If you have ever wondered how many chapters are in the Bible, the standard answer is 1,189. That number covers all 66 books of the Protestant Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
This guide gives you the full picture. You will find a book by book chapter count, Old and New Testament totals, the longest and shortest books and chapters, verse counts, reading plans, and answers to the most common questions.
How Many Chapters Are in the Bible?
The Bible has 1,189 chapters in total. The Old Testament contains 929 chapters across 39 books, and the New Testament contains 260 chapters across 27 books. Together, they make up the 66 books of the Protestant Bible.
| Section | Books | Chapters |
| Old Testament | 39 | 929 |
| New Testament | 27 | 260 |
| Whole Bible | 66 | 1,189 |
Keep in mind that this total applies to the standard Protestant canon. Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include additional books, so their totals are different. We cover those differences later in this article.
How Many Chapters Are in the Old Testament?
Total Chapters in the Old Testament
The Old Testament has 929 chapters. That is about 78 percent of all the chapters in the Bible, which reflects how much history, law, poetry, and prophecy it contains.
Chapter Count of All 39 Old Testament Books
The table below lists every Old Testament book in Bible order, with its number of chapters.
| Book | Chapters | Book | Chapters |
| Genesis | 50 | Ecclesiastes | 12 |
| Exodus | 40 | Song of Solomon | 8 |
| Leviticus | 27 | Isaiah | 66 |
| Numbers | 36 | Jeremiah | 52 |
| Deuteronomy | 34 | Lamentations | 5 |
| Joshua | 24 | Ezekiel | 48 |
| Judges | 21 | Daniel | 12 |
| Ruth | 4 | Hosea | 14 |
| 1 Samuel | 31 | Joel | 3 |
| 2 Samuel | 24 | Amos | 9 |
| 1 Kings | 22 | Obadiah | 1 |
| 2 Kings | 25 | Jonah | 4 |
| 1 Chronicles | 29 | Micah | 7 |
| 2 Chronicles | 36 | Nahum | 3 |
| Ezra | 10 | Habakkuk | 3 |
| Nehemiah | 13 | Zephaniah | 3 |
| Esther | 10 | Haggai | 2 |
| Job | 42 | Zechariah | 14 |
| Psalms | 150 | Malachi | 4 |
| Proverbs | 31 |
How Many Chapters Are in the New Testament?
Total Chapters in the New Testament
The New Testament has 260 chapters. Although it is much shorter than the Old Testament, it covers the life of Jesus, the early church, the letters to believers, and the book of Revelation.
Chapter Count of All 27 New Testament Books
Here is every New Testament book in order, with its chapter count.
| Book | Chapters | Book | Chapters |
| Matthew | 28 | 1 Timothy | 6 |
| Mark | 16 | 2 Timothy | 4 |
| Luke | 24 | Titus | 3 |
| John | 21 | Philemon | 1 |
| Acts | 28 | Hebrews | 13 |
| Romans | 16 | James | 5 |
| 1 Corinthians | 16 | 1 Peter | 5 |
| 2 Corinthians | 13 | 2 Peter | 3 |
| Galatians | 6 | 1 John | 5 |
| Ephesians | 6 | 2 John | 1 |
| Philippians | 4 | 3 John | 1 |
| Colossians | 4 | Jude | 1 |
| 1 Thessalonians | 5 | Revelation | 22 |
| 2 Thessalonians | 3 |
How Many Chapters Are in the Bible From Genesis to Revelation?
Understanding the Bible’s Chapter Structure
The Bible is a library of 66 books written over many centuries. Each book is divided into chapters, and each chapter is divided into numbered verses. Reading from Genesis to Revelation means moving through all 1,189 chapters in order.
How the Old and New Testaments Add Up to 1,189 Chapters
The math is simple. Add the 929 Old Testament chapters to the 260 New Testament chapters, and you get 1,189. This figure is the same in most English translations, because translators follow the same standard chapter divisions.
Why the Bible Is Divided Into Chapters and Verses
The original biblical texts were not written with chapter and verse numbers. Stephen Langton, a church leader in the early 1200s, is widely credited with creating the chapter divisions we use today. Verse numbers came later, in the mid 1500s, when printer Robert Estienne added them to help readers find passages quickly.
