Bible Timeline
From Creation (c. 4174 BC) to the close of the New Testament (c. AD 100) — toggle event lines on and off, or combine them to see where things line up.
Nehemiah Rebuilds Walls
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Nehemiah 2:17 (KJV)
Nehemiah returns and rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days
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Each reign of Judah and Israel is a bar, marked with the text's own verdict: ✓ right, ✗ evil, ± mixed, – none given. Select a king for the verses, and the prophets named in his days
Everyone from Adam to David whose birth and death the text dates is a bar from birth to death, with the Flood marked across them. Select a person for the verses, and who lived alongside them and for how long
Read the timeline as a list (194 entries)
Creation & Pre-Flood 4174 BC – 2518 BC
From creation to the great flood
Key Events Creation
God creates the heavens and the earth in six days
- Key Events
Adam & Eve
The first man and woman, created in the image of God
- Key Events
The Fall
Adam and Eve sin; mankind falls from grace
- Prophets & Prophecy
Seed of the Woman
The first gospel promise: the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head — fulfilled at the cross and resurrection.
Fulfilled: Crucifixion of Christ (AD 30)
- Key Events
Cain & Abel
First murder; Cain kills his brother Abel
- Key Events
Enoch
Enoch walks with God and is taken without dying
- Key Events
Noah
A righteous man in a corrupt generation
- Empires
Egypt
Ancient Egyptian civilization, one of the world's earliest and longest-lasting empires
Key Events The Great Flood
God floods the earth; Noah and his family are preserved in the ark
Post-Flood & Patriarchs 2518 BC – 1876 BC
Noah to Joseph entering Egypt
- Empires
Assyrian Empire
The Assyrian Empire dominated the ancient Near East and conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel
Key Events Tower of Babel
Mankind attempts to build a tower to heaven; languages are confused
Key Events Abraham
God calls Abram from Ur; the covenant is established
- Key Events
Abrahamic Covenant
God makes an eternal covenant with Abraham and his seed
- Key Events
Sodom & Gomorrah Destroyed
God destroys the wicked cities of the plain
- Key Events
Isaac Born
The promised son is born to Abraham and Sarah
- Prophets & Prophecy
All Nations Blessed in Abraham's Seed
In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed — the seed is Christ (Galatians 3:16).
Fulfilled AD 30 — The gospel goes to all nations
- Key Events
Jacob
Jacob receives the birthright and becomes Israel
- Key Events
Joseph Sold into Egypt
Joseph is sold by his brothers; God turns it for good
Books written in this era (1)
- Books Written
Job
Perhaps the earliest written book; set in the patriarchal age, author unknown.
Egypt & Exodus 1876 BC – 1406 BC
Israel in Egypt, Moses, and the Exodus
- Key Events
Israel in Egypt
Jacob and his family settle in Egypt; 430 years of bondage
- Key Events
Moses Born
Moses is born and rescued from the Nile by Pharaoh's daughter
- Key Events
Burning Bush
God calls Moses at the burning bush and reveals His name
- Key Events
Ten Plagues of Egypt
God judges Egypt with ten plagues to free His people
- Key Events
The Passover
The first Passover is instituted; the firstborn of Egypt are slain
Key Events The Exodus
Israel departs Egypt; the Red Sea parts for God's people
Key Events Mount Sinai & The Law
God gives Moses the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic Law
- Key Events
Wilderness Wandering
Israel wanders in the desert for 40 years
- Key Events
Tabernacle Built
The tabernacle is constructed as the dwelling place of God
Books written in this era (5)
- Books Written
Genesis
Written by Moses in the wilderness, c. 1445 BC.
- Books Written
Exodus
Written by Moses in the wilderness, c. 1445 BC.
- Books Written
Leviticus
Written by Moses at Sinai, c. 1444 BC.
- Books Written
Psalms
Composed over a millennium — from Moses (Psalm 90) through David and Asaph to the post-exilic psalms.
- Books Written
Numbers
Written by Moses at the end of the wilderness years, c. 1407 BC.
Conquest & Judges 1406 BC – 1050 BC
Conquest of Canaan and the period of the Judges
- Key Events
Joshua Leads Israel
Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land
- Key Events
Fall of Jericho
The walls of Jericho fall at the sound of trumpets and shouting
- Prophets & Prophecy
A Prophet Like Moses
Moses foretells that God will raise up a Prophet like unto him — fulfilled in Christ (Acts 3:22).
