How many books does the Orthodox Bible have? This question often arises among those who are curious about the differences between the Orthodox and Protestant versions of the Bible. The Orthodox Bible, also known as the Greek Orthodox Bible, contains a distinct number of books compared to the Protestant Bible. Understanding the differences in the number of books and their significance can provide valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of the Orthodox Christian tradition.
The Orthodox Bible consists of 796 books, which is significantly more than the Protestant Bible, which contains 66 books. The additional books in the Orthodox Bible are known as the Apocrypha, a collection of texts that were not included in the Protestant canon due to various reasons. These books, however, hold great importance in the Orthodox tradition and are considered divinely inspired.
The Apocrypha includes books such as 1 and 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Esther (including the Additions), Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, the Prayer of Manasseh, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and the Prayer of Azariah. These books provide additional insights into the history, wisdom, and teachings of the Old Testament period.
One of the key reasons for the inclusion of the Apocrypha in the Orthodox Bible is the belief that they were written by inspired authors under divine guidance. The Orthodox Church considers these books as part of the inspired word of God, and therefore, they are included in the liturgical readings and prayers.
Another reason for the inclusion of the Apocrypha is their historical and cultural significance. These books were widely used by the early Church fathers and were considered important for the formation of Christian doctrine. The Orthodox Church values the historical context and the contributions of these texts to the development of Christian theology.
Despite the differences in the number of books, both the Orthodox and Protestant Bibles share the same core belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the authority of the New Testament. The differences in the Old Testament books do not alter the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith.
In conclusion, the Orthodox Bible contains 796 books, including the Apocrypha, which are considered divinely inspired and hold great importance in the Orthodox tradition. The inclusion of these books reflects the Orthodox Church’s commitment to the historical and cultural context of the Bible, as well as its belief in the inspiration of all sacred texts. Understanding the differences between the Orthodox and Protestant Bibles can help us appreciate the diverse ways in which the Christian faith has been expressed throughout history.
