Books of the Bible
The Catholic Bible contains this total number of books (46 in the Old Testament, 27 in the New).
What is 73?
In the Scripture reference Genesis 1:27, the number "1" represents this division of the book.
What is the Chapter?
A short story told by Jesus that uses simple everyday images to teach a deeper moral or religious lesson (e.g., The Good Samaritan).
What is a Parable?
This type of truth explains right from wrong and guides how we ought to live good lives (e.g., "Love your neighbor").
What is Moral Truth?
A solemn agreement or promise made between God and human beings (e.g., God's promise to Noah or Moses).
What is a Covenant?
Clue: The name given to the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
What is the Pentateuch (or Torah)?
In the reference Exodus 20:1-17, the numbers "1-17" indicate these specific sentences or segments.
What are the Verses?
Rules or directives telling people how to behave, such as the Ten Commandments found in Exodus.
What is Law?
The core truth concerning humanity's relationship with God, salvation, and God's love (the primary truth the Bible communicates without error).
What is Religious Truth?
The belief that God guided the human authors of the Bible to write the truths necessary for salvation.
What is Divine Inspiration?
Clue: The section of the Bible that tells the story of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and the early Church.
What is the New Testament?
In the reference John 3:16, 18, the comma between 16 and 18 means you read verse 16 and verse 18, but skip this verse.
What is verse 17?
Sacred songs, prayers, or emotional poems, often credited to King David, used to express praise, grief, or thanks.
What is Poetry)?
Short, memorable pieces of practical, universal wisdom passed down through generations (e.g., found in the Book of Proverbs)
What is Proverbial Truth?
The Catholic approach to interpreting Scripture by taking into account the history, culture, literary style, and spiritual meaning, rather than reading every word strictly literally.
What is Contextualism (or Contextual Approach)?
The four core New Testament books that portray the life and teachings of Jesus from distinct perspectives (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
What are the Gospels?
In the reference 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the "1" before Corinthians indicates this about the book.
What is the First Letter to the Corinthians (the 1st of multiple letters to that community)?
A traditional story focusing on the origin of the world, humanity, or God's relationship with creation, using symbolic imagery.
What is a Myth ?
Truth hidden behind symbols, metaphors, and allegories, requiring the reader to "read between the lines".
What is Symbolic Truth?
The Catholic doctrine stating that the Bible is free from error regarding religious truths needed for our salvation.
What is Biblical Inerrancy?
Clue: Letters written by Paul and other early Church leaders to Christian communities, making up a large part of the New Testament.
What are the Epistles (or Letters)?
In a citation like Luke 10:25–37; 15:1–10, this punctuation mark is used to separate two entirely distinct passage locations.
What is a semicolon?
A divine message or warning delivered by a messenger inspired by God to call people back to God's covenant.
What is a Prophecy?
The type of truth dealing with provable facts, laboratory data, and math—which the Bible was not written to explain.
What is Scientific Truth?
The official list of books recognized by the Catholic Church as inspired Scripture.
What is the Canon?