DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS Meaning and
Definition
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Deuterocanonical books, also known as the Apocrypha, refer to a collection of religious writings that are considered sacred or canonical by certain Christian denominations but are not universally recognized as part of the official canon of the Old Testament. The term "deuterocanonical" itself means "second canon," signifying their status as secondary or disputed books within the biblical context.
These books are predominantly found in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, and include works such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, among others. However, they are notably absent from the Hebrew Bible's Masoretic Text, which has been widely accepted as the authoritative text for Judaism.
The acceptance and inclusion of deuterocanonical books vary among different Christian traditions. While the Roman Catholic Church regards these books as inspired and part of its official canon, Protestant denominations generally consider them to be helpful for spiritual reading but not on par with the canonical books of Scripture. Eastern Orthodox churches also accept these writings as authoritative, although their individual reception may differ.
The deuterocanonical books cover a wide range of genre, including historical accounts, prayers, wisdom literature, and moral teachings. They provide valuable insights into Jewish religious life and beliefs during the intertestamental period, filling gaps between the Old and New Testaments. As such, they are often studied and appreciated for their historical and cultural value, as well as their spiritual significance in some Christian communities.
Etymology of DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS
The word "deuterocanonical" is derived from two Greek words: "deutero" which means "second" or "secondary", and "canonical" which refers to something that is accepted as part of a religious canon or authoritative list. Therefore, the term "deuterocanonical books" refers to a second or secondary list of books included in certain versions of the Bible, particularly by the Catholic Church, but not recognized as part of the official Hebrew Bible by Jews or some Protestant denominations.
