While the Bible is the cornerstone of Christian faith, it is also a fascinating historical document. While many are familiar with its teachings and stories, this book is also a treasure trove of interesting facts and history.
As a Christian motivational speaker, the Bible fascinates me. So, today I am going to share with you 10 fun facts about the Bible you never knew.
Fun Facts About The Bible
- Despite its sacred status, the Bible is also the most stolen book in the world. Its high demand and accessibility in places like hotels make it a frequent target of theft.
- The oldest surviving Bibles date back to the 4th century. These ancient manuscripts, like the Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, are crucial in the study of biblical texts.
- The creation of the Bible spanned over 1,500 years. Written by multiple authors across different eras, each brought their unique perspectives and contexts to the biblical canon.
- The word ‘Bible’ comes from the Greek word ‘biblia’, meaning books. This term reflects the Bible’s nature as a collection of texts rather than a single document.
- The original manuscripts of the Bible did not contain the familiar verses we know today. These first appeared in the Geneva Bible during the 16th century, which was also the first Bible printed on a printing press.
- The shortest verse in the Bible is “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). This succinct verse conveys a profound moment of Jesus’ humanity in just two words.
- The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9. This verse contains a whopping 90 words in the King James Version, detailing a royal decree.
- The Bible never provides a physical description of what Jesus looked like. This leaves artists and filmmakers to use their imagination for portrayals.
- The longest word in the Bible is ‘Mahershalalhashbaz’, which is in Isaiah 8:1. This name for Isaiah’s son means “swift is the spoil, speedy is the plunder” and reflects a prophetic message.
- Miles Coverdale printed the first English translation of the Bible in 1535 . This marked a significant milestone in making the scriptures accessible to the English-speaking public.
