What are the Deuterocanonical Books?
The deuterocanonical books are seven books and parts of two others that are included in Catholic Bibles but not in most Protestant versions. The word 'deuterocanonical' comes from the Greek words 'deutero' (second) and 'canon' (rule or measure), meaning 'second canon.' These books were written between approximately 300 BC and 100 AD, during the period between the Old and New Testaments known as the intertestamental period. They include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach (also called Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, as well as additional sections in the books of Daniel and Esther. These books provide valuable insights into Jewish religious thought and practice during this important historical period.
The Catholic Church considers these books to be inspired Scripture and authoritative for faith and practice. They were included in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament that was widely used in the early Church, and were accepted as Scripture by the early Christian community. The Council of Carthage in 397 AD officially confirmed the inclusion of these books in the Catholic canon of Scripture. These books contain important theological themes such as the immortality of the soul, the intercession of angels and saints, the importance of good works alongside faith, and the value of wisdom and righteous living.
Why are They Called Deuterocanonical?
The term 'deuterocanonical' was first used in the 16th century by Catholic scholars to distinguish these books from the protocanonical books (the books that were accepted by all Christians) and the apocryphal books (writings that were not considered inspired). The deuterocanonical books were called 'second canon' because they were accepted as Scripture by the Catholic Church but were not part of the Hebrew canon that was established by the Jewish community. This distinction reflects the different historical developments in how the biblical canon was established in different communities.
The deuterocanonical books were included in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament that was completed in Alexandria, Egypt, around 250 BC. This translation was widely used by Greek-speaking Jews and later by the early Christian community. The early Church Fathers, including St. Augustine and St. Jerome, accepted these books as Scripture, though there was some debate about their status. The Catholic Church ultimately decided to include them in the canon, recognizing their value for understanding the religious and cultural context of the New Testament period and their important theological contributions.
The Seven Deuterocanonical Books
The seven deuterocanonical books each have unique characteristics and contributions to make to the biblical canon. Tobit is a story about a righteous man and his son who experience God's providence and the intercession of the archangel Raphael. The book emphasizes the importance of prayer, almsgiving, and righteous living, and it provides one of the few biblical examples of angelic intercession. Judith tells the story of a courageous woman who saves her people from destruction by using her wisdom and faith to defeat an enemy general. The book emphasizes the power of faith and prayer, and it shows how God can work through unexpected means to accomplish His purposes.
Wisdom, also called the Wisdom of Solomon, is a philosophical reflection on the nature of wisdom and righteousness. It addresses important theological questions about suffering, the immortality of the soul, and the relationship between wisdom and God. The book shows the influence of Greek philosophy on Jewish thought during the intertestamental period. Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) is a collection of wise sayings and teachings that provide practical guidance for living a good and meaningful life. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom, fear of the Lord, and righteous living, and it provides insights into Jewish religious and ethical thought during this period.
Baruch and the Maccabees
Baruch is a prophetic book attributed to Jeremiah's secretary that contains prayers, confessions, and prophecies. It emphasizes the importance of repentance and God's mercy, and it provides comfort to those who are suffering. The book shows how the Jewish people maintained their faith and identity during times of exile and persecution. 1 and 2 Maccabees are historical accounts of the Jewish struggle for independence in the 2nd century BC, when the Jewish people faced persecution under the Seleucid Empire. These books tell the story of the Maccabean revolt and the rededication of the Temple, which is commemorated in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
1 Maccabees provides a detailed historical account of the events leading up to and during the Maccabean revolt, showing how God worked through the Maccabee family to deliver His people from oppression. 2 Maccabees focuses more on the religious aspects of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's law and the reality of the resurrection. Both books provide important historical context for understanding the world in which Jesus lived and the early Church developed. They also show how God remains faithful to His people even in times of great difficulty and persecution.
Additional Sections in Daniel and Esther
The deuterocanonical books also include additional sections in the books of Daniel and Esther that are not found in Protestant Bibles. In the book of Daniel, the deuterocanonical sections include the Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men (Daniel 3:24-90), which are prayers and hymns that were supposedly sung by Daniel's three companions while they were in the fiery furnace. These additions emphasize the power of prayer and God's protection of His faithful servants.
The deuterocanonical sections of Esther include additional prayers, letters, and narrative elements that provide more context and detail to the story. These additions emphasize the importance of prayer and fasting in times of crisis, and they show how God works behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes. The additional sections also provide more information about the historical and cultural context of the story, helping readers better understand the significance of the events described in the book.
Why These Books Matter
The deuterocanonical books matter for several important reasons. First, they provide valuable historical and cultural context for understanding the New Testament period. They show how Jewish religious thought and practice developed during the intertestamental period, and they help bridge the gap between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Understanding these books helps us better understand the world in which Jesus lived and the early Church developed.
Second, the deuterocanonical books contain important theological themes that are developed further in the New Testament. For example, the teaching about the immortality of the soul in Wisdom 3:1-9 is important for understanding the New Testament's teaching about eternal life. The emphasis on good works alongside faith in Sirach and Tobit helps us understand the relationship between faith and works that is discussed in the New Testament letters of James and Paul. The intercession of angels in Tobit provides a foundation for understanding the Catholic teaching about the intercession of saints.
How to Read and Study These Books
Reading and studying the deuterocanonical books can enrich your understanding of Scripture and provide valuable insights into God's plan of salvation. When reading these books, it's important to approach them with the same reverence and attention that you would give to any other part of Scripture. These books are inspired by God and contain His Word, even though they were written during a different historical period than most of the Old Testament.
It's helpful to read these books in light of the rest of Scripture, recognizing how they fit into the broader biblical narrative. Pay attention to themes that are developed further in the New Testament, such as the importance of wisdom, the reality of the resurrection, and the value of righteous living. Consider how these books help us understand the religious and cultural context of Jesus' ministry and the early Church. You might also want to use study resources like Catholic Bible commentaries or the Catechism of the Catholic Church to help you understand the significance of these books for Catholic faith and practice.
The Deuterocanonical Books and Christian Unity
The deuterocanonical books have been a point of difference between Catholic and Protestant Christians, but they can also be a point of dialogue and understanding. While Protestant Christians may not consider these books to be canonical, many Protestant scholars recognize their value for understanding the historical and cultural context of the New Testament period. These books provide important insights into the religious and cultural world in which Jesus lived and the early Church developed.
For Catholic Christians, the deuterocanonical books are an important part of the biblical canon and provide valuable insights into God's revelation. They help us understand the continuity of God's plan of salvation and the development of religious thought during the intertestamental period. These books also provide important theological themes that are developed further in the New Testament, helping us understand the fullness of God's revelation. Whether you are Catholic or Protestant, reading and studying these books can enrich your understanding of Scripture and provide valuable insights into God's plan for humanity.