Who Wrote the Bible? Evidence of the Authors of Each Book

The Bible clearly states that it is not simply a set of writings by human authors over a long period of time, but written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Significant figures such as Moses, David, the Apostles Paul and John, and more, were not just contributors but instruments of God’s voice, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences under divine guidance. These writers, ranging from prophets and kings to fishermen and scholars, were all moved by God to document His teachings and the history of mankind. Discover the confirmed authors of books throughout the Old and New Testament.

Divinely Inspired Authors

It is correct to say that God wrote the Bible. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, Scripture is “breathed out” by God. Throughout the Bible, it is evident that God is being quoted. Over 400 times, we see the phrase “thus says the Lord” (NKJV). The Bible refers to itself as the Word of God dozens of times (e.g. Romans 10:17; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12).

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Bible is declared to proceed from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Yet, God's “writing” of Scripture was not a physical action on His part. Rather, God’s authorship was achieved through His inspiration, as human authors documented God’s message.

Who Wrote the Books of the Bible?

In this article, we will go through each book of the Bible to provide its earthly author as traditionally believed. Browse a list of each Bible book with its author (if known) below:

Old Testament Authors

Authorship of the Pentateuch

Genesis: Moses
Exodus - Moses
Leviticus - Moses
Numbers - Moses
Deuteronomy - Moses
Traditionally, both Jews and Christians believe Moses is the author and compiler of Genesis and each of the first five books of the Bible also called the Pentateuch. It is supported by passages such as Exodus 17:14, where God tells Moses to "write this for a memorial in a book," and Deuteronomy 31:9, which mentions that Moses wrote the law down and delivered it to the priests.

These are the five Books of the Law: Genesis, meaning "beginning" since it recounts the beginning of God's creation; Exodus, which means "exit" or "departure," referring to the journey of the Hebrews from out of slavery in Egypt; Leviticus, a book detailing worship as led by the priests ordained from the tribe of Levi; Numbers, whose title is derived from the book's opening account of the census or numbering of the people of Israel; Deuteronomy, meaning "second law" since it gives a detailed listing of the additional laws given by God through Moses.

Authorship of Historical Old Testament

Joshua - Unknown
Judges - Unknown
Ruth - Unknown
1 & 2 Samuel - Unknown
1 & 2 Kings - Unknown

1 & 2 Chronicles - Ezra
Ezra - Ezra
While the majority of the Historical books in the Old Testament are debated when it comes to authorship, Christians and Jews attribute the books of Ezra, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Chronicles to Ezra, who was a Jewish scribe and leader during the 5th century BCE. This belief is rooted in both religious tradition and textual evidence that suggests Ezra's significant role in the religious and social reformation of the Jewish people upon their return from Babylonian exile.

Ezra is described in the Bible as a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses (Ezra 7:6). His role as a leader who taught the law and led religious reforms makes him a likely candidate for authorship, especially of texts concerned with Jewish history and law.

Nehemiah - Nehemiah

Significant portions of the Book of Nehemiah are written in the first person, suggesting that Nehemiah himself could be the author which is the widely accepted belief among Christians. These sections detail his efforts in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, his reforms, and his prayers, giving it a personal diary-like quality.

Esther - Unknown

Authorship of the Books of Wisdom

Job - Unknown

Psalms - Various: David is credited for 73 of the Psalms. This attribution mainly comes from the titles of many psalms which directly mention David, and from references in the Old Testament that depict David as a skilled harpist and composer (2 Samuel 23:1). Asaph is credited for 12, Sons of Korah for 11, Solomon for 2, Moses, Ethan, and Heman for 1 each, and 50 are unknown.

King David is traditionally considered the principal author of the Psalms, credited with writing many of the 150 songs and prayers in the book. This attribution mainly comes from the titles of many psalms which directly mention David, and from references in the Old Testament that depict David as a skilled harpist and composer (2 Samuel 23:1). However, it's recognized that the Psalms are a collection from various authors including Asaph, the Sons of Korah, Solomon, and others, compiled over several centuries.

