100 Facts about the Bible
related links : facts 1-20 ; facts 21-40 ; facts 41-60 ; facts 61-80 ; facts 81-100
Facts 1-20:
The Best-Selling Book of All Time: The Bible has sold over 5 billion copies worldwide, making it the best-selling and most widely distributed book in history. It continues to sell millions of copies each year, outpacing any other book. Its profound influence extends beyond religion into literature, law, art, and culture across the globe.
Written Over a Span of 1,500 Years: Composed over approximately 1,500 years, the Bible was written by more than 40 different authors from diverse backgrounds. These include kings like David and Solomon, prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, fishermen like Peter and John, and scholars like Paul. Despite the vast time span and varied authorship, the Bible maintains a consistent narrative and thematic unity centered on the relationship between God and humanity.
Translated into Over 700 Languages: The full Bible has been translated into over 700 languages, while portions of it exist in over 3,500 languages. This monumental translation effort makes it accessible to over 95% of the world’s population. Organizations like the United Bible Societies and Wycliffe Bible Translators continue to work on translating the Bible into even more languages, aiming to reach every language group.
Shortest Verse Contains Just Two Words: The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, which states, “Jesus wept.” Despite its brevity, this verse powerfully conveys Jesus’s deep compassion and empathy as he mourned the death of his friend Lazarus. It highlights the humanity of Jesus, showing that he experienced sorrow and emotions just as humans do.
Longest Chapter Has 176 Verses: Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, consisting of 176 verses. It is an acrostic poem divided into 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalm extensively praises the laws and statutes of God, emphasizing the importance of adhering to divine commandments for spiritual growth and well-being.
The Bible Contains 66 Books: The Protestant Bible is composed of 66 books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. These books encompass various literary genres, including history, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, gospels, and epistles. The compilation of these books into a single volume reflects the development of the biblical canon over centuries.
The Word ‘God’ Appears Over 4,000 Times: The term “God” appears more than 4,000 times in the Bible, depending on the translation. This frequency underscores the central focus of the scriptures on God’s character, actions, and relationship with humanity. The prevalence of the word reflects the theological emphasis on understanding and connecting with the divine.
Esther 8:9 is the Longest Verse: The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9, which contains a detailed decree issued by King Ahasuerus. The verse includes approximately 90 words in English translations and lists the king’s scribes, the recipients of the decree, and the languages and scripts used. Its length is due to the extensive administrative details recorded.
Most Shoplifted Book: Interestingly, the Bible is often cited as the most shoplifted book in the world. This paradox highlights both its widespread availability and the high demand for it. Some suggest that individuals who might not afford a copy take it out of a desire for spiritual guidance, though stealing contradicts the moral teachings within its pages.
Originally Written in Three Languages: The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Old Testament is primarily in Hebrew, with some portions in Aramaic (found in books like Daniel and Ezra). The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean during the first century, facilitating widespread dissemination.
– The Bible Has Over 31,000 Verses: Comprising 31,102 verses, the Bible offers an extensive collection of teachings and narratives. The Old Testament contains 23,145 verses, while the New Testament has 7,957 verses. This vast compilation has been a foundational text for religious teachings, moral guidance, and cultural traditions throughout history.
– First Book Printed with Movable Type: The Gutenberg Bible, produced in the 1450s by Johannes Gutenberg, was the first major book printed using movable metal type. This invention revolutionized the production of books, making them more accessible and affordable. The Gutenberg Bible is highly valued for its historical significance and craftsmanship.
– ‘Bible’ Means ‘Books’: The word “Bible” comes from the Greek term “ta biblia,” meaning “the books.” This reflects the Bible’s nature as a collection of individual books, each with its own author, context, and purpose. These books were written over centuries and later compiled into the single volume we know today.
– Longest Word in the Bible: The longest word in the Bible is Maher-shalal-hash-baz, found in Isaiah 8:1 and 8:3. This name, given to the prophet Isaiah’s son, translates to “swift to the plunder, quick to the spoil.” It served as a prophetic sign concerning the impending Assyrian invasion and the swift defeat of Israel’s enemies.
– Chapters and Verses Added Later: The chapter and verse divisions in the Bible were not part of the original manuscripts. Chapters were introduced by Stephen Langton, the Archbishop of Canterbury, around 1227 AD. Verses were added by Robert Estienne, a French printer, in 1551 for the New Testament and in 1571 for the Old Testament, aiding in reference and study.
– Book of Psalms is the Most Quoted in the New Testament: The Book of Psalms is the most frequently quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament, with over 400 references. The Psalms provide poetic expressions of worship, lament, thanksgiving, and prophecy, resonating deeply with New Testament writers and early Christian communities.
– Oldest Biblical Texts Date Back to the 7th Century BCE: The Ketef Hinnom silver scrolls, discovered in 1979 near Jerusalem, are the oldest known pieces of the biblical text, dating to the 7th century BCE. These tiny scrolls contain the Priestly Blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, providing valuable insight into early Hebrew script and religious practices.
– Dogs Mentioned 40 Times, Cats Not At All: Dogs are mentioned around 40 times in the Bible, often symbolizing uncleanliness or negative traits. Conversely, cats are not mentioned at all. While cats were revered in ancient Egyptian culture, their absence in the biblical text reflects the different cultural and symbolic associations in Hebrew society.
– Revelation is the Only Apocalyptic Book in the New Testament: The Book of Revelation, written by John of Patmos, is the only apocalyptic book in the New Testament. It contains vivid imagery and symbolic visions concerning the end times, the final judgment, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Its complex symbolism has been the subject of extensive theological interpretation.
– The Bible Influenced the English Language Profoundly: The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, completed in 1611, has had a significant impact on the English language. Many common phrases and expressions, such as “a drop in the bucket,” “by the skin of your teeth,” and “the blind leading the blind,” originate from the KJV. Its literary style has influenced countless writers and speakers over the centuries.