Definition

Proper noun * 1 Esdras: An apocryphal book of the Old Testament, consisting of a compilation and re-telling of material found in the canonical books of 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is not part of the Hebrew Bible or the standard Protestant canon but is included in some editions of the Septuagint and is considered deuterocanonical by some Christian traditions.

Usage

• 1 Esdras is used as the title of a specific biblical text. It is typically treated as a singular, proper noun.
  • Scholars compare the narrative in 1 Esdras with the accounts in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
  • The story of the three bodyguards is a famous section found only in 1 Esdras.

Advanced Usage

• The book is sometimes referred to as Greek Esdras or 3 Esdras (depending on different numbering systems used in Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant traditions). However, in modern academic and ecumenical contexts, "1 Esdras" is the most widely recognized designation for this specific compilation.

Variants and Related Words

• Esdras: The name itself, from the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Ezra." It is used as the title for several related texts.
• 2 Esdras: A separate apocalyptic text, also apocryphal/deuterocanonical.
• Ezra: The canonical book of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament from which much of 1 Esdras is derived.
• Apocrypha: A term for biblical books included in the Septuagint and Vulgate but not in the Hebrew canon.
• Deuterocanonical: A term used primarily in Catholic and Orthodox traditions for books of the Old Testament not in the Hebrew canon but considered canonical.

Synonyms

• Greek Esdras
• 3 Esdras (Note: This is a synonym only within specific historical numbering systems; it refers to the same text.)

Related Phrases

• The book of 1 Esdras: A more formal or explicit phrasing.
  • The debate concerns the historical value of the book of 1 Esdras.

Noun

1. an Apocryphal book consisting of a compilation from I Chronicles and II Chronicles and Ezra and Nehemiah