100 Facts about the Bible

Facts 41-60:

**Mentions ‘Faith’ Over 200 Times: The concept of faith is central to the Bible, mentioned over 200 times in various contexts. Faith is portrayed as trust in God, a means of righteousness, and essential for salvation. Hebrews 11, known as the “Faith Chapter,” highlights the role of faith in the lives of biblical figures.
– First Printed English New Testament by William Tyndale: William Tyndale produced the first printed English New Testament in 1526. His translation was groundbreaking, making the scriptures more accessible but was deemed illegal by church authorities. Tyndale’s work laid the foundation for subsequent English translations, including the King James Version.
– Mentions ‘Hope’ Over 130 Times: The word hope appears over 130 times in the Bible, offering comfort and encouragement. Biblical hope is depicted as confident expectation in God’s promises, not mere wishful thinking. Passages like Romans 5:5 emphasize that hope does not disappoint because of God’s love.
– Contains Seven ‘I Am’ Statements by Jesus: In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes seven significant “I Am” statements, such as “I am the bread of life” and “I am the resurrection and the life.” These declarations reveal aspects of His identity and mission, connecting to Old Testament revelations of God and affirming His divine nature.
– Has Been Burned and Banned at Times: Throughout history, there have been periods when the Bible was banned or burned by authorities who saw it as a threat to their power or contrary to their beliefs. For example, during certain regimes, possession of a Bible was illegal, reflecting the tensions between religious texts and political control.
– Contains Accounts of Miracles: Numerous miracles are recorded in the Bible, performed by prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself. These include healings, raising the dead, and nature miracles like parting the Red Sea. Miracles serve to authenticate divine messages and demonstrate God’s power and compassion.
– The Beatitudes Are Key Teachings: Found in Matthew 5:3-12, the Beatitudes are a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. They highlight the values of the Kingdom of Heaven, such as humility, mercy, and righteousness, offering comfort and guidance for believers.
– Influenced Many Legal Terms and Concepts: Legal concepts like covenant, testimony, and redemption have biblical origins. The idea of swearing oaths and the practice of witnesses in legal proceedings are rooted in biblical practices. The influence extends to modern legal systems and terminology.
– Contains Genealogies Covering 4,000 Years: Biblical genealogies trace lineages over 4,000 years, connecting key figures and events. They serve to authenticate heritage, fulfill prophecies, and link Jesus to Abraham and David, affirming His Messianic credentials. These genealogies are found in books like Genesis and Matthew.
– Used in Swearing-In Ceremonies: The Bible is traditionally used in oath-taking ceremonies, such as the inauguration of presidents and the swearing-in of witnesses in courtrooms. This practice signifies the seriousness of the oath and invokes a moral obligation to uphold truth and duty.

image of an open bible with a suset at the side of a lake

The Exodus narrative, detailing the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, is foundational to Jewish identity and religious practice. Celebrated during Passover , it symbolizes God’s deliverance and covenant with His people. The story has also inspired liberation movements worldwide.

Mentions ‘Fear’ Over 400 Times : The word fear appears over 400 times in the Bible, addressing both the fear of God and human fears. Passages often encourage believers to “fear not,” emphasizing trust in God’s protection. The “fear of the Lord” is depicted as the beginning of wisdom and a profound respect for God’s authority.

Includes Apocryphal Books in Some Traditions : Certain Christian traditions include Apocryphal or Deuterocanonical books in their versions of the Bible. These books, like Tobit and Maccabees, are included in Catholic and Orthodox canons but are excluded from the Protestant Bible. They offer historical and religious insights from the intertestamental period.

First Divided into Chapters in the 13th Century : The chapter divisions commonly used today were developed by Stephen Langton , an Archbishop of Canterbury, around 1227 AD . This organizational system made it easier to reference and study specific passages, enhancing the accessibility of the text.

First Divided into Verses in the 16th Century : Robert Estienne , a French printer also known as Stephanus, introduced the verse numbers in the New Testament in 1551 and in the Old Testament in 1571 . This system further improved navigation and citation of specific scriptures.

Mentions Over 3,200 Places : Over 3,200 geographical locations are referenced in the Bible, including cities, regions, rivers, and mountains. These real-world settings ground the narratives in historical and cultural contexts, aiding archaeological and historical studies.

Includes Wisdom Literature : Books like Proverbs , Ecclesiastes , and Job are classified as Wisdom Literature . They explore themes of morality, the meaning of life, suffering, and the pursuit of knowledge. These writings offer philosophical insights and practical guidance for living.

Contains Numerous Covenants : Throughout the Bible, God establishes several covenants with individuals and nations, such as with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. These covenants outline promises and obligations, forming the framework for the relationship between God and humanity.

Translated into Braille : The Bible has been fully translated into Braille , making it accessible to the visually impaired. Organizations like the Braille Bible International work to provide these translations, ensuring that more people can engage with the scriptures.

Influenced Films and Literature : Countless films and literary works draw inspiration from biblical stories and themes. Movies like The Ten Commandments and novels like John Steinbeck’s East of Eden reflect biblical narratives, demonstrating the text’s pervasive cultural impact.