How Long Ago Was the Bible Written?
May 14, 2025
Hi! Welcome back to the Kids Answers magazine blog, where we answer your big questions about God’s Word and God’s world.
Jason W. (age 11) asked,
“How long ago was the Bible written?”
Thanks for the question, Jason!
Most Bible scholars believe the first five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) were written by Moses. These books were probably written around 1400 BC. That is over 3,000 years ago!
Authors began writing the New Testament in the first century AD. Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, was completed by its author (the Apostle John) around AD 90.
The Bible was written over a span of about 1,500 years from the first book (Genesis) to the last (Revelation). About 40 different authors wrote the 66 books of the Bible. These authors included kings, shepherds, fishermen, teachers, a doctor, and even a tax collector.
God inspired all these authors to write the Bible. That means God “breathed out” (2 Timothy 3:16) from his mind to the authors’ minds what he wanted written. Under God’s direction, all those different authors wrote those books over 1,500 years. And while each book is different, they all proclaim the truth of Jesus.
You can read more about the Bible’s history here.
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