What is the Bible's date of writing?

Definition and Overview

The “date of writing” for the Bible refers to the approximate periods during which its various books were composed. These writings span multiple centuries, from the earliest Old Testament books traditionally placed in the second millennium BC, to the New Testament writings completed by the close of the first century AD.

The Bible itself identifies many of its authors (e.g., Moses, David, Isaiah, Luke, Paul), yet the precise details and final forms came together over time. According to longstanding historical research, manuscript discoveries, and external references, the Old Testament was largely composed between the era of Moses (around the fifteenth century BC) to about the fifth century BC (with final compilations of certain books possibly continuing into the post-exilic period). The New Testament was written in the mid to late first century AD, with John’s Revelation generally viewed as the last book penned.

Early Old Testament Writings

Many conservative scholars accept that the Pentateuch (the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) identifies Moses as the primary human author. This would place the core of these writings roughly in the fifteenth century BC.

• Genesis: Internal genealogies (e.g., Genesis 5 and 11) reflect a timeline that fits a worldview holding to a recent creation, often dated around 4004 BC in classical Ussher-like chronologies. Passages such as “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) emphasize a distinct creation event and set the stage for all subsequent biblical history.

• Exodus through Deuteronomy: These books present the exodus narrative, wilderness wanderings, and the giving of the Law. Archaeological research in the Sinai Peninsula, while debated among scholars, has yielded evidences of ancient encampments and inscriptions providing partial support for the biblical setting. They also house many laws and details geared toward the emerging nation of Israel.

Later Old Testament Writings

Moving past Moses’ lifetime, historians typically date the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and 1–2 Samuel to the time of the early monarchy, around 1400–1000 BC. By the period of David (around 1000 BC), writings such as many of the Psalms emerged.

• Kings and Chronicles: These books span from the united monarchy under Solomon through the division of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. They are often dated between the ninth and sixth centuries BC. Excavations at sites such as Megiddo, Hazor, and Gezer have revealed city gates consistent with the biblical account of Solomonic expansions (1 Kings 9:15).

• Prophets: Prophetic works (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, etc.) generally correspond to the period from around the eighth century BC (Amos, Hosea, Isaiah) through the post-exilic era (Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). As an example, the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947 at Qumran, include manuscript portions of Isaiah that match extraordinarily well with later copies, supporting the reliability and ancient origin of those texts.

New Testament Writings

The New Testament era begins with the birth of Jesus Christ. Collectively, historical and textual evidence indicates these writings were completed within roughly 50–60 years after His ministry.

• Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John): Generally placed between the AD 50s to AD 90, they record the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus from firsthand or close eyewitness testimony. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are usually noted for their interrelationship (the Synoptic Gospels), while John presents a distinct theological emphasis. Manuscript fragments—such as the John Rylands Papyrus (P52), dated to the early second century—provide strong evidence of a very early tradition of Gospel circulation.

• Pauline Epistles: Authored in the mid-first century AD to guide young churches and address doctrinal concerns, some of Paul’s letters (like 1 Thessalonians) are considered among the earliest written documents of the New Testament, possibly around AD 50–52. In them, Paul underscores the resurrection as a pivotal event, noting, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:14).

• General Epistles and Revelation: Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, and Jude are similarly dated from the mid-to-late first century. The final book, Revelation, is commonly placed near the end of the first century (some date it around AD 95), penned by the apostle John on the island of Patmos. Archaeological findings at Patmos align with the biblical description of a Roman-era penal colony.

Historic and Theological Context

When studying the full timeline spanning the Old and New Testaments, the traditional chronology widely embraced places the earliest compositions with Moses in the second millennium BC and concludes with the apostle John at the close of the first century AD. Throughout this period, biblical writers affirmed the continuity and divine authority of Scripture, as seen in statements such as, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Numerous archaeological, textual, and historical lines of evidence converge to confirm that the biblical books emerged as timely records of God’s work and revelation. Writings from early church leaders, such as Clement of Rome before AD 100, reference New Testament texts, revealing their recognized authority in the first century. Old Testament citations in the New Testament confirm the longstanding acceptance of Hebrew Scriptures.

Conclusion on the Bible’s Date of Writing

From a structured survey of internal biblical data, historical contexts, manuscript evidence, and external corroborations, the books of the Bible emerged over roughly 1,500 years. The Old Testament portion stretches from around the time of Moses (fifteenth century BC) to the post-exilic period (fifth century BC). The New Testament portion was composed within the first century AD, culminating in Revelation, likely around AD 90–95.

Together, these events and authors reflect a consistent narrative thread: the formation of a people, the promise of redemption, the coming of the Messiah, and the spread of His message. When considering “the Bible’s date of writing,” believers and researchers point to an extraordinary compilation spanning centuries yet unified in purpose and theme. By examining genealogical records, historical settings, external manuscript discoveries, and longstanding tradition, one can trace the Bible’s completion from Moses to John, providing a coherent testimony to God’s covenant promise and ultimate salvation plan.