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Word Study
Apocrypha
CIDE DICTIONARY
Apocrypha, n. pl. [L. apocryphus apocryphal, Gr. hidden, spurious, fr. to hide; from + to hide.].
- Something, as a writing, that is of doubtful authorship or authority; -- formerly used also adjectively. Locke. [1913 Webster]
- Specif.: Certain writings which are received by some Christians as an authentic part of the Holy Scriptures, but are rejected by others. [1913 Webster]" Fourteen such writings, or books, formed part of the Septuagint, but not of the Hebrew canon recognized by the Jews of Palestine. The Council of Trent included all but three of these in the canon of inspired books having equal authority. The German and English Reformers grouped them in their Bibles under the title Apocrypha, as not having dogmatic authority, but being profitable for instruction. The Apocrypha is now commonly /mitted from the King James's Bible." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Apocrypha, n.pl.
1 the books included in the Septuagint and Vulgate versions of the Old Testament but not in the Hebrew Bible.
1 the books included in the Septuagint and Vulgate versions of the Old Testament but not in the Hebrew Bible.
Usage
Modern Bibles sometimes include them in the Old Testament or as an appendix, and sometimes omit them.
2 (apocrypha) writings or reports not considered genuine.
2 (apocrypha) writings or reports not considered genuine.
Etymology
ME f. eccl.L apocrypha (scripta) hidden writings f. Gk apokruphos f. apokrupto hide away
ROGET THESAURUS
Apocrypha
Judeo-Christian Revelation
N Judeo-christian revelation, revelation, inspiration, afflatus, theophany, theopneusty, Word, Word of God, Scripture, the Scriptures, the Bible, Holy Writ, Holy Scriptures, inspired writings, Gospel, Old Testament, Septuagint, Vulgate, Pentateuch, Octateuch, the Law, the Jewish Law, the Prophets, major Prophets, minor Prophets, Hagiographa, Hagiology, Hierographa, Apocrypha, New Testament, Gospels, Evangelists, Acts, Epistles, Apocalypse, Revelations, Talmud, Mishna, Masorah, prophet, evangelist, apostle, disciple, saint, the Fathers, the Apostolical Fathers, Holy Men of old, inspired penmen, scriptural, biblical, sacred, prophetic, evangelical, evangelistic, apostolic, apostolical, inspired, theopneustic, theophneusted, apocalyptic, ecclesiastical, canonical, textuary.Also see definition of "Apocrypha" in Bible Study Dictionaries
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