The 73 books of the Catholic Bible

The Old Testament

The Pentateuch

• Genesis: Tells how God created the world and the story of the first families, from Adam to Joseph in Egypt. “Pentateuch”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Exodus: Tells how God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses, and gave them his Law on Mount Sinai. “Pentateuch”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Leviticus: Gathers the rules God gave Moses about sacrifices, priests, purity, and how to live as a holy people. Introduction to Leviticus, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Numbers: Tells of the forty-year journey of the people of Israel through the desert, from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. “Pentateuch”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Deuteronomy: These are the last speeches of Moses. Before the people enter the Promised Land, Moses reminds them of God’s Law. “Pentateuch”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

The Historical Books

• Joshua: Tells how Joshua, who took Moses’ place, led Israel in the conquest of the Promised Land and divided it among the tribes. “Josue”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Judges: Tells how, before Israel had a king, the people kept turning away from God, and God sent leaders called judges to save them, like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. “Judges, The Book of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Ruth: Tells the story of Ruth, a foreign widow who stayed with her mother-in-law Naomi and became the great-grandmother of King David. “Ruth, Book of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 1 Samuel: Tells of the life of the prophet Samuel, the reign of Saul, the first king of Israel, and the youth of David, who defeated Goliath. “Kings, First and Second Books of” (= 1 and 2 Samuel), Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 2 Samuel: Tells of David’s reign: how he made Jerusalem his capital, the promise God made to him, his sin, and his repentance. “Kings, First and Second Books of” (= 1 and 2 Samuel), Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 1 Kings: Tells of the reign of Solomon, who built the Temple in Jerusalem, the split of the kingdom in two, and the story of the prophet Elijah. “Kings, Third and Fourth Books of” (= 1 and 2 Kings), Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 2 Kings: Continues the story of the kings of Israel and Judah, with the prophet Elisha, until Babylon conquered Jerusalem and carried many away as captives. “Kings, Third and Fourth Books of” (= 1 and 2 Kings), Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 1 Chronicles: Goes back over the people’s history with long lists of families from Adam on, and tells of David’s reign and how he prepared to build the Temple. “Paralipomenon, Books of” (= Chronicles), Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 2 Chronicles: Tells the story of the kings of Judah, from Solomon to the fall of Jerusalem, and ends when King Cyrus lets the people return home. “Paralipomenon, Books of” (= Chronicles), Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Ezra: Tells of the people’s return from Babylon, the rebuilding of the Temple, and how Ezra the priest called them to live by God’s Law. “Esdras”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Nehemiah: Tells how Nehemiah, a Jew who served the king of Persia, went to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls and bring the people together again. “Nehemiah, Book of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Tobit (deuterocanonical): Tells how Tobit, a good man, went blind. His son Tobiah traveled with the angel Raphael and married Sarah, and Tobit saw again. “Tobias”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Judith (deuterocanonical): Tells how Judith, a widow, saved her people: she went into the enemy camp and killed Holofernes, the general who had them surrounded. “Judith, Book of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Esther: Tells how Esther, a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, risked her life to save her people from death. “Esther”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 1 Maccabees (deuterocanonical): Tells how Judas Maccabeus and his brothers fought against a foreign king who outlawed the Jewish faith, and how they purified the Temple. “Machabees, The”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 2 Maccabees (deuterocanonical): Tells again of Judas Maccabeus’ struggle and speaks of those who died for being faithful to God, like a mother and her seven sons. “Machabees, The Books of” and “Machabees, The”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

The Poetic and Wisdom Books

• Job: Job, a good man, lost his wealth, his children, and his health. He argued with his friends about why he was suffering, and in the end God answered him. Introduction to Job, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Psalms: Gathers 150 songs and prayers to praise God, thank him, ask for his help, and ask his forgiveness. The Church has prayed with them from her very beginning. Introduction to Psalms, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); “Psalms”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Proverbs: Gathers short sayings with advice for daily life: don’t be lazy, don’t lie, stay away from bad company, and respect God. “Proverbs, Book of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913); Introduction to Proverbs, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Ecclesiastes: A wise man asks what life means if everything passes away. He advises enjoying the good things God gives and keeping his commandments. Introduction to Ecclesiastes, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Song of Songs: These are love poems between a man and a woman. The Church also reads them as a picture of God’s love for his people. Introduction to Song of Songs, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); “Canticle of Canticles”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Wisdom (deuterocanonical): Praises wisdom, a gift God gives to those who ask for it, and teaches that God created human beings to live forever. “Wisdom, Book of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Sirach (deuterocanonical): Gathers a wise man’s advice about parents and children, friends, money, and respect for God. It is also called Ecclesiasticus. Introduction to Sirach, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); “Ecclesiasticus”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

