A note from the author: This site is divided into two sections. The first will be a list of thirteen overwhelming proofs for the divine authenticity of God's Word. This is designed for the skeptics and for the equipping of the body of Christ. Christians, memorize these facts! You might need them as you share your faith. The second section is purely statistical. It will give you meticulous details about God's Word, such as how many chapters, verses, letters are there in the Bible; including many more fascinating details from God's Word that will enrich your understanding of this Holy Book. To skip to the second section click here.

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

The truth is, many reject the Bible without examining the facts.

If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32

What is meant when we say that the Bible is the Word of God?

When we say the Bible is the Word of God, we do not mean that all the words are God's words. Some are words of men, angels, demons, and even Satan. However, it is in its entirety the Word of God in the sense that God, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, divinely directed and inspired the writing of it and supernaturally controlled its overall construction, design, and recording of contents.

Evidence overwhelming and conclusive

Though the following proofs can help stimulate intellectual confidence in the Bible, a person must exercise rational faith in the risn Christ which acts upon the logical facts presented in order for the Word of God to have its intended effect upon his/her life. Defending the Faith Ministries believe that all of salvation is God-given. Even faith is a gift from God (Phil.1:29), but that the means in which God brings His own to see His revealed Word can and has been through evidence. May this site stir you to give an answer to every man who asks why we hope in Christ.

1. The unity of the Bible

The Bible displays an amazing continuity of message in spite of the fact that it contains many complex ingredients:
It was written over a 1600 year period, covering 60 generations.
Over 40 authors were involved in its final composition, each from a variety of cultural and occupational backgrounds. These included kings, peasants, a fisherman, a tax collector, a rabbi, philosophers, statesmen, scholars, a doctor, a poet, and a general.
It was written from many different locations, under a variety of conditions, from three different continents (Asia, Africa, Europe.)
It was written in three major languages, Hebrew, Chaldee, and Greek.
It covers hundreds of controversial subjects, and involves a variety of literary styles, including history, poetry, law, prophesy, and biographies.

Yet, in spite of this multitude of contributing factors, the Bible is a single, unified book with a single, unfolding theme concerning God's redemptive plan for mankind. A unity of such scope gives strong, silent testimony to its divine authorship and design. No other religious work on earth can equal such an accomplishment.

To Illustrate this fact, a test was proposed which would involve ten authors, all from one walk of life, one generation, one place, one time, one continent, one language, and just one controversial subject to see whether they would totally agree. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they obviously would not.

2. The Bible's indestructibility

In spite of the determined and aggressive assaults against the Bible, it has not only survived, but has consistently triumphed over its enemies. For example, during the 18th century, Voltaire confidently boasted of the eventual extinction of Christianity and the Bible. However, only fifty years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society used his press and house to produce countless Bibles.

3. Its enduring popularity

The Bible still remains the all-time best seller of human history. The Bible was the first major book printed by Johannes Gutenburg's press in 1456. Since that time, over 7 billion copies have been printed. The Bible's enduring popularity among countless millions testifies of the universal reverence and respect which it deserves as the inspired, authoritative Word of God.

Testimonies of great men and women
Abraham Lincoln -- "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
George Washington -- "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God or the Bible."
Patrick Henry -- "The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed."
Andrew Jackson -- "That book, sir, is the rock on what our republic rests."
Queen Victoria -- "That book accounts for the supremacy of England."
Charles Dickens -- "The New Testament is the very best that ever was or ever will be known in the world."
Sir Isaac Newton -- "There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history."
Immanuel Kant -- "The existence of the Bible, as a book for the people, is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity."
Thomas Huxley -- "The Bible has been the Magna Charta of the poor and oppressed. The human race is not in a position to dispense with it."
Theodore Roosevelt -- "If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered a loss which he has better make all possible haste to correct."
Napoleon -- "The Bible is no mere book, but a living creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it."
Sir William Herschel -- "All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more strongly the truths contained in the sacred scriptures."
Woodrow Wilson -- "When you have read the Bible, you will know it is the Word of God, because you will have found the key to your own heart, your own happiness, your own duty."

