Pseudepigrapha

views updated Jun 11 2018

Pseudepigrapha. Jewish and Christian books whose purported origin or authorship is not as claimed by themselves. Thus books are attributed to Moses, Baruch, Solomon, Peter, Thomas, etc. Famous examples include the Book of Enoch, Jubilees, The Ascension of Isaiah, The Assumption of Moses, The Book of Adam and Eve, and The Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs. See also APOCRYPHA.

Pseudepigrapha

views updated May 29 2018

Pseudepigrapha Jewish writings of the period 200 bc–ad 200 that have been falsely attributed to a biblical author. They follow the style and content of authentic Old Testament works. The term refers more widely to almost all ancient Jewish texts that have not been accepted as canonical by the Christian Church. See also Apocrypha

pseudepigrapha

views updated May 21 2018

pseudepigrapha spurious or pseudonymous writings, especially Jewish writings ascribed to various biblical patriarchs and prophets but composed within approximately 200 years of the birth of Christ.

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