2003 Bible Content Exam

All Biblical quotations have been taken from the NRSV

The questions here are the property of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Internet version software and formatting are copyright ©2000-2023 by Stephen A. Whitney. All rights reserved.


1. The book of Genesis begins and ends, respectively, with

a. creation of the Garden and the death of Jacob
b. creation of sky and earth and the covenant with Noah
c. creation of the universe and the death of Joseph
d. creation of Israel and the first Passover

Bible reference for question 1 or the reference with options

2. For what use did Abraham purchase a field in Machpelah?

a. a burial place for Sarah
b. a place to build an altar to the Lord
c. an inheritance gift for Isaac
d. barter when trading for livestock

Bible reference for question 2 or the reference with options

3. "Three times in the year you shall hold a festival for me." The three feasts are: Weeks (or the harvest of the first fruits), Booths (or the feast of the ingathering) and which of the following?

a. Day of Atonement
b. Hanukkah
c. Jubilee
d. Unleavened Bread

Bible reference for question 3 or the reference with options

4. Who was the mother of Ishmael?

a. Hagar
b. Leah
c. Sarah
d. Zipporah

Bible reference for question 4 or the reference with options

5. What did Moses do when he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew?

a. killed him and hid him in the sand
b. said, "I will turn away from this awful sight"
c. told the elders of Israel to protect themselves
d. went to Pharaoh and demanded the man be punished

Bible reference for question 5 or the reference with options

6. Melchizedek is first mentioned in connection with whom?

a. Abram
b. David
c. Joseph
d. Moses

Bible reference for question 6 or the reference with options

7. According to Exodus, what did Miriam do?

a. She asked for an inheritance.
b. She circumcised her son.
c. She took a tambourine and sang.
d. She died of leprosy.

Bible reference for question 7 or the reference with options

8. What did the Passover festival celebrate?

a. the defeat of the Egyptians at the Red Sea
b. the Egyptians' agreement to release the Hebrews
c. the Hebrews being spared from the angel of death
d. the giving of the Law at Sinai

Bible reference for question 8 or the reference with options

9. To whom were the laws in Leviticus revealed?

a. Samuel
b. Eleazar
c. Joshua
d. Moses

Bible reference for question 9 or the reference with options

10. What do the food laws in Leviticus forbid the people to eat?

a. animal fat
b. flesh that touches anything unclean
c. the blood of animals
d. all of the above

Bible reference for question 10 or the reference with options

11. On what or whom was Aaron required to sprinkle blood during the Day of Atonement?

a. on every Israelite who confessed sin
b. on his sons who represented the people of Israel
c. on the mercy seat (the covering of the ark of the covenant)
d. on the scapegoat sent out into the wilderness

Bible reference for question 11 or the reference with options

12. What were the cities of refuge?

a. cities where homeless people were welcome
b. cities where those accused of homicide could escape from the avenger
c. fortresses guarding the border of Canaan
d. places where the Canaanites could be safe

Bible reference for question 12 or the reference with options

13. In which book does Moses anoint Aaron as high priest of Israel and officiate at Aaron's installation service?

a. Genesis
b. Leviticus
c. Numbers
d. Deuteronomy

Bible reference for question 13 or the reference with options

14. Which book of the Pentateuch contains the following words: ". . .one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord"?

a. Genesis
b. Leviticus
c. Exodus
d. Deuteronomy

Bible reference for question 14 or the reference with options

15. "Hear, O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." This appears in which of the following?

a. Exodus
b. Leviticus
c. Deuteronomy
d. Numbers

Bible reference for question 15 or the reference with options

16. Which of the following commands is NOT in the Ten Commandments?

a. honor your father and mother
b. remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy
c. you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
d. you shall not commit adultery

Bible reference for question 16 or the reference with options

17. Who proclaimed the rise of a prophet like himself?

a. Elijah
b. Jeremiah
c. Moses
d. Samuel

Bible reference for question 17 or the reference with options

18. In the book of Esther, who was furious with Mordecai?

a. Ahasuerus
b. Haman
c. Haggai
d. Vashti

Bible reference for question 18 or the reference with options

19. The story of the Israelite defeat of Canaan is narrated in which book?

a. Joshua
b. Judges
c. 1 Samuel
d. 2 Samuel

Bible reference for question 19 or the reference with options

20. Which of the following did Gideon and his army NOT take when they attacked the Midianites?

a. ark of the covenant
b. empty jars
c. torches
d. trumpets

Bible reference for question 20 or the reference with options

21. What was David's reaction to the death of Saul?

a. He investigated to find the killer.
b. He lamented.
c. He rejoiced that he was free from his enemy.
d. He sang a psalm of thanksgiving.