4. Accuracy of the Manuscripts

The manuscript evidence supporting the Bible's accuracy is overwhelming. There are over 5,400 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, over 10,000 of the Latin Vulgate, and at least 9,300 other early versions. A total of 24,000 manuscript copies or portions of the New Testament today.

Compared to other ancient writings such as Homer's Iliad or Caesar's Gallic Wars, the Bible has more manuscript evidence than any ten pieces of ancient literature combined! So conclusive is the evidence supporting this fact that one prominent scholar not ed, "To be skeptical of the resultant text of the New Testament books is to allow all of classical antiquity to slip into obscurity, for no documents of the ancient period are as well attested to bibliograpically as the New Testament."

5. Scientific Accuracy

Not a single scientific fact or discovery has ever disproven a biblical statement. In fact, the advances of science have repeatedly confirmed the scriptures accuracy.

The Bible revealed that the earth was round nearly 2,200 years before 15th century explorers discovered that the world wasnt flat after all (Isaiah 40:22) "It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth..." The Hebrew word translated as "circle" in this verse actually means "sphericity" or "roundness."
Before the invention of the telescope, Ptolemy established the number of stars at 1,056; Tycho Brahe figured 777, and Kepley counted 1,005. These figures seem foolish to 20th century man, but in 600 B.C.the prophet Jeremiah revealed that the number of stars was innumerable when he wrote, "the host (stars) of heaven cannot be numbered" (Jer 33:22)

6. The Fulfillment of Biblical Prophesy

Another pivotal proof supporting the accuracy of the Bible centers on the issue of prophetic fulfillment. The Bible is saturated with specific prophesies concerning nations, cities, historic events, and individual. But what lends such overwhelming credibility to the divine origins of these prophesies is that fact that hundreds have been literally fulfilled in the most minute detail. In fact, so convincing is the proof that God himself established the issue of prophetic fulfillment as a legitimate test of divine authorship and authenticity. (Isaiah 41:21-23,46)

A classic example of the many remarkable fulfillments which could be cited involves the 6th century B.C. prediction of the overthrow of the city of Tyre (Ezekiel 26). Seven specific things were predicted, each of which was literally fulfilled to the letter during the 4th century B.C. The mathematical probability of this happening has been calculated to equal 1 in 75,000,000. (Stoner, Science Speaks, 80)

Probably the most amazing series of prophetic fulfillments involves the multitude of Messianic predictions concerning Christ. The Old Testament contains 332 specific prophecies which were literally fulfilled by Christ. This fact not only establishes his divine credentials, but substantiates the divine authorship of the Bible as well.

Examples include:

Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2/Luke 2:4-7)
Born of a virgin (Isa 7:14/Matt 1:18,24,25)
Entered Jerusalem on a donkey(Zech 9:9/Luke 19:35-37)
Betrayed by a friend (Ps 41:9/Matt 10:4)
Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver(Zech 11:12/Matt 26:15)
Hands and feet pierced(Ps 22:16/Luke 23:33)
Didn't answer his accusers(Isa 53:7/Matt 27:12-19)
Given gall and vinegar to drink(Ps 69:21/Matt 27:34)
Crucified with thieves(Isa 53:12/Matt 27:38)
His side pierced(Zech 12:10/John 19:34)

7. The law of compound probabilities

Simply stated, the law of compound probabilities is a mathematical law which can be used to calculate the probability of a specific set of conditions, requirements, or qualifications being fulfilled.

Professor Peter W. Stoner used this law to determine the odds of a certain proscribed number of biblical prophecies relating to Christ being fulfilled. His studies were carefully evaluated by the American Scientific Affiliation and found to be sound and convincing. His findings rule out coincidence, chance, or human manipulation in the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.

Stoner started by calculating the probability of one lone individual precisely fulfilling only eight prophecies relating to Christ. He computed the odds at 1 in 10 X 17. Or, 1 followed by 17 zeros. This would be the equivalent of covering the entire stat e of Texas with silver dollars, specially marking one of them, and instructing a blindfolded man to pick the right silver dollar on the first try.

