This post will walk through a list of the shortest books in the Bible in order. The chapter counts, verse counts, and word counts are included.
Why Short Books Still Matter
Some of the most powerful messages are in the smallest packages. Many lessons can be pulled from some of the most overlooked books in Scripture. From the shortest books of the Bible, like Second John and Third John, to the longest book of the Bible, Jeremiah, the deep insight and spiritual depth of the Scriptures are not based on the length of the books of the Bible, but the lessons contained within them.
The 10 Shortest Books in the Bible in Order (KJV) by Word Count
The list below contains the list in order, including the number of chapters, number of verses, and number of words based on the King James Version.
1. 3 John
Chapters/Verses: 1 chapter, 14 verses
Word Count: 294 words
Theme: The book of Third John has the fewest words, but it contains an important message on hospitality, truth, and handling authority within the church.
2. 2 John
Chapters/Verses: 1 chapter, 13 verses
Word Count: 298 words
Theme: The book of Second John contains a warning against false teachers and a call to walk in truth and love.
3. Philemon
Chapters/Verses: 1 chapter, 25 verses
Word Count: 430 words
Theme: This book is a more personal letter from Paul to Philemon to accept his runaway slave as a brother in Christ.
4. Jude
Chapters/Verses: 1 chapter, 25 verses
Word Count: 608 words
Theme: The book of Jude champions a strong message against false teachers, immorality, and spiritual rebellion.
5. Obadiah
Chapters/Verses: 1 chapter, 21 verses
Word Count: 669 words
Theme: The first book from the Old Testament on this list, Obadiah, shows a prophecy against Edom for their pride and mistreatment of Judah.
6. Titus
Chapters/Verses: 3 chapters, 46 verses
Word Count: 896 words
Theme: This letter contains Paul’s instructions to Titus on pastoral leadership and advises on sound doctrine and Godly living.
7. Haggai
Chapters/Verses: 2 chapters, 38 verses
Word Count: 1,130 words
Theme: Haggai challenges the people of God to rebuild the temple and examine how they are living their lives.
8. Nahum
Chapters/Verses: 3 chapters, 47 verses
Word Count: 1,284 words
Theme: The main theme of this book is the impending judgment of Ninevah through which God would deliver the children of Israel.
9. Jonah
Chapters/Verses: 4 chapters, 48 verses
Word Count: 1,320 words
Theme: The book of Jonah shows the initial reluctance and disobedience of the prophet to deliver God’s message to the people of Ninevah. In more than one way, we see God’s grace and His willingness to give second chances.
10. Habakkuk
Chapters/Verses: 3 chapters, 56 verses
Word Count: 1,475 words
Theme: This book is a dialogue between Habakkuk and God about injustice. The prophet questions why evil prospers, and God responds that the righteous will live by faith.
Key Themes from These Small Books
Over and over again, the shortest books in the Bible in order show us the importance of Godly living, God’s grace and mercy, and living a righteous life. Whether through prophets or letters to the saints, these powerful messages left in the smallest books can have a large impact on the daily life of the modern-day Christian.
Pick one book from this list and journal your thoughts as you read: What is God revealing about Himself? What does it challenge in you?
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