2 Esdras 4:18

Apocryphal Books (English)

If thou wert judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou begin to justify? or whom wouldest thou condemn?

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About this Translation

Apocryphal Books (English)

Dynamic EquivalenceSource: Best for: Historical and cultural study of Second Temple Judaism

🎯 Translation Approach

A curated collection of English renderings of apocryphal and deuterocanonical books, emphasizing clear, contemporary language to convey meaning accurately while maintaining accessibility for modern readers.

Word-for-word

3/5

Readability

4/5

💎 Distinctive Features

Deuterocanonical coverage: Includes apocryphal and deuterocanonical texts present in some Christian traditions but not in the Protestant canon.
Study orientation: Curated to support historical and cultural insights relevant to biblical studies.
Modern English: Uses contemporary English to enhance readability for general audiences.
Cross-tradition relevance: Facilitates comparison between Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant canons.

✅ Strengths

Provides access to deuterocanonical/apocryphal texts
Useful for historical and cultural background to the biblical canon
Readable contemporary English
Supports comparative study across Christian traditions

⚠️ Considerations

Not part of the Protestant canon of 66 books
Variation across texts may reflect differing source traditions
Best used alongside canonical translations for doctrinal study

👥 Who is this for?

Ideal for

Students and researchers of biblical literature
Readers from Catholic and Orthodox traditions
Interfaith or ecumenical study groups
General readers seeking historical background

Consider alternatives for

Readers seeking only the Protestant canon of 66 books
Users requiring a single, uniform translation philosophy across all books
Liturgical use requiring an approved ecclesial edition

🔄 Compare with

NRSVRSVKJV with ApocryphaESV with ApocryphaNABRE

Additional Resources