Explore the fascinating and controversial texts of the Biblical Apocrypha, and read the complete collection online for free.
The term “Apocrypha” (from the Greek for “hidden things”) refers to a collection of Jewish religious writings composed roughly between 300 BCE and 100 CE. These books were included in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible and later in the Latin Vulgate, but were not included in the final canon of the Hebrew Tanakh. They occupy a unique and contested space: considered deuterocanonical (a “second canon”) by Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians, but generally not included in the Protestant biblical canon, where they are often published as an intertestamental section between the Old and New Testaments.
This diverse collection includes historical narratives (1 & 2 Maccabees), wisdom literature (Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach/Ecclesiasticus), devotional stories (Tobit, Judith, additions to Daniel and Esther), prophetic texts (Baruch), and prayers (Prayer of Manasseh). They provide an invaluable bridge between the Old and New Testaments, illuminating the development of Jewish thought during the Second Temple period—a time of Hellenistic influence, intense theological debate, and the rise of concepts like resurrection, angelology, and personal morality. Reading the Apocrypha offers a deeper, richer understanding of the historical and intellectual context from which Christianity emerged.
On this page, you can investigate these pivotal texts. We offer a complete collection of the Apocryphal books for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | The Apocrypha (Deuterocanonical Books) |
| Author | Various (Unknown/Anonymous) |
| Year of Composition | c. 300 BCE – 100 CE |
| Genre | Religious Scripture, Historical Narrative, Wisdom Literature, Devotional Fiction |
| Language | English (Translation from Greek/Hebrew) |
| Legal Status | Public Domain (Specific translations may vary) |
| Format | Online Reading |
[Read the Apocrypha Online]
Delve into the hidden books of the intertestamental period. Begin your exploration with key texts like the heroic story of Judith or the wisdom of Sirach interactively below.
This preview offers a glimpse into the style and themes of the Apocrypha, but the full collection of historical accounts, wisdom teachings, and dramatic stories is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About the Apocrypha
These books are not a unified whole but a library of distinct works that share the common trait of being contested in canonical status, offering a window into a formative era of religious history.
Historical Bridge: The “Silent Years”
The Apocrypha covers the period between the last prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible (like Malachi) and the birth of Jesus. This was the era of Greek (Hellenistic) and later Roman rule, the Maccabean Revolt, and the rise of Jewish sects like the Pharisees and Sadducees. Books like 1 & 2 Maccabees are primary historical sources for this turbulent time, documenting the fight for Jewish religious freedom.
Theological Development
Key theological concepts that are vague or absent in the earlier Hebrew Bible are developed here:
- Afterlife and Resurrection: The Book of Wisdom and 2 Maccabees explicitly argue for the immortality of the soul and bodily resurrection, ideas that became central to Christianity and later Rabbinic Judaism.
- Angelology and Demonology: Detailed angelic hierarchies and named demons (like Asmodeus in Tobit) appear, reflecting increased interest in the spiritual cosmos.
- Personal Piety and Ethics: Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) is a vast compendium of practical and moral advice, similar to Proverbs but with a stronger emphasis on personal religious observance and the fear of the Lord.
Literary Genres and Masterpieces
- Historical: 1 Maccabees is a stirring, nationalist account of the Hasmonean revolt. 2 Maccabees is more theological, emphasizing martyrdom (e.g., the story of the mother and her seven sons).
- Wisdom: The Wisdom of Solomon blends Jewish theology with Greek philosophical concepts like the Logos. Sirach is an unparalleled guide to daily ethical living.
- Narrative Fiction: Tobit is a charming folk tale of angelic guidance, marriage, and healing. Judith is a dramatic story of a beautiful widow who saves her city by assassinating an enemy general—a work of patriotic fiction.
- Additions: Expansions to canonical books, like the poignant “Prayer of Azariah” in the fiery furnace (Daniel) and the politically sharp “Letter of Jeremiah.”
The Canonical Debate
The status of these books was debated for centuries. Jerome included them in the Vulgate but noted their non-canonical (“apocryphal”) status compared to the Hebrew books. The Protestant Reformers, following Jewish canon, generally removed them, citing their late composition and absence from the Hebrew Bible. The Catholic Church affirmed their canonicity at the Council of Trent (1546) in response to the Reformation.
Cultural and Literary Influence
The Apocrypha has had an enormous impact on Western art, literature, and thought. Stories like Judith and Holofernes, Susanna and the Elders, and Bel and the Dragon have been depicted by countless artists. Phrases like “the touch of Midas” (from 2 Maccabees) and concepts from the Wisdom books permeate Western culture.
Why Read the Apocrypha Today?
For students of religion, history, or literature, it is indispensable. It provides critical context for understanding the New Testament world (Jesus and Paul would have been familiar with these ideas). For the general reader, it offers compelling stories, profound wisdom, and insight into the diverse and dynamic world of Second Temple Judaism. It challenges the notion of a monolithic “Bible” and reveals the living, debated process of scriptural formation.
FAQ
Are the Apocrypha considered Scripture?
It depends on the Christian tradition. Yes, for Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox (who may include a few additional books). No, for most Protestant denominations, which consider them useful for instruction but not authoritative for doctrine. They are not part of the Jewish canon.
Why were they removed from some Bibles?
Primarily because the Protestant Reformers sought to return to the earliest sources (sola scriptura) and adopted the narrower Hebrew canon as their Old Testament. They argued the Apocrypha, while edifying, were not originally written in Hebrew (most were in Greek) and contained doctrines (like prayers for the dead) they disputed.
What is the difference between Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha?
“Apocrypha” typically refers to the deuterocanonical books found in the Septuagint. “Pseudepigrapha” is a broader category of many other Jewish religious writings from the same period that were never considered for canonical inclusion, often attributed to famous ancient figures (e.g., 1 Enoch, Jubilees).
Is there valuable history in the Apocrypha?
Yes, especially 1 Maccabees, which is a crucial source for the events of 175-134 BCE. However, scholars treat it (like all ancient sources) critically, as it has a clear partisan perspective favoring the Hasmonean dynasty.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. The collection is substantial but can be explored book by book. Their varied genres—from history to short stories—make for engaging reading on any device.