Bible reference for question 21 or the reference with options

22. "No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you" was said by God to whom?

a. Deborah
b. Gideon
c. Joshua
d. Samson

Bible reference for question 22 or the reference with options

23. According to Joshua 4, what did the stones carried across the Jordan River represent?

a. the number of attempts to cross the Jordan River
b. the number of enemies Israel defeated in battle
c. the twelve tribes of Israel
d. twelve years of battle

Bible reference for question 23 or the reference with options

24. Who does NOT belong on this list?

a. Samson
b. Elisha
c. Gideon
d. Jephthah

Bible reference for question 24 or the reference with options

25. Who was the Canaanite army commander defeated by Deborah and Barak at the river Kishon?

a. Anak
b. Cushan
c. Ehud
d. Sisera

Bible reference for question 25 or the reference with options

26. As Israel became a monarchy, how was Samuel involved?

a. He anointed David to be their king.
b. He anointed Saul to be their king.
c. He told the people that to want a king was to reject the Lord.
d. All of these.

Bible reference for question 26 or the reference with options

27. What role did Abner, Joab, and Benaiah have in common?

a. judge
b. king
c. military commander
d. priest

Bible reference for question 27 or the reference with options

28. Which of the following kings does not belong on this list?

a. Asa
b. Hezekiah
c. Hiram
d. Jehoshaphat

Bible reference for question 28 or the reference with options

29. Who said, "I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away"?

a. David
b. Elijah
c. Hezekiah
d. Jeremiah

Bible reference for question 29 or the reference with options

30. Who was king when a "book of the law" was found during temple repairs?

a. Ahab
b. Joash
c. Josiah
d. Solomon

Bible reference for question 30 or the reference with options

31. Which prophetic book develops its main themes around the imagery of marriage between God and Israel?

a. Isaiah
b. Hosea
c. Amos
d. Zechariah

Bible reference for question 31 or the reference with options

32. Which prophet said to God, "Truly, you are like to me a deceitful brook, like waters that fail."

a. Habakkuk
b. Isaiah
c. Elijah
d. Jeremiah

Bible reference for question 32 or the reference with options

33. Which prophetic book is, in its entirety, an oracle concerning Ninevah?

a. Jonah
b. Nahum
c. Habakkuk
d. Zephaniah

Bible reference for question 33 or the reference with options

34. Which prophet declared: "Forty days more, and Ninevah shall be overthrown"?

a. Ezekiel
b. Hosea
c. Joel
d. Jonah

Bible reference for question 34 or the reference with options

35. "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord" occurs in which book?

a. Isaiah
b. Hosea
c. Amos
d. Habakkuk

Bible reference for question 35 or the reference with options

36. Which of the following familiar phrases is NOT taken from the Bible?

a. "Know yourself."
b. "Peace, peace, when there is not peace."
c. "Send your bread upon the water.
d. "They shall beat their swords into plowshares."

Bible reference for question 36 or the reference with options

37. Who was a prophet in Judah in the days of Hezekiah?

a. Daniel
b. Elisha
c. Ezekiel
d. Isaiah

Bible reference for question 37 or the reference with options

38. Which book contains references to "plowshares," "swords," "spears," and "pruning hooks"?

a. Isaiah
b. Micah
c. Joel
d. All of the above

Bible reference for question 38 or the reference with options

39. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord," is found in which of the following?

a. Isaiah
b. Ezekiel
c. Daniel
d. Habakkuk

Bible reference for question 39 or the reference with options

40. Which city was Jeremiah from?

a. Tekoa
b. Babylon
c. Moresheth
d. Anathoth

Bible reference for question 40 or the reference with options

41. What was the point of these symbolic actions of Ezekiel: lying on his left side 40 days, then on his right side 40 days; shaving off his hair and beard; digging through a wall and crawling through it with his baggage?

