Biblical Books, Abbreviations, and Reading Notations

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering canonical divisions of the Old and New Testaments, book abbreviations, biblical citation notations, and liturgical reading rules.

Books of the Law (Pentateuch)

The first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis (Gen, Gn), Exodus (Ex, Exod), Leviticus (Lev, Lv), Numbers (Num, Nm), and Deuteronomy (Deut, Dt).

Historical Books (Old Testament)

A 16-book division of the Old Testament consisting of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, and 1 & 2 Maccabees.

Wisdom and Poetic Books

A section of seven Old Testament books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, and Sirach.

Major Prophets

A division of six Old Testament prophetic writings: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

Minor Prophets

A collection of 12 shorter prophetic books in the Old Testament: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

The Four Gospels

The first four books of the New Testament containing accounts of Jesus Christ: Matthew (Mt), Mark (Mk), Luke (Lk), and John (Jn).

Letters of Saint Paul

A collection of 13 New Testament epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

General / Catholic Letters

A group of seven New Testament letters addressed to the broader church: James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude.

Acts of the Apostles

The sole historical book of the New Testament, abbreviated as Acts or Ac.

Revelation

The prophetic book that concludes the New Testament, with possible abbreviations Rev, Re, Rv, and Apoc.

Qoh

A possible abbreviation for the Old Testament wisdom book Ecclesiastes (alongside Eccl and Eccles).

Canticles (Cant)

A possible abbreviation and alternate title for the book Song of Songs (also abbreviated Song or Sg).

Ecclus

A possible abbreviation for the book of Sirach (derived from Ecclesiasticus; also abbreviated Sir or Sirach).

Apoc

A possible abbreviation for the prophetic book Revelation (derived from Apocalypse).

Oral Reading Formula: Gospel Notations

The spoken introductory formula: 'A reading from the Holy Gospel according to [Author], chapter [X], verse [Y].'

Oral Reading Formula: Pauline Letters

The spoken introductory formula: 'A reading from the [First/Second] Letter of Saint Paul to [the Recipient/Name], chapter [X], verse [Y].'

Oral Reading Formula: Prophetic Books

The standard spoken formula used for prophetic citations: 'A reading from the Book of the Prophet [Name], chapter [X], verse [Y].' (Excepted by books such as Lamentations and Baruch).

Biblical Notation: Ps 23:1

Read aloud specifically as: 'A reading from the Book of Psalms, Psalm 23, verse 1.'

Biblical Notation: Acts 2:1–4

Read aloud as: 'A reading from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, verses 1 to 4.'

Biblical Notation: Lam 3:22–23

Read aloud as: 'A reading from the Book of Lamentations, chapter 3, verses 22 to 23.'

Biblical Notation: Heb 11:1

Read aloud as: 'A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 1.'

Biblical Notation: Phlm 1:7

Read aloud as: 'A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to Philemon, chapter 1, verse 7.'