Which Book of the Bible Has the Most Chapters?
Psalms: The Book With 150 Chapters
Psalms has the most chapters of any Bible book, with 150. It is a collection of prayers, songs, and poems written by several authors, including David.
Other Books With the Highest Chapter Counts
After Psalms, the books with the most chapters are listed below. In the New Testament, Matthew and Acts lead with 28 chapters each.
| Rank | Book | Chapters |
| 1 | Psalms | 150 |
| 2 | Isaiah | 66 |
| 3 | Jeremiah | 52 |
| 4 | Genesis | 50 |
| 5 | Ezekiel | 48 |
Why Psalms Is Different From Other Bible Books
Most Bible books tell one continuous story or present one main message. Psalms is a collection of 150 separate poems, so its chapters work more like individual songs. That is why it is so large, and why it is often read for daily prayer and comfort.
Which Book of the Bible Has the Fewest Chapters?
Obadiah: The Only Old Testament Book With One Chapter
Obadiah has just one chapter of 21 verses. It is a short prophecy about the nation of Edom and is the shortest book in the Old Testament by chapter count.
Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude
The New Testament has four single chapter books: Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude. Together with Obadiah, that makes five books in the Bible with only one chapter.
What Makes These Short Bible Books Worth Reading?
Short books can be read in a few minutes, yet they carry strong messages about forgiveness, truth, hospitality, and faithfulness. They are an easy way for new readers to build a reading habit. When life feels uncertain, you might also explore these Bible verses on how God works in mysterious ways for encouragement.
What Are the Longest and Shortest Chapters in the Bible?
Psalm 119: The Longest Chapter With 176 Verses
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. Its 176 verses are arranged in 22 sections that follow the Hebrew alphabet, and the whole psalm celebrates God’s Word.
Psalm 117: The Shortest Chapter With 2 Verses
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible. In just two verses, it calls every nation to praise the Lord for His love and faithfulness.
Interesting Facts About the Middle Chapter of the Bible
Psalm 117 is also the middle chapter of the Protestant Bible. It is chapter 595 of 1,189, which leaves 594 chapters before it and 594 after it. Psalm 118:8 is often cited as the middle verse, although that claim depends on the translation and how verses are counted. Come As You Are Bible Verse: 35+ Scriptures About God’s Love, Grace, and Open Invitation.
How Many Chapters Are in the Bible Compared to Verses?
Total Number of Bible Verses
The King James Version contains 31,102 verses. That means the average chapter has about 26 verses, though chapters range from 2 verses to 176.
Old Testament Verses vs. New Testament Verses
| Section | Chapters | Verses (KJV) |
| Old Testament | 929 | 23,145 |
| New Testament | 260 | 7,957 |
| Whole Bible | 1,189 | 31,102 |
Understanding the Difference Between Chapters and Verses
A chapter is a larger section of a book, while a verse is a single numbered line within a chapter. A reference like John 3:16 points to the book of John, chapter 3, verse 16.
Why Verse Counts Can Differ Between Bible Translations
Chapter totals stay very stable across translations, but verse totals can change slightly. Some translations combine verses, move them, or place disputed verses in footnotes, so the exact total depends on the version you use.
How Long Does It Take to Read All 1,189 Bible Chapters?
Most chapters take about 3 to 5 minutes to read, so the entire Bible takes roughly 70 hours. The table shows how long it takes at different daily paces.
| Chapters Per Day | Days to Finish | Approximate Time |
| 1 | 1,189 | About 3 years and 3 months |
| 3 | 397 | About 13 months |
| 4 | 298 | About 10 months |
| 5 | 238 | About 8 months |
Reading One Chapter Every Day
One chapter a day is a gentle pace that takes just over three years. It is ideal if you want to slow down and reflect on each passage.
Reading Three Chapters a Day
Three chapters a day finishes the Bible in 397 days, which is a little over a year. It is a steady pace that fits into most morning or evening routines.
Reading Five Chapters a Day
Five chapters a day finishes the Bible in about 238 days, or roughly eight months. This pace suits readers who can set aside 20 to 25 minutes daily.
