What is the shortest book in the Bible? Have you ever thought about the length of each book of the Bible? Scripture shares vital information about God’s message and His people. Whether listing names, numbers, births, deaths, or other events, every word is given by God.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)
He chose people to share the message through the Bible. Our aim is to seek Him by staying in His Word every day.
Which Book of the Bible is the Shortest Book?
The Bible consists of 66 very different books. Each one has specific details and ways for us to learn more about the love and glory of God. Every word in Scripture carries significance. Wisdom can be gleaned from every chapter, verse, and word.
Perhaps you have learned or discussed the shortest verse in the Bible. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35 NIV). How do you find out the shortest book in the Bible?
The answer can be calculated by the number of words or verses. The translation must also be taken into consideration. English, Hebrew, and Greek can cause the number of words to differ. When counting the number of words in Hebrew or Greek, the shortest book is 3 John, which has 219 words. The book’s author is the apostle John, who also wrote the Gospel of John, 1 John and 2 John, and Revelation.
Third John was written to a man named Gaius. The Bible doesn’t provide many details about Gaius, other than the fact that he was John's beloved friend. Gaius was walking in the truth, and that brought joy to John. Josh wishes Gaius to have good health and praises him for the faith and hospitality he shows others.
“We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.” (3 John 1:8 NIV)
John refers to a person named Diotrephes as self-seeking and spreading false charges. Diotrephes expels people from the church. Lastly, John shares about Demetrius, who may have been the man who delivered the letter.
“Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.” (3 John 1:12 NIV)
Two different men with very different aims in life.
What is the Second and Third Shortest Book of the Bible?
The second shortest book of the Bible is 2 John, with 245 words.
According to biblical scholars, 2 John was probably written around A.D. 90. The major theme is hospitality and loving one another. John wanted to ensure that people do not believe false teachers. John warned believers not to be in contact with those who speak false teachings. He warns people to know when to close their doors, even while showing hospitality.
John wrote the book to “the elder, the chosen lady, and her children.” Once again, John mentions he would rather visit them face to face instead of writing a letter.
Another short book in the Bible is Philemon, with 335 words. Written by Paul around AD 60, this letter is written from a Roman prison. Paul sends the letter after he meets a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul shares the gospel with the slave and leads him to Christ. Philemon, a Christian businessman, is the master of Onesimus. Pauls asks for grace and forgiveness for the slave, even though the punishment could be severe. In a dramatic gesture, Paul offers to repay whatever Onesimus has stolen.
“Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good—no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” (Philemon 15-16 NIV)
This short book of the Bible shares the importance of forgiveness, love, and acceptance.
What Lessons Can We Learn from the Shortest Books in the Bible?
3 John and other short books of the Bible have fewer words than other books of Scripture. Despite their short lengths, they are each filled with valuable teachings and reminders to follow God.
One key passage reminds Christians always to love one another. “I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” God has commanded us to show love. Every moment provides an opportunity to share God’s love (2 John 1:5-6 NIV).
More words of wisdom and teaching appear in another letter. “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John 1:11 NIV). This is a solid reminder to follow God’s instructions, not to give in to foolish and evil ways. Always place God first. Show hospitality and the love of God to everyone you meet.
God has provided the Bible to guide us and help us develop strong faith and a deep relationship with Him. Reading His Word daily, participating in Bible studies, discussing Scripture with other believers, and praying are ways to absorb His Word. Going to God in prayer and asking Him to open our minds and hearts to receive His message is a critical way to be ready to draw closer to the Father.
- Even the shortest books of the Bible can have a significant impact.
- Every word of the Bible is essential to having a relationship with God.
- God’s message can be shared with a few words or many words.
- Scripture shares that God provides opportunities to draw close to Him.
- Love, hospitality, forgiveness, and sharing God’s Word appear in even the shortest books.
How Can We Study the Shortest Book in the Bible?
Perhaps you have participated in a Bible study where you learned about the shortest books of the Bible. Some studies read the books chronologically, while others read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. In each way of examing Scripture, God gives us the ability to learn more about Him and strengthen our faith. You may read a Scripture one day and glean a particular message for your life. Then, something new may be revealed the next time you read that same verse. God gives His Word for us to learn and grow in faith. The messages in Scripture help us understand the past, learn from mistakes, and seek to follow God’s will in the present and future.
A Prayer for Reading the Bible
Father, thank You for providing Scripture. Thank You for giving us many opportunities to have a deep and meaningful relationship with You. Open our hearts and minds to receive the messages You have for us. Help us to share time with You every day. In the name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/pcess609
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
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