The Apocrypha
The term Apocrypha refers to a collection of books included in some versions of the Old Testament but absent from the Hebrew Bible. These books include additions to Daniel and Esther, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, among others.
Derived from the Greek word meaning "hidden" or "secret," the term Apocrypha has come to denote these texts that lie outside the standard canon of Scripture.
The history of the Apocrypha's inclusion and exclusion is complex. The original 1611 version of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible included the Apocrypha. The Church of England deemed these books valuable for personal edification and historical purposes, although not suitable for establishing doctrine.
Traditionally, the Apocrypha was placed in a separate section between the Old and New Testaments. However, starting in the mid-17th century, various publishers and religious groups began to omit the Apocrypha from the KJV for several reasons:
Theological Disagreement: Many Protestant reformers, including Martin Luther, questioned the canonicity of the Apocrypha, noting these books were not part of the Jewish Hebrew Bible and thus should not be considered divinely inspired scripture.
Cost Considerations: Omitting the Apocrypha reduced the cost of printing Bibles.
Influence of Bible Societies: In the 19th century, many Bible societies, such as the British and Foreign Bible Society, explicitly decided against including the Apocrypha in their distributions.
Supporters of the Apocrypha argue the following:
Historical Context: The Apocrypha provides valuable historical and cultural context for the period between the Old and New Testaments.
Christian Usage: Some early Christian communities and Church Fathers, like Augustine, referenced the Apocrypha and included it in their versions of the Old Testament.
Canonical in Some Traditions: The Apocrypha is included in the canon of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, asserting its divine inspiration.
Critics of the Apocrypha argue the following:
Non-Hebrew Origin: The majority of the Apocrypha was written in Greek, not Hebrew, and the Jewish community did not consider them part of their canon.
Lack of New Testament Endorsement: While the New Testament quotes extensively from the Old Testament, it never explicitly quotes any book of the Apocrypha.
Theological Concerns: Some critics believe the Apocrypha contains doctrinal issues that contradict the rest of the Bible.
Ultimately, whether one views the Apocrypha as legitimate God-inspired scripture depends largely on their religious tradition and personal belief.
Why AUC Studies the King James Version Without the Apocrypha
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, completed in 1611, holds a unique position in the history and hearts of many Bible scholars and readers worldwide. AUC has chosen to study the KJV without the Apocrypha for several reasons:
Literary Excellence: The KJV is renowned for its majestic language and poetic beauty. The translators aimed to create a version that was both accurate to the original texts and resonant with the rhythmic and poetic qualities of the English language of the time. This has made it a staple in the study of English literature and a profound influence on the development of the language.
Historical Significance: As one of the earliest and most widespread translations of the Bible into English, the KJV has played a pivotal role in shaping Western culture, morality, and law. Its phrases and idioms have permeated English-speaking societies, making it an essential text for understanding historical contexts, literature, and cultural references.
Theological Influence: For many denominations and scholars, the KJV holds a place of theological importance. Its translation was the work of a committee of scholars deeply versed in the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of the Bible. This collective effort aimed to preserve the theological nuances present in the original manuscripts, making the KJV a revered source for doctrinal study and religious reflection.
Accessibility and Familiarity: Despite the evolution of the English language since the 17th century, the KJV remains accessible to a wide audience. Its verses are often memorized and quoted in religious contexts, providing a sense of continuity and shared heritage among its readers. For many, the familiar language of the KJV brings comfort and a sense of timelessness to their study of the Scriptures.
Comparative Study: In biblical scholarship, comparing translations can offer deeper insights into the nuances of the text. The KJV, with its distinct linguistic style and translation choices, serves as a valuable comparative tool alongside modern translations. This can enrich one's understanding of biblical texts by highlighting different interpretive choices made across centuries.
Spiritual Resonance: For countless individuals, the KJV's language has a unique spiritual resonance. The solemn and poetic quality of its text is often cited as a reason for its preference in personal study and public worship. This version has a way of elevating the reading experience, making the biblical narratives and teachings feel more profound and timeless.
The King James Version of the Bible continues to be relevant and preferred for study today due to its literary beauty, historical significance, theological depth, accessibility, and unique spiritual resonance. Its enduring presence in the landscape of biblical scholarship and personal study attests to its lasting impact and value.