What is apocrypha definition?

Apocrypha refers to a collection of books that are considered to be of questionable authenticity or are not included in the biblical canon recognized by most major Christian denominations. The term apocrypha comes from the Greek word "apokryphos," which means "hidden" or "obscure." These books were written between the third century BCE and the first century CE, and were not included in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament.

The Apocrypha consists of 15 books, including Tobit, Judith, Sirach, Wisdom of Solomon, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. These books often contain stories, poems, and teachings that are similar in style to biblical literature but are not considered canonical by most religions.

The inclusion and exclusion of specific books in the biblical canon has been a matter of dispute among theologians for centuries. Some denominations, such as the Catholic Church and some Eastern Orthodox churches, include the Apocrypha in their Bible, while other denominations, such as Protestant churches, do not.

The Apocrypha has been a subject of interest for scholars, historians, and theologians, who have studied and debated its historical and theological significance. Overall, the Apocrypha offers unique insights into the religious and cultural values of the time and provides a deeper understanding of the development of the biblical canon.