Fulfilled AD 27 — The ministry of Christ
- Key Events
Deborah the Judge
Deborah leads Israel and prophesies victory over Sisera
- Key Events
Gideon
Gideon leads 300 men to defeat the Midianites
- Key Events
Ruth
Ruth's loyalty and Boaz's redemption; ancestors of David
- Key Events
Samuel the Prophet
Samuel serves as the last judge and first major prophet
- Prophets & Prophecy
Samuel
The last judge and first of the great prophets; anointed both Saul and David.
- Key Events
Samson
Samson judges Israel and defeats the Philistines
Books written in this era (2)
- Books Written
Deuteronomy
Moses' farewell addresses on the plains of Moab, c. 1406 BC.
- Books Written
Joshua
Written by Joshua near the end of his life, c. 1390 BC.
United Kingdom 1050 BC – 931 BC
Saul, David, and Solomon
- Key Events
Saul Anointed King
Israel demands a king; Saul becomes the first king of Israel
Key Events David & Goliath
The young shepherd David defeats the giant Goliath
- Key Events
David Becomes King
David is anointed king over all Israel; Jerusalem is made the capital
- Key Events
Davidic Covenant
God promises David an eternal throne and kingdom
- Prophets & Prophecy
David's Throne Forever
God promises David a son whose throne shall be established for ever — fulfilled in Christ, the Son of David (Luke 1:32).
Fulfilled: Birth of Jesus (5 BC)
- Key Events
Solomon Becomes King
Solomon ascends the throne; God grants him wisdom
Key Events Solomon's Temple Built
The great temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated
Books written in this era (7)
- Books Written
Judges
Traditionally compiled by Samuel, c. 1050 BC.
- Books Written
Ruth
Traditionally written by Samuel in the days of Saul.
- Books Written
1 Samuel
Samuel, with Nathan and Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29), c. 1010 BC.
- Books Written
Song of Solomon
Solomon's song of songs, written in his early reign, c. 965 BC.
- Books Written
2 Samuel
Completed by the prophets Nathan and Gad after David's reign.
- Books Written
Proverbs
Mainly Solomon, c. 950 BC; chapters 25–29 copied out by the men of Hezekiah.
- Books Written
Ecclesiastes
Solomon in his later years, c. 935 BC.
Divided Kingdom 931 BC – 586 BC
Israel divided into Northern and Southern kingdoms
- Key Events
Kingdom Divided
Israel splits into Northern (Israel) and Southern (Judah) kingdoms
Key Events Elijah the Prophet
Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel
- Prophets & Prophecy
Elijah
Confronted Baal worship in Israel; fire from heaven on Carmel; taken up in a whirlwind.
- Key Events
Elisha the Prophet
Elisha receives a double portion of Elijah's spirit
- Prophets & Prophecy
Elisha
Received a double portion of Elijah's spirit; prophet to Israel through six reigns.
- Prophets & Prophecy
Obadiah
Prophesied judgment on Edom for its violence against Jacob.
- Prophets & Prophecy
Joel
Prophesied the day of the LORD and the outpouring of the Spirit upon all flesh — quoted by Peter at Pentecost.
Fulfilled: Day of Pentecost (AD 30)
- Prophets & Prophecy
Jonah
Prophet to Israel under Jeroboam II; sent to Nineveh, which repented at his preaching.
- Key Events
Jonah
Jonah is sent to Nineveh; the city repents
- Prophets & Prophecy
Amos
A herdman of Tekoa called to prophesy against the ease and injustice of Israel.
- Prophets & Prophecy
Hosea
His marriage to Gomer pictured God's faithful love for unfaithful Israel.
- Key Events
Isaiah the Prophet
Isaiah prophesies the coming Messiah and the Suffering Servant
- Prophets & Prophecy
Isaiah
Prophet to Judah under Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah; the evangelical prophet of the Messiah.
- Prophets & Prophecy
A Virgin Shall Conceive
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Fulfilled: Birth of Jesus (5 BC)
- Prophets & Prophecy
Micah
Contemporary of Isaiah; prophesied against both Samaria and Jerusalem.
