What is the Old Testament?
The Old Testament is the first and larger part of the Bible — 39 books written before Jesus — telling of creation, God’s covenant with Israel, the Law, and the prophets who pointed forward to the Messiah.
The Old Testament spans from creation to a few centuries before Jesus. It includes the Law (Genesis–Deuteronomy), history, poetry and wisdom (like Psalms and Proverbs), and the prophets. It records God’s covenant relationship with Israel.
Its themes — a holy God, human sin, sacrifice, and the longing for a deliverer — set the stage for the New Testament. Again and again it promises a coming Messiah, such as the suffering servant of Isaiah 53.
Christians read the Old Testament as God’s true word that prepares for and points to Jesus. He said it could not be broken and that he came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17), so it remains essential for understanding the whole Bible.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.