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Scripture & TraditionEssentials

Where did the Bible's chapter and verse numbers come from?

Scripture & Tradition

The short answer

The chapter divisions are usually credited to Stephen Langton, a 13th-century English scholar who became Catholic archbishop of Canterbury. The verse numbers are generally credited to Robert Estienne (Stephanus), a 16th-century French printer.

Chapters

Chapters are usually credited to Stephen Langton, a 13th-century scholar who became the Catholic archbishop of Canterbury. He is better known for his role in the conflict surrounding the Magna Carta.

Verses

Verses are generally credited to Robert Estienne, a 16th-century French printer better known by the Latin form of his name, Stephanus.