The Old Testament is a collection of sacred writings that form the foundation of both Judaism and Christianity. It contains stories, laws, prophecies, poems, and teachings that have shaped the beliefs and lives of millions for thousands of years. Despite its importance, one surprising fact is that the number and content of the Old Testament Books​ vary between different religious traditions. For example, the Jewish Bible, the Protestant Bible, the Roman Catholic Bible, and the Eastern Orthodox Bible each have a slightly different set of books in their Old Testament.

This difference can confuse many readers, especially those new to the study of Scripture. It raises a key question: why do Old Testament Books vary by tradition? To answer this question, we need to explore the history behind the formation of these sacred texts. We also need to understand how different communities preserved and recognized these writings as inspired Scripture.

In this article, we will explain the main reasons for these variations. We will look at the historical, cultural, and theological factors that led to different lists of Old Testament Books. By understanding these differences, readers can better appreciate the rich diversity in the Bible’s ancient texts and the faith communities that treasure them.

The Concept of Canon and Its Importance

Before explaining why the Old Testament Books vary, it is important to understand what a canon is. A canon is a list of books that a religious community recognizes as authoritative and inspired by God. The formation of a canon is not automatic. It is a process that happens over many years, sometimes centuries. During this time, many writings circulate, but only some are accepted as Scripture.

Different religious groups made different decisions about which books to include in their canon. These decisions were based on several criteria. For example, the book’s connection to known prophets or leaders, its consistency with the community’s beliefs, and how widely it was accepted and used in worship. This process explains why the Old Testament Books differ by tradition.

The Jewish Canon and the Tanakh

The Jewish Bible is called the Tanakh. The word Tanakh is an acronym for its three main sections: Torah, Prophets, and Writings. The Jewish canon was largely settled by the end of the first century CE. It includes 24 books, although some of these books are longer and later divided into multiple books in Christian Bibles.

For example, the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles are each counted as one book in the Jewish Bible. In contrast, Protestant Bibles divide these into two books each, which increases the total number. The Jewish canon excludes certain books that appear in Christian Old Testaments, especially those found in the Greek translation called the Septuagint.

The Role of the Septuagint

The Septuagint is a Greek translation of Hebrew Scriptures created in the third and second centuries BCE. It was made for Jewish communities living in the Greek-speaking world. The Septuagint included all the books of the Jewish Bible but also contained additional books not found in the Hebrew texts. These extra books are often called the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books.

Early Christians widely used the Septuagint because Greek was the common language of the Roman Empire. Many of the Old Testament quotations in the New Testament come from the Septuagint. Because of this, the early Christian Church accepted the Septuagint as Scripture. This acceptance influenced the formation of Christian Old Testament canons.

The Protestant Old Testament

During the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, reformers such as Martin Luther sought to return to the Hebrew Scriptures as the basis for the Old Testament. They rejected the Deuterocanonical books because they were not part of the Hebrew Bible. This led to the Protestant Old Testament containing 39 books, matching the content of the Jewish Tanakh but arranged in a different order.

Protestant traditions emphasize the Hebrew text because they view it as the original and most authentic Scripture. They consider the additional books useful for history or teaching but do not see them as divinely inspired in the same way. This view shaped the Protestant canon and explains why their Old Testament Books differ from those in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles.

The Catholic Old Testament

The Roman Catholic Church, in contrast, includes the Deuterocanonical books as part of its Old Testament. These books are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and additions to Esther and Daniel. The Catholic canon was formally confirmed at the Council of Trent in the 16th century.

The Catholic Church bases its canon on the Septuagint and the tradition of the early Church. It holds that these additional books have spiritual value and were recognized as Scripture by many Church Fathers. The acceptance of these books reflects a different understanding of how God’s Word was preserved and revealed to believers.

The Eastern Orthodox Old Testament

The Eastern Orthodox Churches have a canon similar to the Catholic Church but include even more books in some cases. For example, some Orthodox traditions accept 3 Maccabees, Psalm 151, and the Prayer of Manasseh. The Orthodox canon is not fixed in one single list and can vary slightly by national church.

The Orthodox Church also relies heavily on the Septuagint and the writings of the early Church. Its canon reflects a strong respect for the Church’s liturgical tradition and the writings used in worship. The variations in the Orthodox canon show how tradition can shape which Old Testament Books are embraced.

Reasons Behind the Variation

The reasons Old Testament Books vary by tradition can be grouped into historical, linguistic, theological, and cultural factors.

Historically, Jewish and Christian communities developed their sacred texts in different contexts. Jewish communities preserved the Hebrew texts and finalized their canon by the time of the early Christian era. Early Christians, especially Greek-speaking ones, used the Septuagint which contained extra books.

Linguistically, the original languages matter. The Hebrew Bible was written mostly in Hebrew with some parts in Aramaic. The Septuagint was translated into Greek, which was more accessible to many ancient readers. The choice of language affected which books were read and accepted.

Theologically, different communities had different views on inspiration and authority. Some accepted only Hebrew texts, while others embraced the Greek texts and their additional books. These differences often reflected broader differences in doctrine and worship.

Culturally, traditions shaped which books were valued. Books used in worship and teaching were more likely to be accepted. The authority of religious leaders and councils also guided decisions about the canon.

Conclusion

The variation in Old Testament Books among different traditions is the result of a complex process of history, language, theology, and culture. The Jewish Tanakh, the Protestant Old Testament, the Catholic canon, and the Eastern Orthodox canon each represent the faith and experience of their communities. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the richness and diversity of the Bible.

Although the Old Testament Books differ in number and order, they all testify to God’s relationship with humanity. They reveal God’s laws, promises, and love in ways that continue to inspire believers today. The variations remind us that the Bible is not just a book but a living tradition passed down through generations.