Dr. Stoner then calculated the odds of one individual fulfilling 16 prophecies at 1 in 10X45. Imagine a ball of silver dollars twenty times the size of the sun. The probability of picking the right silver dollar is equivalent. He further calculated 48 prophecies at 10 X 157. Ten to the 157th power. This figure is astronomical and beyond human comprehension, but Christ fulfilled over 300 distinct prophecies.

8. Historical accuracy according to Christ

Another important pillar supporting the Bible's infallibility centers upon the testimony of Christ. In spite of numerous attempts by skeptics to ridicule its contents and rationalize away its miraculous accounts as being nothing more than a collection of myths, folklore, and fanciful allegories, Jesus repeatedly confirmed its historic accuracy. He verified the accounts of the creation (Matt 19:4,5), the murder of Abel (Matt 23:35), Noah and the flood (Matt 24:37-39), and the reality of Jonah the prophet (M att 12:40).

Not only has secular research proven the Bible's historic accuracy, but Christ's endorsement lends powerful support.

9. Sacrifice of Millions

Another significant support of the Bible's divine authenticity is the fact that countless millions have laid down their lives in defense of it. Christians have suffered martyrdom, mutilation, torture, imprisonment, banishment, and confiscation of properties because of their firm belief that the Bible is the only inspired word of God.

10. Its Transforming Power

One of the most profound proofs of the Bible's divine authorship centers upon its dynamic, life- changing impact upon the lives of men and women, the course of history, and the destiny of nations. Hundreds of millions of 'born-again' Christians can testify of the transforming power of the Word of God. Their lives are living proof that the Bible not only changes a man outwardly, but produces a radical inner transformation of the heart, mind, and soul. Their lives confirm the fact that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new" (II Cor 5:17).

11. The testimony of Christ

Christ personally endorsed the reliability of the Bible. In so doing, he put his divine stamp of acceptance and approval on its source of inspiration, its message, and its infallibility. "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of me" (John 5:39)

12. The ressurection of Christ

One of the most forceful arguments for accepting the Bible as the Word of God is because Jesus said so! But what gives such impressive clout to his words is the reality of his resurrection from the dead. The historical resurrection can be substantiated by "many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3). The enormous weight of evidence in favor of this reality is overwhelming. For example, the post-resurrection appearance of Christ was verified by over 500 eyewitnesses (I Cor 15:6) The evidence pertaining to the historic reality of the resurrection is absolutely conclusive. As one noted scholar confirmed, "I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proven by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than that great sign which God hath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead." (Thomas Arnold, cited in Therefore Stand: Christian Apologetics, by Wilbur Smith)

13. The Self-Witness of Scripture

The Bible makes some very strong claims concerning its divine source of authorship, inspiration and content. It confirms that God is both the architect and author of its contents. This is emphasized by the following passages:

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophesy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:20,21)
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Tim 3:16)
"Heaven and earth may pass away, but my words will by no means pass away" (Matt 24:35)

What is more, in over 3,800 instances in the Old Testament alone, the divine source of its authorship is referred to with such phrases as: "God spoke to...", "The Word of the Lord came unto...". or "The Spirit of the Lord spoke..."

Faced with this support, the burden of proof does not rest on the shoulders of Christians to prove the Bible's reliability, but upon the shoulders of the doubters to disprove it.

Also I say unto you, whosoever shall confess me before men,
him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God;
but he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God

Find out how we got our Bible and if it is corrupt or authentic.

Bible - General Statistics

(The Authorized King James Version)

Total Number of Books

1. The Holy Bible -- 66

2. Old Testament -- 39

3. New Testament -- 27

Total Number of Chapters

1. The Holy Bible -- 1,189

2. Old Testament -- 929

3. New Testament -- 260

Total Number of Verses (KJV)

  1. The Holy Bible -- 31,173

  2. Old Testament -- 23,214

  3. New Testament -- 7,959

Total Number of Words (KJV)

  1. The Holy Bible -- 773,692

  2. Old Testament -- 592,439

  3. New Testament -- 181,253

Total Number of Letters (KJV)

