What is the oldest book of the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

In ancient times, history and teaching were shared verbally, rather than written down. There are a couple common contenders for the oldest book in the Bible, but due to the strong oral tradition over written authorship, it's impossible to know with certainty which book is actually the oldest.

Here are the common options:

Genesis and The Pentateuch

The Pentateuch is the collective name for the first five books of the Old Testament, and Moses is credited as their author. Genesis, in particular, is an easy option to guess as the oldest book in the Bible, since it covers the earliest known events in the Bible—creation and the fall of mankind. Exodus 34:1–4 tells us that God had Moses inscribe some of His message on stone tablets. It's likely other parts were written down at that time as well. But we do not know for sure when their final form emerged.

Job

Some people think Job could be the oldest book in the Bible because it seems to describe some events that happened before Moses's lifetime; however, this does not mean it was written down at that time. Based on the theological focus within Job, educated estimates place its writing during the exilic period as a book for the Israelites. This places it significantly later than the book of Genesis.

When all is said and done, Genesis has the oldest information of any biblical book, and Moses was the first person to have his words included in the written scriptures. So, it is safe to assume that Genesis, and maybe the entirety of the Pentateuch, is the Bible's oldest book.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Pentateuch refers to the first five books of the Old Testament—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—and is traditionally attributed to Moses (Exodus 17:14; Numbers 33:2; Deuteronomy 31:24–26). Genesis is often considered the oldest because it records the earliest events, including creation, the fall, and the lives of the patriarchs (Genesis 1:1–2:4; Genesis 3; Genesis 12). Exodus 34:1–4 describes God instructing Moses to inscribe His words on stone tablets, indicating that written records began during Israel’s time in the wilderness. It is possible that other portions of the law and history were written around the same time. However, the exact time when the Pentateuch reached its final, compiled form remains uncertain.
• Some scholars believe that the events described in the book of Job may have taken place before the time of Moses, due to its patriarchal setting, references to early forms of worship (Job 1:5), and the absence of any mention of the Mosaic Law. The lack of reference to the Law of Moses or the covenant with Israel and the setting reflect a time before the nation of Israel existed, suggesting a very ancient origin. Some Bible scholars suggest that Job was likely written during the Babylonian exile, based on its theological themes of suffering, divine justice, and restoration—topics deeply relevant to Israel’s experience in exile (Job 19:25–27; Job 23:10). This would place the composition of Job much later than the recording of Genesis. Though we do not know for certain, Job continues to speak timeless truth about God’s character and human suffering, regardless of when it was written.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The oldest book of the Bible is not found in the New Testament, as it was written well before the New Testament books were composed between approximately AD 45 and AD 95.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Even though the Bible was written thousands of years ago, it continues to speak with power and clarity today because it reveals the unchanging heart and character of God. What God valued then—justice, mercy, faithfulness, and love—He still values now. As we read stories like Job’s perseverance in suffering or the account of creation in Genesis, we see the same God who walks with us through our trials and invites us to trust His sovereignty. The Bible may be ancient in origin, but it is always fresh in its relevance, speaking to our deepest needs, struggles, and questions. When we open its pages, we don’t just read history—we encounter the living God who still speaks, leads, and transforms lives today.

UNDERSTAND

• Either Genesis or Job is the oldest book of the Bible.
• Job may describe earlier events than Genesis.
• Both Genesis and Job remain relevant today despite their age, revealing God’s unchanging character and truth.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that God’s character has remained unchanging from the time of Job and Genesis to today affect your trust in Him?
• How do the stories found in the oldest book of the Bible speak into your current life?
• How do you personally experience God’s presence and guidance as you read these ancient yet relevant books?

ENGAGE

• How do the oral traditions before written Scripture influence the way God’s story was shared and preserved?
• How do the themes in Job and Genesis challenge or encourage our understanding of God’s justice, sovereignty, and mercy today?
• How can understanding the historical context of Job and Genesis specifically deepen our appreciation of their message for modern believers?