How to Finish the Bible in One Year
To finish in 365 days, you need to read about 3.3 chapters per day, or roughly 23 chapters per week. Most one year plans read three to four chapters daily, mixing Old Testament, New Testament, and Psalms.
Tips for Staying Consistent With a Bible Reading Plan
Pick a fixed time, keep your Bible visible, and do not panic if you miss a day. A weekly rhythm can also help, such as starting with Bible verses for Sunday blessings, reading midweek with Bible verses for Wednesday blessings, and finishing the week with Bible verses for Friday blessings. If you are fighting temptation while you read, these prayer points with scriptures against pornography can help you pray with God’s Word.
Does Every Bible Have the Same Number of Chapters?
No. The total depends on which books a tradition includes in its canon. The table gives a simple overview.
| Tradition | Books in the Canon | Chapter Total |
| Protestant | 66 | 1,189 |
| Catholic | 73 | Varies by edition |
| Orthodox | Varies by church | Varies by church |
Chapter Count in Protestant Bibles
Protestant Bibles contain 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books, for a total of 1,189 chapters. This is the count most people mean when they ask the question.
How Catholic Bibles Differ From Protestant Bibles
Catholic Bibles include 73 books because they add several Old Testament books, such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. Some Catholic editions also include additional passages within Esther and Daniel.
Additional Books in Orthodox Bibles
Orthodox Bibles include the Catholic additions and, depending on the church, may add books such as 1 Esdras, 3 Maccabees, and Psalm 151. Canons differ between Orthodox traditions, so there is no single total.
Why Bible Chapter Totals Depend on the Canon
A canon is the official list of books a tradition accepts as Scripture. More books mean more chapters, so the total always follows the canon. When you see a different number online, check which Bible it describes.
Why Are Bible Chapters Important for Reading and Studying Scripture?
Finding Specific Bible Passages Easily
Chapters and verses work like an address system for Scripture. They help you find a passage in seconds, whether you are searching for verses for a special occasion like a baby dedication, as in these baby dedication Bible verses, or for a particular group, such as these Bible verses for baseball players.
Organizing Personal Bible Study
Chapters give your study natural stopping points. You can study one chapter at a time, take notes, and return to it later without losing your place.
Following a Daily Scripture Reading Routine
Reading plans are built on chapter counts. Knowing that there are 1,189 chapters lets you plan realistic goals, track your progress, and finish what you start.
Understanding the Context of God’s Word
Chapter divisions are helpful, but they are not perfect. Sometimes a thought continues across a chapter break, so read the surrounding chapters to understand the full context.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters are in the Bible in total?
The Protestant Bible has 1,189 chapters across 66 books. Catholic and Orthodox Bibles have more books, so their totals differ.
How many chapters are in the Old Testament?
The Old Testament has 929 chapters across 39 books. That is about 78 percent of the whole Bible.
How many chapters are in the New Testament?
The New Testament has 260 chapters across 27 books. Matthew and Acts are the longest, with 28 chapters each.
How many chapters are in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation?
Reading from Genesis to Revelation covers 1,189 chapters. That is 929 in the Old Testament plus 260 in the New Testament.
What Bible book has 150 chapters?
The book of Psalms has 150 chapters. It is the longest book in the Bible by chapter count.
What is the shortest book in the Bible by chapters?
Obadiah, Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude each have just one chapter. Obadiah is the only one in the Old Testament.
What is the longest chapter in the Bible?
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter, with 176 verses. It is a long poem in praise of God’s Word.
What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter, with only 2 verses. It is also the middle chapter of the Protestant Bible.
How many chapters should I read each day to finish the Bible in a year?
Read about 3.3 chapters per day, which means three to four chapters daily. That works out to roughly 23 chapters per week.
Do Catholic and Protestant Bibles have the same number of chapters?
No. Catholic Bibles have 73 books instead of 66, so the chapter total is higher and varies by edition.
Conclusion
So, how many chapters are in the Bible? The standard Protestant Bible has 1,189 chapters, made up of 929 in the Old Testament and 260 in the New Testament. Psalms is the longest book, and several short books have just one chapter.
Whether you plan to read one chapter a day or finish the Bible in a year, knowing the chapter count makes it easier to set a clear goal. Start today, stay consistent, and let each chapter bring you closer to God’s Word.
