Shortest Book in the Bible (Obadiah, 2 John, 3 John)
Quick Summary
The shortest book in the Bible depends on how you measure it. By chapter, Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, 2 John and 3 John each have only one chapter. By verse count, 2 John is shortest. By word count, 3 John is slightly shorter in Greek. All three are brief, personal messages that carry eternal truths about judgment, faithfulness, and love.
Obadiah: The Shortest in the Old Testament
The Book of Obadiah is just 21 verses long. It is a prophetic vision concerning the downfall of Edom, a nation descended from Esau. The prophet announces that pride will bring Edom low and that God’s justice will prevail. Yet Obadiah ends with hope: “The kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (Obadiah 21).
Obadiah’s brevity does not lessen its weight. In a few lines, it delivers a sweeping message of divine justice and restoration. It reminds us that God defends the oppressed and will make all things right. The book may be short, but its vision is vast.
2 John: The Shortest by Verse Count
The Second Letter of John contains 13 verses. Addressed to “the elect lady and her children,” it urges believers to walk in truth and love. John warns against false teachers who deny the incarnation of Christ, emphasizing that right belief and right love must walk together.
Though concise, 2 John captures the core of Christian faith: truth without love is harsh, and love without truth is hollow. The letter shows that faithfulness sometimes means drawing clear lines, but always in the spirit of love.
3 John: The Shortest by Word Count
The Third Letter of John contains 14 verses, yet it uses fewer Greek words than 2 John. It is the most personal letter in the New Testament, written to Gaius, a faithful believer known for his hospitality. John commends Gaius for supporting traveling missionaries and contrasts his generosity with the arrogance of Diotrephes, who refuses to welcome others.
In just a few lines, 3 John paints a vivid picture of Christian community. It reminds us that the gospel is not only about doctrine but also about how we treat one another. Truth is seen not only in what we believe but in how we live.
Comparing the Three Shortest Books
| Book | Testament | Verses | Approx. Greek Words | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obadiah | Old | 21 | ~670 | Judgment and restoration |
| 2 John | New | 13 | ~245 | Truth and love |
| 3 John | New | 14 | ~219 | Faithfulness and hospitality |
By chapter count, all three tie for “shortest.” By verse or word count, 3 John is the shortest. Together, these small books remind us that brevity can hold great depth.
The Shortest Books: Meaning for Today
The shortest books of the Bible prove that God can speak volumes in a few words. Obadiah thunders about justice. 2 John guards the truth. 3 John encourages hospitality. Each one speaks to a different part of faith: what we believe, how we love, and how we live.
In an age of endless words, these brief writings remind us that clarity and conviction matter more than length. God’s truth does not need many pages to change a heart.
FAQ
What is the shortest book in the Old Testament?
Obadiah, with 21 verses.
What is the shortest book in the New Testament?
By verses, 2 John. By words, 3 John.
Who wrote 2 John and 3 John?
Both were written by the Apostle John, who also wrote the Gospel of John and Revelation.
What is Obadiah’s message?
That God will humble the proud, defend the oppressed, and establish his kingdom.
What do these short books teach us?
That truth, love, and justice remain at the heart of God’s word—no matter how short the text.
