10 Fun Bible Facts That Will Surprise (and Delight) You

Think you know the Bible? Think again.

This ancient text has shaped languages, cultures, and civilizations. But behind the solemn pages and sacred verses lies a book brimming with fascinating trivia—some that might just make you say, “Wait, really?”

Whether you're new to the Bible or have read it cover to cover, these facts will help you see Scripture in a whole new light.

1. It’s the Best-Selling Book… Ever

We’re not talking bestseller for the month. Or even the year. The Bible has sold over 5 billion copies worldwide, making it the most widely read and printed book in history. Move over, Tolkien.

2. It Took Over 1,500 Years to Write

That’s right—this wasn’t a weekend project. The Bible was written across 1,500 years by over 40 authors, including kings, fishermen, doctors, poets, and prophets. Imagine trying to co-author something with people across fifteen centuries. Only the Holy Spirit could manage that editorial process.

3. There Are 66 Books in the Bible (Well, Sort Of)

The Protestant Bible includes 66 books—39 in the Old Testament, 27 in the New. But if you pick up a Catholic or Orthodox Bible, you’ll find additional texts known as the Deuterocanonical books. Same story of redemption—just a few more chapters.

4. Shortest Book vs. Longest Book

The longest book? Psalms, with 150 chapters and over 43,000 Hebrew words.

The shortest book? 3 John, which clocks in at just 219 Greek words. Big message. Tiny envelope.

5. Shortest Verse in the Bible? Two Words.

Need a memory verse you won’t forget?

John 11:35 delivers: “Jesus wept.”
It’s the shortest verse in the English Bible—but it speaks volumes about a God who grieves with us.

(If you’re wondering, the longest verse is Esther 8:9, which is a legal mouthful involving royal scribes, multiple provinces, and lots of ink.)

6. The Bible Speaks More Languages Than Google Translate

The full Bible has been translated into over 700 languages, and parts of it into 3,600+. From remote villages to bustling cities, it’s been proclaimed far and wide—just like Jesus said it would be (see Matthew 24:14).

7. It Was the First Major Printed Book

When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, what book did he print first?

You guessed it: the Bible.

That was back in the 1450s, and it changed the world. Suddenly, Scripture wasn’t just for monks and scholars—it was for everyone.

8. There Are 31,102 Verses in the KJV

Feeling ambitious? Reading one verse a day would take you about 85 years to finish. (Or you could just join a reading plan.)

Fun fact: the middle verse of many Bibles is Psalm 118:8—“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” Seems like a good centre point, doesn’t it?

9. The Bible Is the Original Source of Famous Sayings

Ever said someone was saved “by the skin of their teeth”? That’s straight from Job 19:20.

How about a “thorn in your side”? 2 Corinthians 12:7.

“A house divided”? Mark 3:25 (before Abraham Lincoln made it famous).

Turns out, the Bible has better quotes than your favourite sitcom.

10. Jesus Predicted Its Global Reach

In Matthew 24:14, Jesus said the Gospel would be “preached in all the world.”

Today, it’s been translated, televised, podcasted, and TikTok-ed across continents. Christianity is now practised in every country on Earth.

What seemed impossible in the first century is now a global reality.

Why These Bible Facts Matter

These aren’t just trivia bits for your next quiz night.

They show us something deeper: The Bible is not a forgotten relic or dusty shelf ornament. It’s a living book—historically unmatched, spiritually alive, and relentlessly relevant.

So the next time someone says, “The Bible? Isn’t that outdated?”—you can smile, nod, and drop one of these facts.

And maybe, just maybe, spark a conversation that opens a heart.