pseudepigrapha
Noun: * A collection of ancient Jewish religious writings, composed roughly between 200 BCE and 200 CE, that are attributed to famous biblical figures (such as prophets or patriarchs) but are not considered part of the canonical Hebrew Bible. Many of these texts are apocalyptic, meaning they deal with revelations about the end of the world, divine judgment, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.
- The term is used as a plural noun to refer to the entire body of these non-canonical writings collectively.
- A single text from this collection is called a pseudepigraphon.
- It is primarily used in academic, theological, and historical contexts when discussing the literature and religious thought of Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity.
- Scholars study the pseudepigrapha to understand the diverse religious ideas that existed in Judaism around the time of Jesus.
- The Book of Enoch is one of the most famous works among the pseudepigrapha.
- His research focuses on apocalyptic themes within the pseudepigrapha.
- The term is often contrasted with the Apocrypha, which are books included in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) and Catholic/Orthodox Old Testaments but not in the Hebrew canon. While there is some overlap, pseudepigrapha generally refers to a broader set of texts not accepted in any major canon.
- The adjective form is pseudepigraphical (e.g., pseudepigraphical literature).
- Pseudepigraphon (n): A single text belonging to the pseudepigrapha.
- Pseudepigraphy (n): The practice or phenomenon of attributing a text to an author who did not actually write it.
- Pseudepigraphical (adj): Of or relating to the pseudepigrapha.
- Non-canonical writings
- Apocryphal writings (in a broad, non-technical sense; note the specific theological distinction mentioned above)
The core meaning of pseudepigrapha hinges on two key ideas: 1. False Attribution (Pseud-) : The writings are ascribed to venerable ancient figures to lend them authority, but their actual authorship is unknown or different. 2. Non-Canonicity: They are not part of the official Hebrew biblical canon. Their value lies in their historical and theological insights, not in their scriptural authority for mainstream Judaism.
- 52 texts written between 200 BC and AD 200 but ascribed to various prophets and kings in the Hebrew scriptures; many are apocalyptic in nature