The Apocrypha (“hidden things”) is that collection of books included in the
Greek Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible, or in the Latin Vulgate
translation. While these books are not part of the Hebrew text that forms the
canon for Judaism and Protestant Christianity, they are regarded as canonical by
several Christian traditions. Additionally, scholars have pronounced the
Apocrypha to be of great value in understanding the times between the Old and
New Testaments and the place of Judaism in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
The deuterocanonical books consist of such genres as wisdom literature,
historical fiction, histories, devotional writings, letters, and even
apocalyptic material. Included are 1 Esdras; 1 & 2 Maccabees; Tobit; Judith;
Esther (Greek); Song of the Three Young Men; Susanna; Bel and the Dragon; Wisdom
of Solomon; Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus); Baruch; Letter of
Jeremiah; Prayer of Manasseh; and 2 Esdras.
The Apocrypha is used by the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Methodist,
and Roman Catholic traditions.
Featuring readable 9-point type, this affordable slim volume is a convenient
supplement to Bibles that don’t include the apocryphal texts; and is ideal for
classroom use or personal study. It also includes an essay from John R.
Kohlenberger III on the importance of the Apocrypha.
• Affordable reference edition for students
• Includes introduction to the Apocrypha
• Readable, 9-point type