a. to attract attention to his words; the actions themselves had no meaning
b. to demonstrate the irrationality of Israel's behavior
c. to participate symbolically in the fall of Jerusalem and exile
d. to purify himself from Israel's uncleanness

Bible reference for question 41 or the reference with options

42. Which prophet was locked up, thrown into a well, and forced to go to Egypt against his will?

a. Ezekiel
b. Hosea
c. Isaiah
d. Jeremiah

Bible reference for question 42 or the reference with options

43. "But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah...from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel" is found in which of the following books?

a. Habakkuk
b. Haggai
c. Joel
d. Micah

Bible reference for question 43 or the reference with options

44. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This is found in which book?

a. Joel
b. Haggai
c. Zechariah
d. Malachi

Bible reference for question 44 or the reference with options

45. Which prophetic book envisions a future in which "your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream, and your young men shall see visions"?

a. Joel
b. Haggai
c. Zechariah
d. Malachi

Bible reference for question 45 or the reference with options

46. Which of the following complaints does NOT occur in the book of Lamentations?

a. "Women are raped in Zion, virgins in the towns of Judah."
b. "The tongue of the infant sticks to the roof of its mouth for thirst."
c. "How could we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?"
d. "I am the one who has seen affliction under the rod of God's wrath."

Bible reference for question 46 or the reference with options

47. The following autobiographical information concerns which prophet: "I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees...and the Lord... said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel'"?

a. Amos
b. Hosea
c. Jonah
d. Micah

Bible reference for question 47 or the reference with options

48. "Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways" is found in which book?

a. Job
b. Psalms
c. Proverbs
d. Ecclesiastes

Bible reference for question 48 or the reference with options

49. In which book can the following saying be found: "...a living dog is better than a dead lion"?

a. Job
b. Ecclesiastes
c. Proverbs
d. Psalms

Bible reference for question 49 or the reference with options

50. In which book does the following quotation appear: "One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them"?

a. Job
b. Psalms
c. Proverbs
d. Ecclesiastes

Bible reference for question 50 or the reference with options

51. With what words does Psalm 51 begin?

a. "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love."
b. "Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth."
c. "The Almighty God, the Lord speaks."
d. "The Lord reigns, he is robed with majesty."

Bible reference for question 51 or the reference with options

52. In the final chapter of the book of Job, with whom is God angry?

a. Job
b. Job's children
c. Job's friends
d. Job's wife

Bible reference for question 52 or the reference with options

53. According to Psalm 137, what place provides the context for the following words: "On the willow there we hung up our harps"?

a. "the Negev"
b. "Jordan's stormy banks"
c. "the wilderness"
d. "the waters of Babylon"

Bible reference for question 53 or the reference with options

54. About whom is the following said: "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace"?

a. Ecclesiastes' wife
b. Job's wife
c. The Queen of Sheba
d. Wisdom

Bible reference for question 54 or the reference with options

55. Who said the following: "A mortal, born of woman, few days and full of trouble, comes up like a flower and withers, flees like a shadow and does not last"?

a. Bildad
b. Elihu
c. God
d. Job

Bible reference for question 55 or the reference with options

56. The Psalm which says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God," also contains which of these lines?

a. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
b. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
c. How could we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?
d. Yet you have made them a little lower than God.

Bible reference for question 56 or the reference with options

57. How is God praised in Psalm 150?

a. by calling on his name
b. with lute and harp
c. with my whole heart
d. with new offerings

Bible reference for question 57 or the reference with options

58. How is the following saying of Jesus completed: "And I tell you, you are Peter...?

a. "and before the cock crows you will deny me three times"
b. "and I will make you fish for people"
c. "and on this rock I will build my church"
d. "so watch here while I go and pray"

Bible reference for question 58 or the reference with options

59. The words, "You have heard that it was said...but I say to you..."appear in which of the following contexts?

a. the charges made by Caiaphas against Jesus
b. the counterstatement of the Pharisees to Jesus' teaching
c. the preaching of John the Baptist
d. the Sermon on the Mount

Bible reference for question 59 or the reference with options

60. Which of the following are the words of the risen Jesus?

a. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."
b. "On their hands they will bear you up."
c. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."
d. "You are the light of the world."

