Are There 39 Books In The Old Testament? Exploring The Old Testament Canon

The question of the number of books in the Old Testament can be a source of confusion. To clarify, the Old Testament can be counted as either 39 books or 46 books, depending on one’s religious tradition. Catholics adhere to a canon of 46 books, which includes seven additional texts that are not found in the Protestant Old Testament. These extra books are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus (also known as Sirach or Ben Sira), 1–2 Maccabees, Baruch, as well as additions to the books of Daniel and Esther. In contrast, Protestants recognize 39 books in their Old Testament. This distinction in the number of books reflects differing traditions and historical decisions made by these religious groups regarding the content of the Old Testament.

The number of books in the Old Testament can vary depending on the branch of Christianity you follow. There are differences in the composition, order, and names of these books among various Christian denominations. For instance, the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches recognize a canon that consists of up to 49 books. In contrast, the Catholic tradition recognizes a canon comprising 46 books, while the most widely accepted Protestant canon includes 39 books. These variations in the Old Testament canons among Christian groups can be attributed to historical and theological differences. (As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, these differences may still exist, but it’s important to consult the latest sources for any potential developments or changes in religious canons.)

The Old Testament consists of a total of 39 individual books, while the New Testament comprises 27 books. When combined, these two sections make up the entire Bible, which is composed of a grand total of 66 books. This division between the Old and New Testaments is a fundamental structure of the Bible, with each testament offering unique perspectives, stories, and teachings that collectively form the basis of Christian scripture.