Definition

Noun: - An Apocryphal book: "I Esdras" is the name of a book found in some versions of the biblical Apocrypha. It is a compilation and reworking of material primarily from the canonical books of 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah in the Old Testament.

Usage Notes

• The term "I Esdras" is used specifically in the context of biblical studies and discussions of deuterocanonical or apocryphal literature.
• It is a proper noun, referring to a specific text, and is typically capitalized.
• In some traditions, this book is also known as "3 Esdras" (with the canonical Ezra and Nehemiah being called "1 Esdras" and "2 Esdras").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The story of the three bodyguards' debate is found in I Esdras.
  • Scholars compare the narrative in I Esdras with its sources in Chronicles and Ezra.
  • The book of I Esdras is included in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew canon.

Advanced Usage

• Textual Analysis: The book is often studied for how it edits, rearranges, and interprets its source material from the Hebrew Bible.
• Canonical Status: Discussions about "I Esdras" frequently involve its status as a deuterocanonical/apocryphal text, which is accepted in some Christian traditions (e.g., Eastern Orthodox) but not in others (e.g., Protestant, Jewish).

Variants and Related Words

• Esdras: The broader name for a group of books associated with the figure Ezra. The numbering varies by tradition.
• 3 Esdras: An alternative name for the same book, used particularly in Latin (Vulgate) tradition.
• Apocrypha: A collection of ancient Jewish writings, some of which are included in certain Christian Bibles.

Synonyms

• 3 Esdras (in specific textual traditions).

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Deuterocanonical: A term for books considered canonical by some Christian traditions but not part of the Hebrew Bible.
• Septuagint: The ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which includes I Esdras.
• Compilation: A text created by assembling material from other sources.

Noun

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