Who Was the First Person to Write the Bible? (Accurate Answer)

The Bible, a collection of sacred texts, has a complex history of authorship spanning centuries.

Identifying the first person to write parts of the Bible requires delving into ancient traditions and biblical references – here’s what we know.

Who Was the First Person to Write the Bible?

Traditionally, Moses is considered the first person to write portions of the Bible.

According to Jewish and Christian traditions, Moses authored the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch.

In Exodus 24:4, it is written, “Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said.” This verse suggests that Moses documented the laws and events as instructed by God, forming the basis of the Torah.

Another reference in Deuteronomy 31:9 states, “So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the Levitical priests, who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel.”

This further supports the belief that Moses was responsible for writing down the laws and teachings that constitute the early part of the Bible.

Jesus himself refers to Moses’ writings in John 5:46-47, saying, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.

But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” This New Testament reference underscores the traditional view that Moses was the author of significant portions of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Related – A look at the role women play in the bible!

How Many Different People Wrote the Bible?

The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, was written by a diverse group of authors over approximately 1,500 years.

Scholars estimate that around 40 different individuals contributed to the Bible’s 66 books. In the Old Testament, authors included kings, prophets, priests, and scribes.

For example, Moses is traditionally credited with writing the first five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), while King David and his son Solomon are believed to have written many of the Psalms and the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, respectively.

Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel authored the prophetic books bearing their names.

Other books, like Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, were likely written by multiple contributors over time, based on historical and religious records.

The New Testament was written by apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—were authored by these four individuals, each providing their unique perspectives on Jesus’ life and teachings.

The Apostle Paul wrote many of the epistles (letters) to early Christian communities, such as Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, and others.

Luke also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, detailing the early church’s history.

Other New Testament contributors include Peter, James, and John, who authored various epistles, and the unknown author of the book of Hebrews.

So, in short, the Bible was written by around 40 different people, each inspired by their experiences and divine guidance, resulting in a rich and diverse collection of sacred texts.

How Many Years Ago Was the Bible Written?

The Bible was written over a span of approximately 1,500 years, beginning around 1400 BCE and concluding around 100 CE.

To determine how many years ago the Bible was written, we need to consider the earliest and latest estimated dates of its composition.

The earliest parts of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses, are believed to have been written around 1400 BCE. If we calculate from this date, it was about 3,424 years ago as of 2024.

The latest books of the New Testament, such as the Book of Revelation, were written around 100 CE. Calculating from this date, it was about 1,924 years ago as of 2024.

The Process of Biblical Canon Formation

The process of determining which books would be included in the Bible, known as canonization, was a complex and lengthy one:

Old Testament Canon:
- The Torah (first five books) was likely canonized around 400 BCE.
- The Prophets were recognized as authoritative by 200 BCE.
- The Writings were finalized around 100 CE, completing the Hebrew Bible.
New Testament Canon:
- Early Christian communities used various texts in worship and teaching.
- By the 2nd century CE, most of the current New Testament books were widely accepted.
- The official New Testament canon was formally recognized at the Synod of Hippo in 393 CE.

Languages of the Bible

The Bible was originally written in three languages:

Hebrew: Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, the language of the ancient Israelites.
Aramaic: Some portions of the Old Testament, particularly in Daniel and Ezra, were written in Aramaic, which became common among Jews after the Babylonian exile.
Greek: The New Testament was written entirely in Koine Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean during the time of Jesus and the early church.

Transmission and Translation

The Bible has been preserved and transmitted through various means:

Manuscripts: Ancient handwritten copies of biblical texts, with the Dead Sea Scrolls being among the oldest known Hebrew Bible manuscripts.
Translations: Early translations include the Greek Septuagint (3rd-1st centuries BCE) and Latin Vulgate (late 4th century CE).

Printing: The invention of the printing press in the 15th century CE revolutionized Bible distribution.
Modern Translations: Today, the Bible has been translated into over 700 languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological discoveries have provided valuable insights into the historical context of the Bible:

The Dead Sea Scrolls: Discovered between 1947 and 1956, these ancient manuscripts include the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible.
Tel Dan Stele: This 9th century BCE inscription mentions the “House of David,” providing extra-biblical evidence for the Davidic dynasty.
Pilate Stone: This 1st century CE inscription mentions Pontius Pilate, corroborating the New Testament accounts.

These discoveries, among many others, have helped scholars better understand the historical and cultural context in which the Bible was written.

Reflection

The Bible’s journey from its earliest writings to the revered text we know today spans millennia, involving dozens of authors, multiple languages, and complex processes of compilation and canonization. Its authorship, traditionally beginning with Moses and extending to the early Christian apostles, reflects a rich tapestry of human experiences and divine inspiration.

The process of writing, compiling, and preserving the Bible was not a single event but a long, intricate journey. From the time of Moses, traditionally considered the first biblical author, to the finalization of the New Testament canon, the Bible evolved over approximately 1,500 years. This lengthy period of development speaks to the Bible’s enduring relevance and its ability to speak to different cultures and generations.

The diversity of its authors – from kings and prophets to fishermen and tax collectors – provides a multifaceted perspective on faith, history, and human nature. This diversity, coupled with the unifying themes that run throughout the text, contributes to the Bible’s unique position in world literature and religious thought.

Archaeological discoveries continue to shed light on the historical context of the Bible, often corroborating biblical accounts and deepening our understanding of the ancient world. These findings serve as a bridge between the ancient text and modern readers, helping to illuminate the world in which the Bible was written.

As we consider the Bible’s authorship and history, we’re reminded of its profound impact on human civilization. Whether viewed as a religious text, a historical document, or a literary masterpiece, the Bible’s influence on law, ethics, literature, and culture is undeniable. Its journey from ancient oral traditions to a globally distributed text is a testament to its enduring power and relevance.

In conclusion, the story of the Bible’s authorship is a story of human faith, divine inspiration, and the preservation of knowledge across generations. It invites us to engage with its texts not just as readers, but as part of an ongoing tradition of interpretation and application that spans thousands of years. As we continue to study and explore the Bible, we participate in this rich historical and spiritual legacy, connecting us with countless others who have found meaning and guidance in its pages.