apocrypha, (from Greek apokryptein, “to hide away”), in biblical literature, works outside an accepted canon of scripture. The history of the term’s usage indicates that it referred to a body of esoteric writings that were at first prized, later tolerated, and finally excluded. In its broadest sense apocrypha has come to mean any writings of dubious authority. (source meaning: Britannica)
What are the apocrypha or deuterocanonical books? Definition and Terminology; Historical Context; Content of the Apocrypha; The Canon Recognition Process; Influence of Early Councils and Church Fathers; Reformation and Protestant Views; Literary and Historical Value; Modern Christian Perspectives; Conclusion.
The Old Testament books referred as Apocrypha, are known in the Orthodox Church as the “longer canon” rather than the “Apocrypha,” as they are known among the Protestants—are accepted by Orthodox Christianity as canonical scripture. These particular books are found only in the Septuagint version of the Old Testament, but not in the Hebrew texts of the rabbis.
These books—Tobit, Judith, more chapters of Esther and Daniel, the Books of Maccabees, the Book of the Wisdom of Solomon, the Book of Sirach, the Prophecy of Baruch, and the Prayer of Manasseh—are considered by the Orthodox to be fully part of the Old Testament because they are part of the longer canon that was accepted from the beginning by the early Church.
A similar expanded canon [rule] of Scripture is used by the Roman Catholic Church. In the Jerusalem Bible (RC) these books are intermingled within the Old Testament Books and not placed separately as often in Protestant translations (e.g., KJV).
- 1 Esdras KJV; Brenton Septuagint;
World English - 2 Esdras KJV;
World English - Tobit KJV; World English: Set during the exile of the northern tribes, it chronicles the pious acts of Tobit and his family, offering moral instruction and insight into Jewish life outside Judea.
- Judith KJV: A dramatic narrative recounting how Judith, a devout Jewish woman, saves her people by courageous action against the enemy commander Holofernes.
- Esther (Greek) KJV: Extensions to the canonical Book of Esther, including prayers and extra scenes.
- Wisdom of Solomon KJV: Poetic writings emphasizing wisdom, righteousness, and the folly of idolatry, often attributed to King Solomon.
- Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) KJV: A wisdom book written by Jesus ben Sirach, dealing with practical ethics, worship, and the fear of God.
- Baruch KJV: Presented as a prophecy or letter of consolation, traditionally linked to Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch, though dated well after Jeremiah’s time.
- Epistle of Jeremiah KJV
- Prayer of Azariah KJV: Addition to Daniel
- Susanna KJV: Addition to Daniel
- Bel and the Dragon KJV: Addition to Daniel
- Prayer of Manasseh KJV
- 1 Maccabees KJV: Historical works describing the Maccabean Revolt (2nd century BC) against Antiochus IV Epiphanes, illuminating the Jewish struggle for religious freedom and independence.
- 2 Maccabees KJV
David Briones: Four Centuries of Silence
"The Apocrypha is a collection of books written in the four centuries between the Old and New Testaments. Though the Apocrypha is not Scripture, many Protestants (including Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers) have found the collection useful historically, theologically, and spiritually. Discerning readers of the Apocrypha gain a fuller understanding of first-century Judaism, including the messianic fervor that led, in part, to Jesus’s passion."How many books in, (source Bible Gateway Blog)
- Tanakh (Hebrew Bible): 24
- Protestant Old Testament: 39
- Catholic Old Testament: 46
- Orthodox Christian OT: 52
- Ethiopian Orthodox OT: 54 (includes: Book of Enoch and Book of Jubilees)
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