book of susanna
Proper noun An apocryphal book, or a short narrative, that is an addition to the biblical Book of Daniel. It is part of the deuterocanonical literature in some Christian traditions, notably Catholic and Eastern Orthodox, but is not included in the Hebrew Bible or most Protestant Old Testaments. The story centers on Susanna, a virtuous woman falsely accused of adultery, who is vindicated by the wisdom of the young Daniel.
The term "Book of Susanna" is used to refer specifically to this discrete text within the Apocrypha. * Scholars study the Book of Susanna for its themes of justice, wisdom, and false testimony. * In the Vulgate, the Book of Susanna forms the thirteenth chapter of the Book of Daniel. * The narrative of the Book of Susanna is often cited in discussions of early courtroom drama and legal procedure.
- "The Story of Susanna" or "Susanna and the Elders": These are common alternative titles for the same narrative, often used in artistic and literary contexts.
- Canonical Status: The phrase is frequently used in theological discourse to discuss the book's deuterocanonical status, e.g., "The Book of Susanna is considered canonical by the Catholic Church."
- Susanna (Proper noun): The name of the central character in the story.
- History of Susanna (Proper noun): Another traditional title for the book.
- Additions to Daniel (Proper noun): The collective name for the apocryphal additions to the Book of Daniel, which includes the Book of Susanna, the Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Holy Children, and Bel and the Dragon.
- The Story of Susanna (narrative synonym)
- History of Susanna (traditional title synonym)
This term refers exclusively to a specific, short biblical text. It is not used as a common noun phrase (e.g., it does not mean "a book belonging to someone named Susanna"). Its meaning is fixed within the context of biblical and apocryphal literature.
- an Apocryphal book consisting of text added to the Book of Daniel