How Well Do You Know the Bible? A 40-Question Quiz Perspective Across Faiths

Judaism places extraordinary emphasis on knowing and studying scripture — so a quiz testing one's familiarity with the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) fits squarely within a long tradition of rigorous textual engagement. The rabbis didn't just encourage reading; they demanded wrestling with the text, memorizing it, debating it, and living it Proverbs 2:5.

Proverbs 2:5, in the JPS Tanakh translation, frames the goal of scripture study not as trivia mastery but as something far deeper:

Then you will understand the fear of GOD And attain knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5, JPS Tanakh)

This verse suggests that real biblical knowledge — the kind a serious quiz might probe — is inseparable from reverence. Scholar Nahum Sarna (20th century) argued that in the Jewish tradition, yirat Adonai (fear of the LORD) is the foundation of all genuine learning, not merely an emotional posture Proverbs 2:5.

Isaiah 40:21 adds a pointed rhetorical challenge that feels almost quiz-like in its structure: have you not known, have you not heard, have you not understood? Isaiah 40:21 It implies that the knowledge of God's word is accessible — but requires active engagement. A 40-question Bible quiz, in this sense, can serve as a form of cheshbon ha-nefesh (self-accounting): how deeply have I actually absorbed what I claim to believe?

It's worth noting that Jewish tradition distinguishes between pshat (plain meaning) and deeper layers of interpretation. A quiz testing factual recall only scratches the surface of what Jewish learning considers true biblical knowledge.

Christianity has a long and sometimes contentious relationship with Bible literacy. On one hand, the Reformation — driven by figures like Martin Luther in the 16th century — placed scripture reading directly in the hands of laypeople, making personal knowledge of the Bible a hallmark of Protestant identity. On the other hand, many Christians today acknowledge a significant gap between owning a Bible and actually knowing it.

A 40-question Bible quiz taps into this tension. Ephesians 3:4 explicitly connects reading with understanding:

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. (Ephesians 3:4, KJV)

Paul's point here is that reading scripture carefully produces comprehension — not just familiarity Ephesians 3:4. This is a direct endorsement of the kind of attentive engagement a Bible quiz is designed to test.

Isaiah 40:21, cited in the KJV, echoes this challenge with its rhetorical cascade of questions — have you not known, heard, been told, understood? Isaiah 40:21 Early church father Origen (3rd century) used passages like this to argue that Christians are without excuse for biblical ignorance, since the knowledge has been made available from the very beginning.

Proverbs 2:5 reinforces the point: understanding scripture leads to finding the knowledge of God Proverbs 2:5. Contemporary Bible literacy researchers like Ed Stetzer have noted that many self-identified Christians struggle with basic biblical facts — making a 40-question quiz both a humbling and useful exercise.

Disagreements exist, though. Some traditions (e.g., Eastern Orthodoxy) emphasize liturgical and communal encounter with scripture over individual quiz-style recall, arguing that knowledge divorced from worship and sacrament is incomplete.

Not applicable in the strictest sense: a quiz specifically testing knowledge of the Bible (Old and New Testaments) doesn't have a direct counterpart in Islamic practice, since the Quran — not the Bible — is Islam's primary scripture. However, Islam does acknowledge earlier scriptures as divine revelations, and the Quran itself poses a pointed rhetorical question about scriptural knowledge.

Quran 68:37 asks directly:

Or do you have a scripture in which you learn? (Quran 68:37, Sahih International)

This verse Quran 68:37 is addressed skeptically to those who claim divine sanction without genuine scriptural grounding — a challenge that resonates with the spirit of any Bible knowledge quiz. Quran 13:1 further affirms that revealed scripture carries truth, though most people don't fully engage with it Quran 13:1.

Islamic scholars like Ibn Kathir (14th century) acknowledged the Torah and Gospel as originally revealed texts, while maintaining that the Quran supersedes and corrects them. So while a Muslim wouldn't typically take a Bible quiz as a devotional act, the broader Islamic value of ilm (knowledge) and engagement with revealed texts is directly relevant. The Quran's own rhetorical challenge — do you have a scripture in which you learn? — implies that having access to scripture and actually learning from it are two very different things Quran 68:37.

Jewish study highlights gaining understanding and the knowledge of God as a core aim of engaging Scripture, so testing one’s grasp of the Bible’s wisdom literature, Torah narratives, and prophetic calls to recognize God’s work is fitting for learning Proverbs 2:5Proverbs 2:5Isaiah 40:21. When reflecting on a quiz, prioritize passages that deepen yirat Hashem (awe of God) and discernment—especially wisdom texts and the Prophets Proverbs 2:5Proverbs 2:5Isaiah 40:21.

Christian readers are invited to study and read so that they may understand the revealed mystery of Christ; a Bible quiz can help surface what you’ve noticed (or missed) in the text Ephesians 3:4. Below are 40 Bible-knowledge questions (Old and New Testament). No answers are given here—use them to prompt reading and discussion Isaiah 40:21Proverbs 2:5Ephesians 3:4.

1. In Genesis, who is promised descendants as numerous as the stars?
2. What sign does God place in the sky after the flood in Genesis?
3. Which patriarch wrestles through the night and receives a new name?
4. Who leads Israel out of Egypt, and through what body of water do they pass?
5. Which mountain is associated with receiving the Ten Commandments?
6. Which judge makes a rash vow that leads to great sorrow?
7. Who anoints Israel’s first king?
8. Which king is known for composing many psalms?
9. Who confronts King Ahab on Mount Carmel with a test involving fire?
10. Which prophet speaks of a suffering figure by whose wounds many are healed?
11. What wisdom book begins by contrasting the way of the righteous and the wicked?
12. Which biblical book centers on the theme “fear of the LORD” as the beginning of knowledge?
13. Who is thrown into a den of lions for praying to God?
14. Which prophet is swallowed by a great fish after fleeing a divine commission?
15. What post-exilic leader rebuilds Jerusalem’s walls amid opposition?
16. Which festival story features Esther and Mordecai?
17. Who prepares the way in the wilderness, as echoed in the Gospels?
18. Which Gospel opens with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage to Abraham and David?
19. What sermon includes blessings for the poor in spirit and the peacemakers?
20. Which two commandments does Jesus call the greatest?
21. Who asks Jesus, “What is truth?” during the trial proceedings?
22. Which apostle doubts the resurrection until seeing and touching Jesus?
23. At Pentecost, who preaches and how do listeners respond?
24. Which missionary journeys across the Mediterranean, writing many letters?
25. What is the “fruit of the Spirit” listed by Paul?
26. Which letter speaks extensively about faith and works using Abraham as an example?
27. Where is the “armor of God” described?
28. Which epistle emphasizes controlling the tongue and practical wisdom?
29. What New Testament book opens with a majestic prologue about the Word?
30. Who receives apocalyptic visions on the island of Patmos?
31. Which vision portrays a new heaven and a new earth?
32. What is the Great Commission and where is it found?
33. Which parable teaches about a father welcoming a returning son?
34. What miracle involves feeding thousands with a few loaves and fish?
35. Which Old Testament covenant is signified by circumcision?
36. Who is the high priest that meets Abraham and receives a tithe?
37. Which psalm opens, “The LORD is my shepherd”?
38. Which prophet’s vision features dry bones coming to life?
39. Who interprets dreams in Egypt, rising to power to save many from famine?
40. Which book is famed for poetic reflections on life’s vanity and time?

Not applicable. Concerns Bible-specific scripture/practice; Islam centers on the Qur’an rather than using the Bible for doctrinal quizzes.