The Prophetic Books

• Isaiah: Bears the name of the prophet Isaiah. It calls the people to return to God, comforts them, and announces a savior and a time of peace. “Isaias”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Jeremiah: The prophet Jeremiah warned that Jerusalem would fall if the people did not return to God. He was persecuted for it, but he announced a new covenant. “Jeremiah the Prophet”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913); Introduction to Jeremiah, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Lamentations: These are five poems that mourn the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. They admit the people’s sin and trust in God’s love. Introduction to Lamentations, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Baruch (deuterocanonical): Bears the name of Baruch, the secretary of the prophet Jeremiah. The exiled people ask God’s forgiveness and receive the promise of coming home. Introduction to Baruch, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Ezekiel: The prophet Ezekiel, an exile in Babylon, had visions, like the dry bones that come back to life, and announced that God would renew his people. “Ezekiel”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Daniel: Tells how Daniel and his friends stayed faithful to God in Babylon, even in the fire and among the lions. It also has visions about the future. “Daniel, Book of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Hosea: The prophet Hosea compared God to a husband who keeps loving his wife even though she is unfaithful to him. That is how God loves Israel. Introduction to Hosea, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); “Osee”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Joel: The prophet Joel, facing a plague of locusts, called the people to return to God and announced that God would pour out his Spirit on everyone. Introduction to Joel, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Amos: The prophet Amos, a man from the countryside, spoke out against the abuse of the poor and warned that God is not pleased by offerings without justice. “Amos”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Obadiah: It is the shortest book of the prophets. It announces the punishment of Edom, the people descended from Esau, because they took advantage of the Jews when Jerusalem fell. Introduction to Obadiah, NABRE (USCCB); “Abdias”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Jonah: Tells how Jonah ran away from God, spent three days inside a great fish, and how God forgave Nineveh, an enemy city that repented. Introduction to Jonah, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); “Jonas”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Micah: The prophet Micah spoke out against the rich who took advantage of the poor and announced that from Bethlehem would come the one to rule Israel. Introduction to Micah, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Nahum: The prophet Nahum announced the fall of Nineveh, capital of Assyria, the cruel empire that had made many peoples suffer, Israel among them. Introduction to Nahum, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Habakkuk: The prophet Habakkuk asked God why he let the wicked win. God answered that the just one will live by his faith. “Habacuc”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913); Introduction to Habakkuk, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); Habakkuk 2:4
• Zephaniah: The prophet Zephaniah announced the day when God would judge his people and the nations, and would save a small faithful group. Introduction to Zephaniah, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Haggai: The prophet Haggai encouraged the people, now back from Babylon, to finish the Temple, which they had left undone while they took care of their own houses. Introduction to Haggai, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Zechariah: With visions of hope, it encourages the people to rebuild the Temple and announces a humble king who will come riding on a donkey. Introduction to Zechariah, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Malachi: Scolds the priests who offer God animals with defects, and announces that God will send a messenger to prepare the way for him. Introduction to Malachi, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)

The New Testament

The Gospels

• Matthew: Tells of the life and teachings of Jesus, like the Sermon on the Mount, and shows that he is the one the prophets announced. Introduction to Matthew, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Mark: It is the shortest Gospel. With vivid scenes, it tells of Jesus’ miracles, his death on the cross, and his resurrection. Introduction to Mark, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); “Mark, Gospel of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Luke: Tells of the life of Jesus from his birth and shows his love for the poor and for sinners, with parables like the one about the prodigal son. Introduction to Luke, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• John: Unlike the other three Gospels, it tells of few miracles and gives long teachings of Jesus, and it presents him as the Son of God made man. “John, Gospel of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