  1. The Holy Bible -- 3,566,480

  2. Old Testament -- 2,728,100

  3. New Testament -- 838,380

The Middle Book

  1. The Holy Bible -- Micah and Nahum

  2. Old Testament -- Proverbs

  3. New Testament -- 2 Thessalonians

The Middle Chapter

  1. The Holy Bible -- Psalms. 117

  2. Old Testament -- Job 20

  3. New Testament -- Romans 8,9

The Middle Verse

  1. The Holy Bible -- Psalms. 118:8

  2. Old Testament -- 2 Chr. 20:17,18

  3. New Testament -- Acts 27:17

The Largest Book

  1. The Holy Bible -- Psalms

  2. Old Testament -- Psalms

  3. New Testament -- Luke

The Smallest Book

  1. The Holy Bible -- 3 John (counting words)

  2. Old Testament -- Obadiah

  3. New Testament -- 3 John (counting words)

The Longest Chapter

  1. The Holy Bible -- Psalms. 119

  2. Old Testament -- Psalms. 119

  3. New Testament -- Luke 1

The Shortest Chapter

  1. The Holy Bible -- Psalms 117

  2. Old Testament -- Psalms 117

  3. New Testament --

The Longest Verse

  1. The Holy Bible -- Esther 8:9 -- 89 words, 425 letters

  2. Old Testament -- Esther 8:9 -- 89 words, 425 letters

  3. New Testament -- Rev. 20:4 -- 68 words, 282 letters

The Shortest Verse

  1. The Holy Bible -- John 11:35

  2. Old Testament -- 1 Chr. 1:25

  3. New Testament -- John 11:35

General Facts - Bible Chapters

  1. Longest Chapter -- Psalms 119

  2. Shortest Chapter -- Psalms 117

  3. Most Comforting Chapters -- Psalms 23, John 14

  4. Love Chapter -- 1 Corinthians 13

  5. Faith Chapter -- Hebrews 11

  6. New Testament Formation -- Acts 2

  7. Alike Chapters -- 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37

General Facts - Bible Verses

  1. Longest Verse -- Esther 8:9

  2. Shortest Verse -- John 11:35

  3. Most Precious Verse -- John 3:16

  4. Saddest Verse -- Mark 15:34

  5. Grandest Verse -- Romans 8:11

The Longest Name

  1. The Holy Bible -- MAHER-SHAL-HASH-BAZ (Isa. 8:1, 18 letters)

Some Other Interesting Facts

  1. Number of Authors -- 40

  2. The Garden verse of the scripture -- Num. 11:5

  3. The Metal verse of the scripture -- Ezek. 22:19

  4. Word "God" occurs -- 4,370 times

  5. Word "Jehovah" occurs -- 6,855 times

  6. Word "Lord" occurs -- 7,736 times

  7. First complete English Bible published -- 1380 A.D.

  8. First chapter divisions made -- 1227 A.D.

  9. Longest Word -- Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isaiah 8:1)

  10. The Greatest Word -- JESUS

  11. These Words appears only once in Bible -- Reverend (Psalms 111:9) -- Eternity (Isaiah 57:15) -- Grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5)

Some of the Modern Inventions in Bible Prophecy

  1. Automobile -- Nahum 2:4

  2. Atomic Energy -- Genesis 19:24-28 -- Isaiah 24:20 -- Micah 1;4 -- 2 Peter 3:10-12

  3. Airplane -- Isaiah 31;5 -- Isaiah 60:8 -- Jeremiah 48:40 -- Ezekiel 1:9

  4. Radio -- Job 38:34-35 -- Psalms 19:3-4 -- Romans 10:18

Did You Know These Before?

  1. Father of 88 Children -- 2 Chronicles 11:21

  2. Jesus used barber on enemies -- Isaiah 7:20

  3. Seven women want same man -- Isaiah 4:1

  4. God had a wash pot -- Psalms 60:6-8

  5. Ancient Milk Bottle -- Judges 4:19

  6. First left handed man -- Judges 3:15

  7. Who can be Saved -- John 3:16 -- Acts 2:37-39

For information on the origin of the King James Bible click here.

A note from the author: This ministry does not take a KJV only position, but prefers to use it in this section because of its majority acceptance by the Christian community.

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