- Key Events
Northern Kingdom Falls
Assyria captures Israel; the ten northern tribes go into exile
- Key Events
Hezekiah's Revival
King Hezekiah leads a great religious revival in Judah
- Prophets & Prophecy
A Ruler from Bethlehem
Out of Bethlehem shall he come forth that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from everlasting.
Fulfilled: Birth of Jesus (5 BC)
- Prophets & Prophecy
The Suffering Servant
He was wounded for our transgressions; the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Fulfilled: Crucifixion of Christ (AD 30)
- Prophets & Prophecy
Nahum
Prophesied the fall of Nineveh, which came to pass in 612 BC.
- Prophets & Prophecy
Zephaniah
Prophesied the great day of the LORD in the days of Josiah.
- Key Events
Jeremiah the Prophet
Jeremiah prophesies the new covenant written on hearts
- Prophets & Prophecy
Jeremiah
The weeping prophet; warned Judah through forty years, from Josiah to the exile.
- Empires
Babylonian Empire
The Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and took Judah into exile
- Prophets & Prophecy
Habakkuk
Wrestled with God over Babylon; the just shall live by his faith.
Key Events Daniel in Babylon
Daniel and his friends remain faithful to God in captivity
- Prophets & Prophecy
Seventy Years of Captivity
Jeremiah foretells that Judah shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
Fulfilled: Cyrus Decree (538 BC)
- Prophets & Prophecy
Daniel
Prophet and statesman in Babylon and Persia; interpreter of dreams and visions of empires to come.
- Prophets & Prophecy
The New Covenant Promised
I will make a new covenant... I will put my law in their inward parts — instituted at the Last Supper.
Fulfilled: The Last Supper (AD 30)
- Key Events
Ezekiel the Prophet
Ezekiel prophesies to the exiles; the valley of dry bones
- Prophets & Prophecy
Ezekiel
Prophet among the exiles by the river Chebar; the valley of dry bones and the vision of the new temple.
Key Events Temple Destroyed
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple
Books written in this era (13)
- Books Written
Obadiah
Earliest of the writing prophets by traditional dating, c. 845 BC.
- Books Written
Joel
Early traditional dating, in the days of Joash, c. 835 BC.
- Books Written
Jonah
Jonah's mission to Nineveh under Jeroboam II, c. 760 BC.
- Books Written
Amos
Two years before the earthquake, c. 755 BC.
- Books Written
Isaiah
Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of Uzziah to Hezekiah, c. 740–681 BC.
- Books Written
Hosea
Completed after the fall of Samaria, c. 715 BC.
- Books Written
Micah
Contemporary of Isaiah, c. 700 BC.
- Books Written
Nahum
Between the fall of Thebes and the fall of Nineveh, c. 650 BC.
- Books Written
Zephaniah
In the days of Josiah, c. 630 BC.
- Books Written
Jeremiah
Dictated to Baruch across Jeremiah's long ministry, c. 627–580 BC.
- Books Written
Habakkuk
On the eve of the Babylonian invasion, c. 607 BC.
- Books Written
Daniel
Daniel's records span the whole captivity, from Nebuchadnezzar to Cyrus.
- Books Written
Ezekiel
Dated visions among the exiles by the river Chebar, 593–571 BC.
Exile 586 BC – 538 BC
Babylonian captivity
- Key Events
Daniel in the Lion's Den
Daniel is preserved by God in the den of lions
- Empires
Persian Empire
The Achaemenid Persian Empire allowed the Jews to return to their land under Cyrus the Great
Books written in this era (3)
- Books Written
Lamentations
Jeremiah's lament over fallen Jerusalem, 586 BC.
- Books Written
1 Kings
Compiled during the exile, traditionally by Jeremiah, c. 560 BC.
- Books Written
2 Kings
Compiled during the exile, ending with Jehoiachin's release, c. 555 BC.
Return & Restoration 538 BC – 400 BC
Return from exile, Ezra, Nehemiah, temple rebuilt
- Key Events
Cyrus Decree
Cyrus of Persia decrees that the Jews may return to their land
- Prophets & Prophecy
Daniel's Seventy Weeks
Seventy weeks are determined... unto the Messiah the Prince — pointing to Messiah's coming to Jerusalem.
Fulfilled AD 30 — Messiah the Prince comes to Jerusalem
- Prophets & Prophecy
Haggai
Stirred up the returned exiles to rebuild the house of the LORD.
