Definition: Apocrypha refers to writings or reports that are of doubtful authenticity, although often circulated as being true. In a religious context, it specifically denotes the group of biblical books included in the Septuagint and Latin Vulgate but excluded from the Hebrew Bible and, by most Protestant Christian traditions, from the canonical Bible.
Etymology & Origin: The term ‘apocrypha’ originates from the Greek ‘apokryphos,’ which means ‘hidden, obscure.’ It was originally used by early Church fathers to describe writings that were kept hidden because they were considered secret or unworthy of being publicly read. Over time, it evolved to denote texts of dubious authenticity or those excluded from the canon of Scripture.
Examples:
- The books of the Apocrypha are included in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian Bibles but are not part of the Protestant canon.
- Scholars often debate the value and authenticity of apocryphal texts when studying ancient religions and cultures.
