The Bible isn't a single book but rather a collection of 66 distinct books, divided into the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books). These books cover various themes, including the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Bible was written by numerous individuals over a vast timeframe. Some books were authored by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, while others were eyewitness accounts of Jesus's life.
Originally, the Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, with some sections in Aramaic. The New Testament, on the other hand, was entirely written in Koine Greek.
Many stories and teachings in the Bible originated as oral traditions passed down through generations. These tales served as a means of sharing history, religious beliefs.
The books of the Bible originated from various sources, including archives, royal courts, and prophetic writings. Over time, these texts were compiled, edited, and arranged to form the Bible as we know it today.
The Bible holds the record for being the most translated book in human history. It has been translated from its original Hebrew and Greek into thousands of languages, facilitating its dissemination across cultures and continents.
While early copies of the Bible were often written on papyrus, parchment made from treated animal skin was also utilized. This material offered greater durability and longevity, albeit at a higher cost.
Before the invention of the printing press, scribes played a vital role in transcribing biblical texts by hand. These skilled individuals, often monks, meticulously copied manuscripts to preserve the integrity of the biblical text.