Proverbs - Various: Solomon is credited for 29 of the Proverbs, while Agur and Lemuel for 1 each.
Ecclesiastes - Solomon
Song of Solomon - Solomon
King Solomon is believed to have authored Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs (also known as the Song of Solomon). This belief is rooted in both the content of the books themselves and the historical and cultural context in which Solomon lived. The books themselves make direct or implied references to Solomon as the author, which has been taken at face value by many traditional interpreters and teachers throughout Christian history.

Solomon is famously described as the wisest man who ever lived, granted profound wisdom by God (1 Kings 4:29-34). This characterization aligns well with the wisdom literature he is said to have produced. Additionally, Solomon’s wealth, complex personal life, and philosophical musings found in these writings correlate with the historical accounts of his reign.

Authorship of the Major Prophets

Isaiah - Isaiah
The Book of Isaiah is traditionally believed to be written by the prophet Isaiah, as indicated in the opening verse: "The vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw..." (Isaiah 1:1). Isaiah lived in the 8th century BCE and his writings cover events and visions from his time and predictions for the future.

Jeremiah - Jeremiah
Lamentations - Jeremiah
Jeremiah prophesied from 626 to about 586 BCE. The first chapter sets the context of his calling: "The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin" (Jeremiah 1:1). The Book of Lamentations reflects deep sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem. The connection to Jeremiah is supported by historical and thematic links found in his prophecies and the emotional depth of the book.

Ezekiel - Ezekiel
The prophet Ezekiel, during the Babylonian Exile (593-571 BCE), is named as the author of the book bearing his name: "In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God" (Ezekiel 1:1).

Daniel - Daniel
The Book of Daniel is believed to be written by Daniel himself, who narrates and receives visions throughout the book. His presence in the Babylonian exile is established early in the text: "In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it" (Daniel 1:1).

Authorship of the Minor Prophets

Each of the Minor Prophets books is traditionally attributed to the prophet named in the title:

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Hosea - Hosea
"The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel" (Hosea 1:1).

Joel - Joel
"The word of the Lord that came to Joel son of Pethuel" (Joel 1:1).

Amos - Amos
"The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa—the vision he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, during the reigns of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel" (Amos 1:1).

Obadiah - Obadiah
The shortest book in the Old Testament, begins with a declaration of its prophetic content but does not include an explicit self-naming verse.

Jonah - Jonah
"The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai" (Jonah 1:1).

Micah - Micah
"The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah" (Micah 1:1).

Nahum - Nahum
"An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite" (Nahum 1:1).

Habakkuk - Habakkuk
"The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet received" (Habakkuk 1:1).

Zephaniah - Zephaniah
"The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, during the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah" (Zephaniah 1:1).

Haggai - Haggai
"In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest" (Haggai 1:1).

Zechariah - Zechariah
"In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo" (Zechariah 1:1).

Malachi - Malachi
A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi" (Malachi 1:1).

The fourth and final section of the Old Testament includes the books of prophecy. These serve as an introduction to John the Baptist's preparation of the world for the coming of the Messiah, who is Isaiah's Suffering Servant, Zechariah's Prince of Peace, and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the flock.

New Testament Authors

Bible open, New Testament

Authorship of the Gospels

Matthew - Apostle Matthew
Matthew was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and was described as a tax collector (Matthew 9:9). This attribution is supported by the early Church Fathers’ writings, such as those by Papias of Hierapolis, who in the early 2nd century suggested that Matthew compiled a sayings collection in Hebrew or Aramaic.

Mark - Apostle Mark
The Gospel of Mark is attributed to John Mark, a companion of Peter and Paul, mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. Papias also reported that Mark had written down the teachings and actions of Jesus as recounted by Peter, making this gospel effectively a record of Peter’s apostolic testimony. This gospel is the shortest and is considered by most scholars to be the earliest.

