　Leviticus - Moses

　　Numbers - Moses

　　Deuteronomy - Moses

　　These are the five Books of the Law: Genesis, meaning "beginning" since it recounts the beginning of God's creation; Exodus, which means "exit" or "departure," referring to the journey of the Hebrews from out of slavery in Egypt; Leviticus, a book detailing worship as led by the priests ordained from the tribe of Levi; Numbers, whose title is derived from the book's opening account of the census or numbering of the people of Israel; Deuteronomy, meaning "second law" since it gives a detailed listing of the additional laws given by God through Moses.

　　Joshua - Unknown

　　Judges - Unknown

　　Ruth - Unknown

　　1 & 2 Samuel - Unknown

　　1 & 2 Kings - Unknown

　　1 & 2 Chronicles - Ezra

　　Ezra - Ezra

　　Nehemiah - Nehemiah

　　Esther - Unknown

　　This second group of the Old Testament is known as the historical books.

　　Job - Unknown

　　Psalms - Various: David is credited for 73 of the Psalms, Asaph is credited for 12, Sons of Korah for 11, Solomon for 2, Moses, Ethan, and Heman for 1 each, and 50 are unknown.

　　Proverbs - Various: Solomon is credited for 29 of the Proverbs, while Agur and Lemuel for 1 each.

　　Ecclesiastes - Solomon

　　Song of Solomon - Solomon

　　This third group of the Old Testament is the books of Wisdom, proclaiming that happiness is possible only through faith in and obedience to the one true God.

　　Isaiah - Isaiah

　　Jeremiah - Jeremiah

　　Lamentations - Jeremiah

　　Ezekiel - Ezekiel

　　Daniel - Daniel

　　Hosea - Hosea

　　Joel - Joel

　　Amos - Amos

　　Obadiah - Obadiah

　　Jonah - Jonah

　　Micah - Micah

　　Nahum - Nahum

　　Habakkuk - Habakkuk

　　Zephaniah - Zephaniah

　　Haggai - Haggai

　　Zechariah - Zechariah

　　Malachi - Malachi

　　The fourth and final section of the Old Testament includes the books of prophecy. These serve as an introduction to John the Baptist's preparation of the world for the coming of the Messiah, who is Isaiah's Suffering Servant, Zechariah's Prince of Peace, and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the flock.

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New Testament Authors

　　Matthew - Apostle Matthew

　　Mark - Apostle Mark

　　Luke - Apostle Luke

　　John - Apostle John

　　Acts - Apostle Luke

　　Paul the Apostle is credited for 13 of the Epistle books in the New Testament, as follows:

　　Romans - Apostle Paul

　　1 Corinthians - Apostle Paul

　　2 Corinthians - Apostle Paul

　　Galatians - Apostle Paul

　　Ephesians - Apostle Paul

　　Philippians - Apostle Paul

　　Colossians - Apostle Paul

　　1 Thessalonians - Apostle Paul

　　2 Thessalonians - Apostle Paul

　　1 Timothy - Apostle Paul

　　2 Timothy - Apostle Paul

　　Titus - Apostle Paul

　　Philemon - Apostle Paul

　　Hebrews - Unknown

　　James - James, Brother of Christ

　　1 & 2 Peter - Apostle Peter

　　1, 2 & 3 John - Apostle John

　　Jude - Jude, a relative of Jesus and the brother of James.

　　Revelation - Apostle John

　　Also visit our collection of Bible topics to see scriptures about certain topics like faith, courage, love, and more!

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