The answer depends on how “shortest” is measured. Bible books can be compared by number of words, verses, chapters, or words in a particular translation or original-language text. By word count in common English calculations, 3 John is often the shortest book, with 2 John close behind. Spiritual Culture explains why different lists give different answers.
3 John
Third John is a brief New Testament letter addressed to Gaius. Bible Gateway’s reading-length analysis places it first among the shortest biblical books by English word count.
2 John
Second John is another very short letter and can rank differently depending on translation and counting system.
Obadiah
Obadiah has only one chapter and is the shortest Old Testament book by chapter count. It is longer than 2 John or 3 John in many English word-count comparisons.
Philemon
Philemon is a one-chapter Pauline letter and is also among the shortest books of the New Testament.
Jude
Jude is a one-chapter New Testament letter but usually has more words than 2 John, 3 John, and Philemon.
Why verse counts differ
Verse divisions are later editorial structures and do not correspond directly to literary length. A book with more verses can still contain fewer words.
Translations change totals
English translations differ in phrasing, so the NRSVue, NIV, KJV, and other versions can produce slightly different word-count rankings.
Original-language counts
Greek and Hebrew counts are another method and do not match English word totals exactly.
Why the question is still useful
Comparing book length can help readers see that several biblical writings can be read in one sitting. Short books are especially useful for studying complete literary arguments rather than isolated verses, provided that their historical and canonical context is respected.
Editorial context
If the question means shortest by common English word count, 3 John is a strong answer. If it means fewest chapters, several books tie at one chapter, so the counting method should always be stated.