- Prophets & Prophecy
Zechariah
Visions of the Branch, the King on a donkey, and the pierced one; encouraged the temple builders.
- Prophets & Prophecy
Thy King Cometh on a Donkey
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion... thy King cometh unto thee... riding upon an ass.
Fulfilled: Triumphal Entry (AD 30)
Key Events Second Temple Completed
The temple is rebuilt and dedicated in Jerusalem
- Key Events
Esther
Esther saves her people from Haman's plot to destroy them
- Key Events
Ezra Returns
Ezra leads a second group back to Jerusalem; spiritual revival
- Key Events
Nehemiah Rebuilds Walls
Nehemiah returns and rebuilds the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days
- Key Events
Malachi — Last OT Prophet
Malachi closes the OT with a promise of Elijah before the Day of the Lord
- Prophets & Prophecy
The Messenger to Prepare the Way
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me — fulfilled in John the Baptist.
Fulfilled: John the Baptist (AD 26)
Books written in this era (8)
- Books Written
Haggai
Four dated messages in the second year of Darius, 520 BC.
- Books Written
Zechariah
Begun with Haggai in 520 BC; later chapters written in Zechariah's old age.
- Books Written
Esther
Written after the deliverance under Ahasuerus (Xerxes), c. 460 BC.
- Books Written
1 Chronicles
Traditionally compiled by Ezra after the return, c. 450 BC.
- Books Written
2 Chronicles
Traditionally compiled by Ezra after the return, c. 445 BC.
- Books Written
Ezra
Written by Ezra the scribe, c. 440 BC.
- Books Written
Nehemiah
Nehemiah's memoirs, c. 430 BC.
- Books Written
Malachi
The last word of the Old Testament, c. 430 BC.
Intertestamental Period 400 BC – 5 BC
400 years of silence between Old and New Testaments
- Empires
Greek Empire
Alexander the Great's empire spread Hellenistic culture throughout the known world
- Empires
Roman Empire
Rome ruled Judea from 63 BC; Jesus was born and crucified under Roman rule
Life of Christ 5 BC – AD 30
Birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
Key Events Birth of Jesus
The Word becomes flesh; born of a virgin in Bethlehem
- Life of Paul
Born in Tarsus
Born a Roman citizen in Tarsus of Cilicia; a Pharisee trained at the feet of Gamaliel.
- Key Events
John the Baptist
John prepares the way for the Messiah
- Prophets & Prophecy
John the Baptist
The voice crying in the wilderness; the last and greatest of the prophets before Christ.
- Key Events
Baptism of Jesus
Jesus is baptized; the Holy Spirit descends as a dove
- Key Events
Sermon on the Mount
Jesus delivers the foundational sermon of Christian ethics
- Key Events
Transfiguration
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John
- Key Events
Triumphal Entry
Jesus enters Jerusalem as King on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy
- Key Events
The Last Supper
Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper with his disciples
Key Events Crucifixion of Christ
Jesus dies on the cross for the sins of the world
Key Events Resurrection
Jesus rises from the dead on the third day
- Key Events
Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven, promising to return
Early Church AD 30 – AD 100
Acts of the Apostles, Pauline epistles, spread of the gospel
Key Events Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit is poured out; the Church is born
- Prophets & Prophecy
Jesus Foretells the Temple's Fall
There shall not be left here one stone upon another — fulfilled when Rome destroyed the temple in AD 70.
Fulfilled AD 70 — Rome destroys the temple, AD 70
- Life of Paul
Consents to Stephen's Death
The witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Key Events Paul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus encounters Christ on the road to Damascus
- Life of Paul
Conversion on the Damascus Road
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? The persecutor becomes the apostle to the Gentiles.
- Life of Paul
Arabia & Damascus
Three years in Arabia and Damascus after his conversion, taught by revelation of Jesus Christ.
- Life of Paul
First Visit to Jerusalem
Escapes Damascus in a basket; Barnabas brings him to the apostles.
- Life of Paul
Silent Years in Tarsus
Sent home to Tarsus; years of obscurity before Barnabas seeks him out.
- Life of Paul
Teaching at Antioch
Barnabas brings Saul to Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians.
- Key Events
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Cyprus and Asia Minor
- Life of Paul
First Missionary Journey
Cyprus and Galatia with Barnabas; Sergius Paulus believes; Saul is called Paul.
