The Bible is one of the most influential and widely read books in the world. It consists of two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Here's an overview of some key facts about it:

When Was the Bible Written?

The Bible was written over a period of approximately 1,500 years, from around 1400 BCE to 100 CE. The Old Testament includes texts that were written from about the 15th century BCE to the 5th century BCE, while the New Testament was written in the 1st century CE.

Languages of the Bible

The Bible was originally written in three languages:

1. Hebrew: Primarily for the Old Testament (especially the Torah).
2. Aramaic: Some parts of the Old Testament (e.g., parts of the books of Daniel and Ezra) and sections of the New Testament.
3. Greek: Mainly the New Testament, written in Koine Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean during the time of its writing.

Translation and Global Reach

The Bible has been translated into over 3,000 languages, making it the most translated book in the world. As of today, the full Bible is available in more than 700 languages, with significant portions available in many others. This widespread translation effort began early on, with the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) being completed around the 3rd century BCE. Another milestone was the Latin Vulgate, translated by St. Jerome in the late 4th century CE, which became the standard Bible of the Western Christian Church for over a millennium.

Key Facts

• Old Testament: Composed of historical narratives, laws, prophecies, and wisdom literature, it's shared by Judaism and Christianity, though the order and number of books vary.
• New Testament: Focuses on the life, teachings, and works of Jesus Christ, and the writings of his apostles. It includes the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Letters (Epistles), and Revelation.
• Influence: The Bible has significantly influenced law, art, literature, and culture across the globe.

The Bible is central to the beliefs of billions of people and has had a profound impact on history, philosophy, and modern life. It is regarded as divinely inspired by many of its followers and serves as a spiritual guide for numerous religious communities.