Bible Stories, Retold Simply
Bible stories are the narratives told in Scripture, from creation and Noah's ark to David and Goliath, Daniel in the lions' den and the birth of Jesus. Each one here is retold in plain English with the passage to read, the story step by step and what it has meant to readers.
Start here
Noah's Ark
God tells Noah to build an ark before the flood, in Genesis 6 to 9.
David and Goliath
A shepherd boy faces a Philistine giant, in 1 Samuel 17.
The Nativity
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, in Matthew 1 to 2 and Luke 1 to 2.
The Prodigal Son
Jesus' parable of a lost son and a welcoming father, in Luke 15:11–32.
Old Testament stories
Adam and Eve
The first man and woman in the garden of Eden, told in Genesis 2 to 3.
Noah's Ark
Noah builds an ark and survives the flood with his family and the animals, in Genesis 6 to 9.
The Ten Commandments
God gives Israel the commandments at Mount Sinai, in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.
David and Goliath
Young David defeats the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, in 1 Samuel 17.
Daniel in the Lions' Den
Daniel keeps praying despite a royal ban and is kept safe among lions, in Daniel 6.
Jonah and the Whale
Jonah runs from God's call, is swallowed by a great fish and goes to Nineveh, in Jonah 1 to 4.
Stories and teaching of Jesus
The Nativity
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, with shepherds and wise men, in Matthew 1 to 2 and Luke 1 to 2.
The Sermon on the Mount
Jesus' best-known teaching, including the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer, in Matthew 5 to 7.
The Prodigal Son
A son wastes his inheritance and is welcomed home by his father, in Luke 15:11–32.
Letters
Meet the people
People of the Bible
Who's who in the Bible, from Adam to Paul, with an A–Z list.
Noah
The man who built the ark, and what else Genesis says about him.
Moses
The leader behind the exodus and the Ten Commandments.
David
From shepherd and giant-slayer to king of Israel.
Daniel
The faithful exile behind the lions' den story.
Jesus
The teacher behind the parables and the Sermon on the Mount.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most famous Bible stories?
Among the best known are Adam and Eve, Noah's ark, the exodus and the Ten Commandments, David and Goliath, Daniel in the lions' den and Jonah. From the New Testament, the Nativity, the parable of the prodigal son and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are among the most widely retold.
Are Bible stories meant to be taken literally?
Traditions differ. Many Christians and Jews read the historical narratives as accounts of real events, while others read some stories, especially in early Genesis, as theological or symbolic. Jesus' parables, such as the prodigal son, are generally understood by all as stories told to teach.
Where should I start with Bible stories?
Genesis is a natural starting point, since it holds creation, Noah, Abraham and Joseph. For the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke covers the Nativity and many of Jesus' parables in one book. Short stories such as Jonah or Ruth can each be read in one sitting.
Are these stories suitable for children?
Many are, and each story page includes a short version for kids. Some stories involve violence or loss, such as the flood or David and Goliath, so parents may want to read them first and decide how much detail to share.
Which Bible translation do these summaries use?
Passages shown on 7 Scrolls come from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB). The summaries themselves are written in plain English and point you to the chapters and verses so you can read each story in full.
Bible text is quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain); retellings and notes are our own. How we write: editorial policy. Spotted an error? Report a mistake.