bel and the dragon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun: - Bel and the Dragon: An apocryphal text, or a short book, that is an addition to the biblical Book of Daniel. It is not included in the canonical Hebrew Bible but is found in some versions of the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate. The text contains stories that further showcase Daniel's wisdom and faith.
Usage
- As a title: The term is used to refer to this specific apocryphal work.
- "Bel and the Dragon" is considered part of the biblical apocrypha.
- Scholars study the themes in "Bel and the Dragon".
Advanced Usage
- In academic or theological contexts: Used to discuss non-canonical scriptures, comparative religion, or the development of the Daniel tradition.
- The narrative of "Bel and the Dragon" shares motifs with other ancient Near Eastern stories.
- Her thesis focused on the literary structure of "Bel and the Dragon".
Variants and Related Words
- The Additions to Daniel: This is a broader term that collectively refers to "Bel and the Dragon" along with two other apocryphal additions: "The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Holy Children" and "Susanna".
- Apocrypha (n): Writings or stories of unknown authorship or of doubtful authenticity, specifically those biblical books not accepted as canonical.
- Deuterocanonical (adj): A term used primarily in Catholic and Orthodox traditions to describe biblical books considered canonical but which are not in the Hebrew Bible. "Bel and the Dragon" is often included in this category.
Synonyms
- The Additions to Daniel (when referring to the collection).
- An apocryphal Daniel story.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- "The story of Bel": Often used to refer to the first episode within "Bel and the Dragon", where Daniel exposes the fraud of the idol Bel.
- "The story of the Dragon": Often used to refer to the second episode, where Daniel slays a dragon worshipped by the Babylonians.
Noun
- an Apocryphal book consisting of text added to the Book of Daniel