Bible reference for question 60 or the reference with options

61. In which book is the story of the shepherds "keeping watch over their flock by night" found?

a. Matthew
b. Mark
c. Luke
d. John

Bible reference for question 61 or the reference with options

62. What book contains passages describing the role and function of the Paraclete or Advocate?

a. Matthew
b. Mark
c. Luke
d. John

Bible reference for question 62 or the reference with options

63. What does the closing verse of John's gospel declare?

a. A second book will be written, dealing with the history of the church.
b. Jesus did so many things, the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
c. No one should add to or take away from anything in the book.
d. Whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner's soul from death.

Bible reference for question 63 or the reference with options

64. The parables about the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the two sons are found in which of the following?

a. Matthew
b. Mark
c. Luke
d. John

Bible reference for question 64 or the reference with options

65. According to John, what did Jesus say in connection with the feeding of the five thousand?

a. "I am the bread of life."
b. "I will make you fish for people."
c. "My food is to do the will of him who sent me."
d. "Take, eat; this is my body."

Bible reference for question 65 or the reference with options

66. Which of the following is NOT a saying of Jesus?

a. "God helps those who help themselves."
b. "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin."
c. "The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath."
d. "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick."

Bible reference for question 66 or the reference with options

67. The Gospel of John contains all but which of the following?

a. Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus
b. the feeding of the five thousand
c. the foretelling of the coming of the Paraclete or Holy Spirit
d. the transfiguration

Bible reference for question 67 or the reference with options

68. The Lord's Prayer is found in somewhat different form in which of the following Gospels?

a. Matthew and Mark
b. Matthew and Luke
c. Mark and John
d. Luke and John

Bible reference for question 68 or the reference with options

69. Which book contains Jesus' appearance after his resurrection to two disciples while on the road to Emmaus?

a. Matthew
b. Mark
c. Luke
d. John

Bible reference for question 69 or the reference with options

70. Which parable receives a detailed explanation in Matthew, Mark, and Luke?

a. the hidden treasure
b. the leaven
c. the lost coin
d. the sower

Bible reference for question 70 or the reference with options

71. When the scribes and Pharisees requested a sign, what did Jesus promise for this "evil and adulterous generation"?

a. the healing of the sick
b. the resurrection of the dead
c. the sign of Jonah
d. the sign of the cross

Bible reference for question 71 or the reference with options

72. In Luke, who says, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles..."?

a. Anna
b. Elizabeth
c. Simeon
d. Zechariah

Bible reference for question 72 or the reference with options

73. In the Gospel of Luke, who prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people..."?

a. a Pharisee
b. a tax collector
c. a Sadducee
d. a Samaritan

Bible reference for question 73 or the reference with options

74. In John 1, how does John the Baptist identify Jesus?

a. the Good Shepherd
b. the Lamb of God
c. the Root of David
d. the Son of God

Bible reference for question 74 or the reference with options

75. What was Zacchaeus's profession?

a. centurion
b. fisherman
c. priest
d. tax collector

Bible reference for question 75 or the reference with options

76. Which book addresses problems created by people being "unwilling to work"?

a. Ephesians
b. 2 Thessalonians
c. 1 Timothy
d. 2 Timothy

Bible reference for question 76 or the reference with options

77. Where is the following found: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose"?

a. Romans 8
b. 2 Corinthians 6
c. Galatians 5
d. Ephesians 5

Bible reference for question 77 or the reference with options

78. "This one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus" is found in what book?

a. Philippians
b. 1 Thessalonians
c. James
d. 1 Peter

Bible reference for question 78 or the reference with options

79. According to their trial testimony in Acts, by what means did Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple gate?

a. by speaking in tongues
b. by the name of Jesus Christ
c. through the power given them by God
d. through the power of the Holy Spirit

Bible reference for question 79 or the reference with options

80. Where does Paul preach a sermon about the unknown god?

a. Antioch
b. Athens
c. Lystra
d. Philippi

Bible reference for question 80 or the reference with options

81. When Paul wrote, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness" to what was he referring?

a. a quotation from the Gospels
b. a quotation from the Old Testament
c. what he had learned from the Lord about his thorn in the flesh
d. what he had learned from the Lord about the church

