A visual representation organizing the texts within the Christian or Hebrew scriptures into major thematic sections. For example, a table might delineate the Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy), historical books (Joshua through Esther), poetry (Job through Song of Solomon), major prophets (Isaiah through Daniel), and minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi) in the Old Testament. Similarly, the New Testament could be segmented into the Gospels, Acts, Pauline Epistles, General Epistles, and Revelation.
These organizational aids are valuable tools for systematic study, providing immediate context and facilitating a deeper understanding of the narrative flow, historical development, and diverse literary genres contained within the biblical canon. Historically, these divisions have evolved over time, reflecting varying theological interpretations and pedagogical approaches across different traditions. Employing these charts can enhance comprehension by presenting a clear framework for navigating the complexities of the scripture.