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When was the Bible written?

When was the Bible written? A timeline of the Old and New Testament periods, with the major books plotted across 1,500 years.

Updated 18 May 2026 · By the Bibles.co.uk editorial team

The short answer

The Bible was written across roughly 1,500 years. The earliest Old Testament material dates from around 1400 BC and the latest New Testament book (Revelation) is dated around AD 95. Most scholars place the bulk of Old Testament writing between 1000–400 BC and the New Testament between AD 50–100.

Timeline of biblical writing

Approximate dates for the major books, plotted from roughly 1500 BC to AD 95. Old Testament events above the line, New Testament below.

1500 BC1000 BC500 BCAD 1AD 100Job (traditional)Pentateuch / TorahJoshua, JudgesPsalms (Davidic core)Samuel, KingsIsaiahJeremiahEzra, NehemiahMalachi (last OT)Paul's letters beginMark (earliest gospel)Matthew, Luke, ActsJohnRevelation (last NT)Old TestamentNew Testament
Approximate dates of composition. Scholarly estimates vary.

In more detail

The Bible was composed over approximately 1,500 years. Old Testament writing spans c. 1400 BC to c. 400 BC; New Testament writing spans c. AD 50 to c. AD 95. Paul's letters are the earliest New Testament writings; Revelation the latest.

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