Luke - Apostle Luke
Acts - Apostle Luke
Luke the Evangelist, a companion of Paul and a physician, is traditionally credited with writing both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke’s authorship is supported by the text’s prologue (Luke 1:1-4), which addresses Theophilus and speaks of the author’s intent to compile a thorough account from eyewitnesses and servants of the word, suggesting a later composition from collected sources.

John - Apostle John
The Gospel of John has been traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, the "disciple whom Jesus loved." The text itself (John 21:24) declares that it was based on the testimony of this disciple. Early Church Fathers like Irenaeus supported this attribution.

Authorship of the Epistles

Romans - Apostle Paul
1 Corinthians - Apostle Paul
2 Corinthians - Apostle Paul
Galatians - Apostle Paul
Ephesians - Apostle Paul
Philippians - Apostle Paul
Colossians - Apostle Paul
1 Thessalonians - Apostle Paul
2 Thessalonians - Apostle Paul
1 Timothy - Apostle Paul
2 Timothy - Apostle Paul
Titus - Apostle Paul
Philemon - Apostle Paul
Many of the epistles begin with clear authorial claims. For instance, Romans opens with "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God" (Romans 1:1). These introductions often include not just his name but also qualifiers that describe his role and authority as an apostle.

There is a distinctive style and theological vocabulary observed across the epistles attributed to Paul, particularly in those universally accepted as authentic (e.g., Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon). These works reflect complex arguments about theology, ethics, and community practices that align with what is known of Paul from the Acts of the Apostles. The epistles contain personal details about Paul’s life, his missionary journeys, his companions, and his pastoral concerns, which align with the acts and events described in the Acts of the Apostles. For example, in Galatians, Paul describes his personal history and his earlier interactions with other apostles, which helps to establish his identity and authorship.

Early church fathers, such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp, who wrote in the late 1st and early 2nd centuries, cited Paul’s letters and referred to him as the author. These early references support the view that Paul’s authorship was widely recognized in the early Christian community.

Hebrews - Unknown

James - James, Brother of Christ
The New Testament book of James is traditionally attributed to James, the brother of Jesus, who was also known as James the Just. He was a prominent figure in the Jerusalem church and is often identified with the James who led the Jerusalem Council described in Acts 15. This attribution is based on early Christian tradition and the epistle itself opening with the line, "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations" (James 1:1).

1 & 2 Peter - Apostle Peter
Both epistles claim to be written by Peter, and they include autobiographical details that align with what is known of Peter's life and role from the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. For example, "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" (1 Peter 1:1).

1, 2 & 3 John - Apostle John
Revelation - Apostle John
1, 2 & 3 John share linguistic and thematic similarities with the Gospel of John, suggesting a common authorship. They emphasize love, truth, and the eternal life found in Jesus, consistent with themes in the Gospel of John. The author of 2 John and 3 John identifies himself simply as "the elder" (2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:1), which could imply a position of respect and authority within the early church, potentially fitting for an apostle like John. Revelation, however, names John specifically: "The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John" (Revelation 1:1).

Early Christian Testimony: Early church fathers, such as Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria, attributed these epistles to John. Irenaeus, who was a disciple of Polycarp (a disciple of John), specifically linked the Gospel of John and the Johannine epistles to John the Apostle. Early Christian leaders like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus mentioned that "John the Apostle" was the author of Revelation. Irenaeus, writing in the late 2nd century, is particularly detailed in his attributions, reinforcing the link to John.

Jude - Jude, a relative of Jesus and the brother of James.
The epistle itself identifies the author as Jude, "a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James" (Jude 1:1). This brief identification suggests that the author was known to his audience and did not need to elaborate on his background or position, which would be consistent with someone closely related to a well-known church leader like James.

Also visit our collection of Bible topics to see scriptures about certain topics like faith, courage, love, and more!

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