How Many Books Are Included in the Ethiopian Bible- A Comprehensive Overview
How many books are in the Ethiopian Bible? This question has intrigued scholars and enthusiasts alike for centuries. The Ethiopian Bible, also known as the Ge’ez Bible or the Bible of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, is a unique version of the Christian Scriptures that holds significant importance in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition. Unlike the commonly known Protestant and Catholic versions, the Ethiopian Bible includes additional books that are not present in the standard Christian Bible. Understanding the composition of the Ethiopian Bible is crucial in appreciating its rich history and theological perspectives. Let’s delve into the details of this fascinating text.
The Ethiopian Bible consists of a total of 81 books, which is a significantly larger number compared to the 66 books found in the Protestant and Catholic versions. This expanded collection is a result of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s adherence to the traditional Christian canon, which includes books that were excluded from the Bible during the Council of Trent in the 16th century. The Ethiopian Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Old Testament in the Ethiopian Bible is known as the “Tefahdet,” which means “revelation.” It encompasses the same books as the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. The Tefahdet includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and the Prophets. However, the Ethiopian Old Testament also includes additional books that are not found in the Septuagint or the standard Christian Bible, such as the books of 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, and 3 Esdras. These books, known as the “Apocrypha,” were excluded from the Protestant and Catholic versions of the Bible but are considered canonical in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.
The New Testament in the Ethiopian Bible is called the “Zera Yehu,” which means “the word of Jesus.” It includes the same 27 books as the Protestant and Catholic versions, such as the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. However, the Ethiopian New Testament also includes additional texts that are not found in the standard versions, such as the Ethiopian Gospels and the Ethiopian Acts of the Apostles. These texts provide unique perspectives on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as the early Christian community in Ethiopia.
The inclusion of these additional books in the Ethiopian Bible has led to a rich tapestry of theological and historical interpretations. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church believes that these books were inspired by God and hold equal authority to the canonical books. The Ethiopian Bible serves as a cornerstone of the church’s faith and practice, guiding its followers in spiritual growth and moral living.
In conclusion, the Ethiopian Bible consists of 81 books, with the Old Testament known as the “Tefahdet” and the New Testament as the “Zera Yehu.” This expanded collection of books is a testament to the rich history and theological traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Understanding the composition of the Ethiopian Bible allows us to appreciate the unique perspectives it offers and the profound impact it has had on the Ethiopian Christian community.