The Acts of the Apostles

• Acts: Tells of the first steps of the Church: the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the preaching of Peter, and the journeys of Paul all the way to Rome. “Acts of the Apostles”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

The Letters of Saint Paul

• Romans: A letter from Saint Paul to the Christians of Rome. It explains that God offers salvation to Jews and non-Jews alike through faith in Jesus Christ. “Romans, Epistle to the”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 1 Corinthians: A letter from Saint Paul to the community in Corinth, which was divided. It speaks of the Eucharist, of love, and of the resurrection of the dead. Introduction to 1 Corinthians, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• 2 Corinthians: Another letter from Saint Paul to the Christians of Corinth, the most personal of his letters. He defends his work as an apostle and tells of his sufferings. Introduction to 2 Corinthians, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); “Corinthians, Epistles to the”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Galatians: A letter from Saint Paul to the Christians of Galatia. It explains that salvation comes from Christ and not from keeping the Law of Moses. “Galatians, Epistle to the”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Ephesians: A letter that speaks of God’s plan to unite all things in Christ, of the Church as the body of Christ, and of family life. “Ephesians, Epistle to the”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Philippians: A letter from Saint Paul, written from prison, to the Christians of Philippi. It speaks of joy and encourages them to be humble like Christ. “Philippians, Epistle to the”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Colossians: A letter to the Christians of Colossae. It teaches that Christ is above all things and asks them not to be fooled by other teachings. “Colossians, Epistle to the”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 1 Thessalonians: A letter from Saint Paul to the Christians of Thessalonica. He encourages them and explains what will happen to those who have died when Jesus comes again. “Thessalonians, Epistles to the”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 2 Thessalonians: A letter to the Christians of Thessalonica. Since some believed Jesus was about to come back, it asks them to stay calm, because other things must happen first. Introduction to 2 Thessalonians, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• 1 Timothy: A letter to Timothy, a companion of Saint Paul, with advice for leading the community in Ephesus: how to pray and how to choose bishops and deacons. Introduction to 1 Timothy, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• 2 Timothy: A farewell letter to Timothy: it encourages him to stay faithful, to proclaim God’s word without fear, and to endure hardships. Introduction to 2 Timothy, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Titus: A letter to Titus, who was organizing the Church on the island of Crete. It advises him how to choose leaders and how each Christian should live. Introduction to Titus, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• Philemon: A short letter from Saint Paul to Philemon. He asks him to welcome Onesimus, his slave, no longer as a slave but as a dear brother. “Philemon”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

The Letter to the Hebrews

• Hebrews: A letter that explains that Jesus is the great high priest who offered his own life once for all, and encourages its readers not to lose their faith. “Hebrews, Epistle to the”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)

The Catholic Letters

• James: A letter with practical advice: watch what you say, do not look down on the poor, show your faith by your works, and pray for the sick. “James, Epistle of Saint”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 1 Peter: A letter that encourages Christians who suffer for their faith to stay faithful, with hope, like Christ, who also suffered. Introduction to 1 Peter, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va)
• 2 Peter: A letter that warns against false teachers and answers those who said Jesus would not come back: for God, a thousand years are like one day. Introduction to 2 Peter, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); 2 Peter 3:8
• 1 John: A letter that teaches that God is light and God is love, and that whoever loves God must also love his brothers and sisters. “John, Epistles of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 2 John: A very short letter to a community. It asks them to love one another and not to be fooled by false teachers. “John, Epistles of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• 3 John: A very short letter to Gaius. It praises him for welcoming the missionaries and criticizes Diotrephes, who refused to welcome them. “John, Epistles of”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)
• Jude: A short letter signed by Jude, the brother of James, not the one who betrayed Jesus. It warns against false teachers and asks readers to hold on to the faith. “Jude, Epistle of Saint”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913); Luke 6:16

The Book of Revelation

• Revelation: It is the last book of the Bible. With visions full of symbols, it encourages persecuted Christians: in the end, Jesus will defeat evil. Introduction to Revelation, NAB (USCCB, vatican.va); “Apocalypse”, Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)