Bible reference for question 81 or the reference with options

82. Paul's statement, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love" characterizes his exhortations in what letter?

a. 1 Corinthians
b. Galatians
c. Ephesians
d. Colossians

Bible reference for question 82 or the reference with options

83. The disciples appointed seven men to oversee the care of the Hellenists' widows in Acts. One of these, Philip, is remembered for what?

a. his opposition to communal living
b. his preaching to the Ethiopian eunuch
c. his work in Galatia
d. his work with Peter

Bible reference for question 83 or the reference with options

84. Which book contains the following exhortation: "Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil"?

a. 1 Corinthians
b. 2 Corinthians
c. Ephesians
d. Philippians

Bible reference for question 84 or the reference with options

85. What chapter includes references to the self-humbling of Christ and his subsequent glorification?

a. Romans 13
b. 1 Corinthians 12
c. Galatians 5
d. Philippians 2

Bible reference for question 85 or the reference with options

86. What is the context of Paul's discussion of the "body of Christ" in 1 Corinthians 12 - 13?

a. apostolic authority
b. marital ethics
c. spiritual gifts
d. the resurrection

Bible reference for question 86 or the reference with options

87. The people gathered in the upper room after Jesus was lifted up into heaven included which of the following?

a. Barnabas
b. Mary
c. Nicodemus
d. Timothy

Bible reference for question 87 or the reference with options

88. Paul's counsel not to marry if one is not already married is found in which book?

a. Romans
b. 1 Corinthians
c. Galatians
d. Ephesians

Bible reference for question 88 or the reference with options

89. The Christ hymn that begins "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" is found in what book?

a. 1 Corinthians
b. 2 Corinthians
c. Galatians
d. Colossians

Bible reference for question 89 or the reference with options

90. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, what is the counterpart to a physical body?

a. a perishable soul
b. a spiritual body
c. a terrestrial body
d. an immortal soul

Bible reference for question 90 or the reference with options

91. Which of the following is an essential theme of the First Letter of John?

a. creation
b. election
c. love
d. predestination

Bible reference for question 91 or the reference with options

92. What book contains the following quotation: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you"?

a. Titus
b. Hebrews
c. 1 Peter
d. Jude

Bible reference for question 92 or the reference with options

93. Which of the following does NOT belong to the letters of John?

a. "For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments."
b. "Do not love the world or the things in the world."
c. "God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them."
d. "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."

Bible reference for question 93 or the reference with options

94. The letter to the Hebrews contains which of the following?

a. "Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by a Son..."
b. "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work."
c. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
d. "But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Bible reference for question 94 or the reference with options

95. Which book contains the following quotation: "You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture...For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it."

a. Titus
b. James
c. 1 Peter
d. 2 John

Bible reference for question 95 or the reference with options

96. The book of Hebrews presents Jesus primarily as which of the following?

a. great high priest
b. new Moses
c. prophet of righteousness
d. son of Adam

Bible reference for question 96 or the reference with options

97. According to the letter of James, what is the one thing that no one can tame?

a. ambition
b. anger
c. lust
d. the tongue

Bible reference for question 97 or the reference with options

98. The epistle which says, "and have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear" and speaks of Enoch as a prophet is which of the following?

a. Philippians
b. Colossians
c. 1 John
d. Jude

Bible reference for question 98 or the reference with options

99. Which of the following is an attitude expressed in 1 Peter toward government?

a. "And the dragon gave it his power and this throne and great authority."
b. "For the Lord's sake accept the authority of every human institution."
c. "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's."
d. "Keep oneself unstained by the world."

Bible reference for question 99 or the reference with options

100.What is the name of the great city in Revelation which is depicted as a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, a city whose fall is both celebrated and lamented?

a. Babylon
b. Damascus
c. Nineveh
d. Tyre

Bible reference for question 100 or the reference with options

Check this box to see all the answers, not just the ones you got wrong:

Please report any errors in this test.

Back to the Bible Content Exam page

Back to WhitneyHQ