First book of the Bible written
Quick Summary
Although Genesis appears first in order, most scholars believe Job may have been the earliest book written. Parts of the Pentateuch, especially early sections of Exodus, also contain some of the oldest material. The stories that became Scripture were first preserved through oral tradition before being written under divine inspiration. The Bible’s earliest writings capture humanity’s earliest attempts to understand God’s presence in history.
Introduction
When people ask, “What was the first book of the Bible written?” they usually assume the answer is Genesis. After all, it begins with, “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth.” But the order of books in the Bible is not the same as the order in which they were written. The Scriptures developed over centuries, with some texts written long after the events they describe.
Before words were written, they were remembered. The earliest generations of God’s people told their stories around campfires and altars, passing them from parent to child. The creation story, the flood, the journey of Abraham—all were part of an oral tradition that carried faith forward long before ink touched parchment. Eventually, these stories were written down, forming the foundation of the Hebrew Scriptures.
The Bible’s Beginnings: Oral Tradition
Long before written scrolls, faith was kept alive through storytelling. The Hebrew people treasured their history and identity through words spoken and sung. Genealogies preserved memory; psalms preserved worship. The story of God’s covenant with his people began as living memory, shaped by priests, prophets, and poets.
Oral tradition also explains why the first written books might differ in age from the oldest events described. For example, the story of Adam and Eve takes place before any nation or law existed, yet it was written much later. The process of collecting and preserving these accounts was slow and careful, ensuring that what was written reflected what the community believed God had revealed.
Candidates for the First Written Book
Scholars and theologians have long debated which biblical book was written first. Three candidates stand out: Job, Genesis, and Exodus.
Job: The Oldest in Language and Theme
The Book of Job may be the oldest written text in the Bible. Its Hebrew vocabulary and style suggest a very early composition, possibly before the time of Abraham. Job’s world has no mention of the Mosaic Law, priests, or temple. Instead, it reflects a patriarchal age when families offered their own sacrifices. The book’s central question—why do the righteous suffer?—feels timeless. It presents a faith unanchored to a particular nation, resting instead on trust in God’s wisdom. See Job 1:1.
Genesis: The First in the Story of God
Although it may not have been written first, Genesis rightly opens the Bible because it sets the stage for everything that follows. Traditionally attributed to Moses, it collects ancient traditions about creation, humanity, and covenant. These stories likely circulated for generations before being written in their final form. Genesis gives us beginnings—of the world, of sin, of God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham. Read Genesis 1:1.
Exodus: The Beginning of a Written Covenant
Some scholars believe the earliest written portions of Scripture came from the book of Exodus. Here, God reveals his name, delivers Israel from bondage, and gives the Ten Commandments—words literally written “by the finger of God” (Exodus 31:18). These covenantal laws may have been among the first texts to be recorded. From that foundation, the rest of the Torah—the first five books—was shaped over time into the form we know today.
What This Teaches About Scripture
Asking which book was written first reminds us that Scripture is not a single moment but a story unfolding over centuries. God revealed himself in history, through people who lived, prayed, and wrote in their own time. The Bible is both divine and human—a library of inspired words shaped by the Spirit through many voices.
Whether Job, Genesis, or Exodus came first, the message is the same: God speaks into human history and invites us into relationship. From the earliest written word to the latest revelation, Scripture tells one story of redemption. The Bible’s diversity of voices reveals a unity of purpose—to make known the God who creates, rescues, and renews.
FAQ About the First Book of the Bible Written
Was Genesis written before Job?
Probably not. While Genesis describes the earliest events, Job is written in very early Hebrew and lacks references to Israel’s covenant, suggesting it may predate Moses.
Who wrote the first book of the Bible?
Tradition credits Moses with writing the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy). However, Job’s author remains unknown. It may have been passed down through ancient oral tradition before being written in its current form.
How long did it take to write the Bible?
The books of the Bible were written over roughly 1,500 years—from the earliest writings of the patriarchal age to the letters and visions of the New Testament church. Each generation added its witness to God’s unfolding story.