- Key Events
Jerusalem Council
The first church council settles the question of the Gentiles and the Law
- Key Events
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Greece; churches planted in Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth
- Life of Paul
Jerusalem Council
Paul and Barnabas contend for the gospel of grace; the Gentiles are not under the yoke of the law.
- Life of Paul
Second Missionary Journey
The Macedonian call; churches planted in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth.
- Key Events
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus; writes key epistles
- Life of Paul
Third Missionary Journey
Nearly three years at Ephesus; all Asia hears the word; the riot of the silversmiths.
- Life of Paul
Arrested in Jerusalem
Seized in the temple; rescued by the chief captain and bound with two chains.
- Life of Paul
Imprisoned at Caesarea
Two years before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa; Paul appeals unto Caesar.
- Life of Paul
Voyage & Shipwreck
The storm-driven voyage to Rome; shipwrecked at Malta, yet not a soul lost.
- Key Events
Paul Arrives in Rome
Paul arrives as a prisoner in Rome; writes prison epistles
- Life of Paul
First Roman Imprisonment
Two years under house arrest in Rome; writes Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
- Life of Paul
Release & Later Travels
Traditionally released; visits Crete and Macedonia, perhaps Spain; writes 1 Timothy and Titus.
- Life of Paul
Second Roman Imprisonment
Imprisoned under Nero's persecution; writes 2 Timothy awaiting execution.
- Life of Paul
Martyrdom in Rome
Traditionally beheaded under Nero c. AD 67. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course.
- Key Events
Revelation Written
John receives the Revelation on the isle of Patmos
Books written in this era (27)
- Books Written
James
Likely the earliest epistle, by James the Lord's brother, c. AD 45.
- Books Written
Galatians
Paul, after the first journey, c. AD 49.
- Books Written
Matthew
Early conservative dating, c. AD 50.
- Books Written
1 Thessalonians
Paul from Corinth, c. AD 51.
- Books Written
2 Thessalonians
Paul from Corinth, shortly after the first letter, c. AD 52.
- Books Written
Mark
Mark, recording Peter's preaching, c. AD 55.
- Books Written
1 Corinthians
Paul from Ephesus on the third journey, c. AD 56.
- Books Written
2 Corinthians
Paul from Macedonia, c. AD 57.
- Books Written
Romans
Paul from Corinth, before carrying the collection to Jerusalem, c. AD 57.
- Books Written
Luke
Luke, during Paul's Caesarean imprisonment, c. AD 60.
- Books Written
Ephesians
A prison epistle from Rome, c. AD 61.
- Books Written
Colossians
A prison epistle from Rome, c. AD 61.
- Books Written
Philemon
Carried with Colossians by Onesimus, c. AD 61.
- Books Written
Philippians
A prison epistle from Rome, c. AD 62.
- Books Written
Acts
Luke's second volume, ending with Paul in Rome, c. AD 62.
- Books Written
1 Timothy
Paul, after release from Rome, c. AD 63.
- Books Written
Titus
Paul to Titus in Crete, c. AD 64.
- Books Written
1 Peter
Peter to the scattered strangers, as Nero's persecution began, c. AD 64.
- Books Written
2 Peter
Peter shortly before his martyrdom, c. AD 66.
- Books Written
Hebrews
Written before the temple's destruction, c. AD 67; author unnamed.
- Books Written
2 Timothy
Paul's final epistle, from his last imprisonment, c. AD 67.
- Books Written
Jude
Jude the Lord's brother, contending for the faith, c. AD 68.
- Books Written
John
The apostle John from Ephesus, c. AD 85.
- Books Written
1 John
John from Ephesus, c. AD 90.
- Books Written
2 John
John to the elect lady, c. AD 90.
- Books Written
3 John
John to Gaius, c. AD 90.
- Books Written
Revelation
John on Patmos, in the reign of Domitian, c. AD 95.
Dates from Creation to the Conquest are counted back from Solomon's fourth year, 966 BC (E. R. Thiele), using the 480 years of 1 Kings 6:1, the 430 years in Egypt of Exodus 12:40 and the Masoretic ages of Genesis 5 and 11, with Terah 130 at Abram's birth (Genesis 11:32 and 12:4, Acts 7:4). Book-composition dates follow conservative traditional scholarship. Some dates are approximate or debated among scholars.