When was the Bible written?
Quick Summary
The Bible was written over a span of roughly 1,500 years, beginning around 1400 BCE with the earliest texts of the Old Testament and concluding near the end of the first century CE with the writings of the New Testament. This long period reflects the Bible's development through diverse historical settings, cultures, and authors.
Introduction
When we ask, "When was the Bible written?" we're really asking about two collections: the Old Testament (or Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. These texts weren’t written all at once, nor by a single author. They emerged over many centuries, shaped by the worship, crises, questions, and hopes of God's people in different times and places.
Understanding the timeline helps us appreciate the Bible not just as a spiritual book, but as a living record of faith across generations.
Timeline of Biblical Composition
Old Testament: Approx. 1400 BCE to 400 BCE
The Old Testament writings stretch from the time of Moses to the post-exilic prophets. Key milestones include:
1400–1200 BCE: Early oral traditions and possible written sources from the time of Moses (e.g. parts of the Pentateuch)
1000–600 BCE: Psalms, royal histories (1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings), prophetic books
586 BCE: Babylonian exile prompts the collection and preservation of texts
500–400 BCE: Final redaction of many books, especially in the post-exilic period (e.g., Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah)
Many of the books were edited or compiled during or after times of crisis, such as the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. This period of upheaval prompted deeper reflection on God's promises, justice, and mercy.
Intertestamental Period: 400 BCE to 0 CE
During the centuries between the Old and New Testaments, Jewish writings such as the Apocrypha and Pseudepigraphawere produced. These are not included in all Christian canons, but they show continued theological reflection and expectation, especially regarding a coming Messiah.
New Testament: Approx. 45 CE to 100 CE
The New Testament was written in the first century CE, beginning about 10–15 years after the resurrection of Jesus. General scholarly dating includes:
45–65 CE: Paul’s letters (e.g., Galatians, 1 Thessalonians)
60–90 CE: Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, Luke) and Acts
90–100 CE: Gospel of John, Revelation, and later epistles (e.g., 2 Peter)
Each New Testament book was written for a specific early Christian community. The writings addressed pastoral needs, theological questions, and the challenge of following Jesus in the Roman world.
The Writing Materials and Methods
Throughout this period, scribes and authors used materials like papyrus, parchment, and scrolls. Literacy levels varied, so many teachings were preserved orally before being committed to writing. The process of copying and preserving texts was painstaking and careful, especially in Jewish tradition where scribes followed strict rules to avoid error.
When Was the Whole Bible Completed?
By the end of the first century CE, the individual books of the Bible had been written. However, the full collection—or canon—was not finalized until later. The Old Testament canon was likely solidified by the first century CE among Jewish communities, while the New Testament canon was recognized by the 4th century CE in the Christian church.
Why This Matters
The Bible’s long development shows its deep roots in human history. It wasn’t dropped from the sky, but formed through real-life experience with God. Knowing when the Bible was written helps us read it with greater care and respect for the contexts in which it emerged.
Study More
I recommend John H. Walton and Andrew E. Hill’s Old Testament: A Journey from Ancient Context to Contemporary Relevance (2nd edition; Zondervan 2014) and Raymond E. Brown’s An Introduction to the New Testament (Yale University Press).
