Apocrypha

Apocrypha

The term Apocrypha refers to a collection of ancient writings that are often associated with biblical texts but are not considered canonical by certain religious traditions. The status and acceptance of these texts vary among different religious groups, leading to diverse interpretations and uses.

Etymology

The word "Apocrypha" is derived from the Greek word ἀπόκρυφος (apokryphos), meaning "hidden" or "obscure." Originally, it referred to texts that were "hidden away" because they were considered esoteric or not suitable for public reading.

Historical Context

The Apocrypha includes a variety of texts, such as historical books, wisdom literature, and additions to canonical books. These texts were primarily written during the intertestamental period, the time between the Old and New Testaments, roughly from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE.

Canonical Status

The canonical status of the Apocrypha varies among different religious traditions:

• Judaism: The Jewish canon, known as the Tanakh, does not include the Apocrypha. These texts were not part of the Hebrew Bible and were excluded from the Jewish canon.

• Christianity:

 * The Roman Catholic Church includes several apocryphal books in the Deuterocanonical section of the Old Testament.
 * The Eastern Orthodox Church also accepts many of these texts, often with slight variations in the list.
 * Most Protestant denominations do not consider the Apocrypha to be canonical, although they may be included in some editions of the Bible for historical or educational purposes.

Notable Apocryphal Texts

Some of the most well-known apocryphal books include:

• 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees: Historical accounts of the Maccabean revolt against Seleucid rule.
• Tobit: A narrative about piety and divine intervention.
• Judith: A story of a Jewish heroine who saves her people.
• Wisdom of Solomon: A work of wisdom literature attributed to King Solomon.
• Ecclesiasticus (also known as Sirach): A collection of ethical teachings.

Influence and Legacy

The Apocrypha has had a significant impact on religious thought, art, and literature. These texts have been studied for their historical and theological insights and have influenced various religious traditions.

Modern Scholarship

Contemporary scholars study the Apocrypha to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of the biblical world. These texts provide valuable insights into the religious and social dynamics of the time.

See Also

• Pseudepigrapha
• Dead Sea Scrolls
• Septuagint

References

• Metzger, Bruce M. An Introduction to the Apocrypha. Oxford University Press, 1957.
• Harrington, Daniel J. Invitation to the Apocrypha. Eerdmans, 1999.

External Links

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Apocrypha
• Jewish Encyclopedia: Apocrypha