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The Bible is one of the most widely read, studied and debated books in the world. It is an inexhaustible source of wisdom, religious and historical teachings. However, in addition to the spiritual and religious aspects, the Bible also contains a number of curiosities and surprising facts that often go unnoticed. In this article, we'll explore 12 curiosities in the Bible that are sure to surprise you.

12 curiosities in the Bible that you need to know

The Bible, a book revered for its religious and historical importance, is also an inexhaustible source of curiosities that often go unnoticed. In addition to its spiritual and moral significance, this ancient and venerable text contains a number of fascinating details that can surprise even the most avid readers. 

Here are some curiosities from the Bible that will reveal a completely different aspect of this sacred book, opening a window onto its diversity, complexity and impact throughout human history. From intriguing characters to ancient languages and poetic passages, the Bible is much more than just a collection of religious writings; it is a treasure trove of knowledge and wonders that deserves our attention.

1. The Bible Has Over 3,000 Characters

Did you know that the Bible features more than 3,000 different characters throughout its pages? Some are main characters, such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus, while others are only mentioned briefly. This wealth of characters contributes to the complexity and depth of the Bible's stories.

2. The Word "Amen" Appears Over 70 Times in the Old Testament

The word "amen" is commonly used as an expression of agreement or approval in prayers and religious speeches. It appears more than 70 times in the Old Testament of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of faith and agreement in the scriptures.

3. The Bible Contains 66 Books

The Bible consists of 66 books, divided into two main parts: the Old Testament, with 39 books, and the New Testament, with 27 books. These books were written by different authors over the centuries and cover a variety of topics, from the creation of the world to the teachings of Jesus and the apocalypse.

4. The Bible Was Written in Three Languages

Although most versions of the Bible are translated into other languages, the original texts were written in three main languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. The Old Testament was written mainly in Hebrew, with some portions in Aramaic, while the New Testament was written in Greek.

5. Most of the Books of the Bible Were Written on Papyrus

In the ancient world, papyrus was a common material for writing. Most of the books of the Bible were originally written on papyrus rolls, which were more durable than parchment.

6. The Book of Psalms is the largest in the Bible

The Book of Psalms is the largest in the Bible in terms of the number of chapters and verses. It contains 150 psalms, which are poems and songs of praise, lament and worship to God.

7. The Bible Contains Poetic Passages

In addition to the Psalms, the Bible also contains other poetic passages, such as the love songs in the Song of Solomon and the parables of Jesus in the New Testament. These poetic texts add an artistic dimension to the Bible.

8. Does the Bible Mention Dinosaurs?

Although the Bible is an ancient book, many people wonder if it makes any mention of dinosaurs. Although the word "dinosaur" is not used, some scholars believe that descriptions of creatures such as the "Behemoth" and the "Leviathan" may refer to prehistoric animals.

9. Most People Haven't Read the Bible Completely

Despite being one of the best-selling books in the world, most people have never read the Bible in its entirety. It is often studied by specific passages or verses, rather than being read from cover to cover.

10. The Bible Has Been Translated Into More Than 3,000 Languages

The Bible is a global book, and has been translated into more than 3,000 different languages, making it accessible to people all over the world, regardless of their mother tongue.

11. The Last Word in the Bible is "Amen"

The last verse of the last book of the Bible, Revelation, ends with the word "amen." This word is a confirmation that the words and promises contained in the Bible are true and trustworthy.

12. The Bible is the World's Best Selling Book

Last but not least, the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. It continues to be widely read and studied throughout the world, exerting a profound influence on culture, religion and human history.

Check out some funny facts about the Bible

The Bible also has its funny and curious moments. Here are two fun facts:

The Book of Jonah and the Great Whale

The Book of Jonah tells the story of Jonah, who was swallowed by a great whale after trying to run away from God. The irony lies in the fact that the Bible originally used the word "fish" instead of "whale", and the idea of someone surviving inside a whale for three days is quite comical.

Moses' features

After his experience with God on Mount Sinai, the Bible describes Moses as having a face so radiant that he needed to wear a veil to hide his glowing appearance. Imagine how surprising this must have been to the people around him - Moses essentially had a "divine tan"!

In short, the Bible is a work rich in details and curiosities that go beyond its religious importance. It bears witness to the history, culture and spirituality of various civilizations over the centuries. Whether you're a student of the Bible or someone interested in literary curiosities, these surprising facts make the Bible even more fascinating and worth exploring. So the next time you open its pages, remember that there is much more to discover than first meets the eye.

See also: 10 best Bible apps that kids will love

October 01, 2023