The Bible is not just a book—it is a library of sacred writings collected over centuries. Among these writings, the Old Testament holds a foundational place, particularly in Jewish and Christian faith traditions. These texts convey history, law, prophecy, wisdom, and poetry. They reveal the covenantal relationship between God and His people and shape the moral and theological outlook of millions worldwide.

Yet, one question often arises: how many Old Testament Books​ are there? For most, the answer is 39, 46, or even more, depending on the religious tradition. But what about the claim that there are 77 books in the Old Testament? This number is rare and intriguing, and it deserves a deeper examination.

To understand this number, we must explore the formation of biblical canons, various traditions, and the symbolism behind biblical numbers.

What Is the Old Testament?

Meaning and Scope

The term "Old Testament" means "Old Covenant." It refers to the divine covenant made with Israel before the arrival of Jesus Christ. In Jewish tradition, these writings are known as the Tanakh, divided into three parts: the Torah (Law), the Nevi’im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings).

In Christian Bibles, the structure is different, but the purpose is similar: to reveal God's will, promises, and dealings with His people. The Old Testament Books cover everything from the creation of the world to prophetic visions about the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

Why Book Counts Differ Among Traditions

Jewish Canon

The Jewish Bible contains 24 books, though the content closely matches that of the Christian Old Testament. Books like 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and the twelve Minor Prophets are counted as single volumes.

Protestant Canon

The Protestant Old Testament contains 39 books. These include the books found in the Jewish canon but organized differently and divided into more volumes.

Catholic Canon

The Catholic Church includes additional texts called the Deuterocanonical books. These are Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Wisdom, Sirach, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, among others. In total, the Catholic Old Testament includes 46 books.

Eastern Orthodox Canon

The Eastern Orthodox Church accepts even more writings as canonical. It includes books like 1 Esdras, 3 Maccabees, Psalm 151, and the Prayer of Manasseh. This brings the total number of Old Testament Books to over 50.

What Does the Number 77 Represent?

Literal or Symbolic?

There is no major religious tradition that officially includes exactly 77 books in the Old Testament canon. However, some interpretations of Scripture or symbolic readings may explain the use of the number 77.

In biblical numerology, 7 symbolizes divine completeness or perfection. Multiples of 7, such as 77 or 70 times 7, often represent totality or ultimate fulfillment. For example, Jesus refers to forgiving someone “seventy-seven times” or “seventy times seven,” depending on the translation, to illustrate limitless mercy.

The Genealogy of Jesus

In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 3:23–38), the genealogy of Jesus is listed in 77 generations, beginning with Adam. Some scholars or symbolic interpretations might apply the same structure to biblical books, seeing 77 as a full, divinely complete representation of sacred texts.

Possible Expanded Collections

Apocryphal and Pseudepigraphal Writings

To reach the number 77, some may include texts outside the standard canon. These writings are known as apocryphal (hidden) or pseudepigraphal (falsely attributed). They include:

• The Book of Enoch

• The Book of Jubilees

• The Apocalypse of Abraham

• The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs

• The Ascension of Isaiah

These are not considered canonical by most churches but have been preserved in ancient manuscripts and were influential in Jewish and early Christian thought.

Ethiopian Orthodox Canon

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has the most extensive biblical canon. Its Old Testament includes books not found in any other Christian tradition, such as Enoch and Jubilees. When these are added to the traditional 46 or more Old Testament books, the total may approach or even reach 77.

Themes of the Old Testament Books

Law and Covenant

The first five books—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—are known as the Torah or Pentateuch. They cover the creation of the world, the calling of Abraham, the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, and the giving of the law at Sinai.

History and Kingdoms

Books such as Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles tell the story of Israel’s history, from conquest to monarchy to exile. They highlight the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God's covenant.

Poetry and Wisdom

Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Job offer poetry, philosophy, and deep reflections on life, suffering, love, and divine justice. These Old Testament Books are often used in worship and meditation.

Prophecy and Promise

The prophetic books—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the twelve Minor Prophets—reveal God’s judgment and hope. They warn of exile but also speak of restoration and the coming of a new age.

Why the Book Count Matters

The number of Old Testament Books in a canon is not just a technical detail. It reflects deeper theological, historical, and cultural distinctions.

For Protestants, limiting the canon to 39 reflects a return to what they believe is the original Hebrew Scripture. Catholics include additional books accepted in early Christian history and confirmed at the Council of Trent. The Orthodox Church preserves even more, maintaining ancient traditions passed down in Greek and Eastern Christian communities.

Some traditions or interpretations might see the number 77 as a symbol of divine completeness or theological richness, rather than an official count.

Conclusion: The Richness of the Old Testament

The phrase “77 books of the Old Testament” is not found in mainstream canons, but it sparks curiosity and exploration. Whether 39, 46, or more, the Old Testament Books contain a deep well of wisdom, history, law, and prophecy.

Understanding these books goes beyond counting them. It involves reading them, reflecting on their message, and considering how they have shaped the faith and lives of millions throughout history. The number 77, while not literal in this case, may stand as a symbol of the fullness and perfection found in God’s revealed Word.