The word canon comes from a term meaning rule, measure, or standard. Over centuries, religious communities debated, examined, and recognized which writings they believe carried divine authority and spiritual authenticity.

Some books were universally accepted early on, while others became subjects of discussion and theological examination. Prophets, apostles, historians, poets, and inspired authors first penned these writings while councils, rabbis, biblical scholars, patriarchs, monks, bishops, scribes, theologians, and early church leaders played vital roles in preserving, examining, and identifying which writings would eventually be recognized as sacred scripture.

The earliest writings that became part of the Holy Bible likely began between fourteen hundred BCE and twelve hundred BCE during the time traditionally associated with Moses. Moses is historically connected to the first five books of the Bible, known as the Torah or Pentateuch, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

These writings became foundational to Jewish religious identity and later profoundly shaped Christianity itself. For centuries, Jewish and Christian believers have traditionally held that Moses wrote these books under divine inspiration.

Within both traditions, Moses is revered as the great lawgiver, prophet, and covenant leader through whom God delivered his commandments to Israel. Because of this long standing tradition, the first five books of the Bible are commonly known as the books of Moses or the Pentateuch.

At the same time, questions about the authorship of these books have been debated for centuries, while many maintain that Moses was the primary author. Others believe scribes, priests, or editors may have helped preserve, organize or complete portions of the text.