Have you ever stopped to think what version of the Bible Jesus himself used? With so many translations available today — from the King James Version to the NIV — it’s a natural question. The answer, however, might surprise you and offers an inspiring glimpse at just how well Jesus knew his Bible.
What Jesus Considered ‘the Bible’
Jesus did not use a “Bible” in the bound, book format we commonly have today. The New Testament, which details his life, teachings, and the early Christian church, hadn’t even been written yet! The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) were written by his followers well after his earthly ministry.
The Bible Jesus Actually Used
So, what did Jesus study and quote from? He used what we refer to as the Old Testament. These were the sacred writings of the Jewish people, Jesus’ people. In his time, these texts existed primarily as scrolls in Hebrew and Aramaic. This collection of holy writings is also known as the Hebrew Scriptures, or the Tanakh.
As a devout Jew, Jesus was intimately familiar with these ancient texts. He frequently quoted from the Torah (the Law of Moses), the Prophets (like Isaiah and Jeremiah), and the Writings (such as the Psalms). When Jesus said, “It is written,” he was referring to passages from these very scriptures.
Understanding Jesus’s Biblical Foundation
This understanding deepens our appreciation for Jesus’s teachings. He was rooted in a rich tradition, fulfilling prophecies and interpreting the Law through his unique divine perspective. His ministry was a continuation and culmination of the divine narrative established in the Old Testament.
Next time you open your Bible, remember that the foundational texts Jesus studied and lived by were the very scriptures that foreshadowed his coming and laid the groundwork for the Christian faith. It’s a powerful connection to the past and to the very heart of biblical history.