apocrypha

[uh-pok-ruh-fuh]

noun

(often used with a singular verb)

1. (initial capital letter),  a group of 14 books, not considered canonical, included in the Septuagint and the Vulgate as part of the Old Testament, but usually omitted from Protestant editions of the Bible.

2. various religious writings of uncertain origin regarded by some as inspired, but rejected by most authorities.

3. writings, statements, etc., of doubtful authorship or authenticity.

Apocrypha

/ əˈpɒkrɪfə /

noun

1. the 14 books included as an appendix to the Old Testament in the Septuagint and the Vulgate but not included in the Hebrew canon. They are not printed in Protestant versions of the Bible

2. RC Church another name for the Pseudepigrapha

Apocrypha

1. Religious writings that have been accepted as books of the Bible (see also Bible) by some groups but not by others. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, includes seven books, such as Judith, I and II Maccabees, and Ecclesiasticus, in the Old Testament that Jews (see also Jews) and Protestants do not consider part of the Bible. Some churches may read the Apocrypha for inspiration but not to establish religious doctrine.

By extension, an “apocryphal” story is one that is probably false but nevertheless has some value.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Apocrypha¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin < Greek, neuter plural of apókryphos hidden, unknown, spurious, equivalent to apokryph- (base of apokrýptein to hide away; apo-, crypt ) + -os adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of Apocrypha¹

C14: via Late Latin apocrypha ( scripta ) hidden (writings), from Greek, from apokruptein to hide away

Example Sentences

“Borderland Apocrypha,” Cody’s collection of poems reflecting on his biracial identity as an Irish-Mexican American, was a finalist for the 2020 Times Book Prize in poetry.

From Los Angeles Times

Apocrypha like the "Acts of Thomas" and "Acts of Bartholomew" were popular in the medieval period, and even those who couldn't read or write knew these stories.

From Salon

Russell, the author of "God Is Disappointed in You" and "Apocrypha Now," said the comic is a commentary on how Christians misunderstand the Bible and Jesus today.

From Fox News

If you include the Apocrypha, which of course he always did.”

From Literature

“You know, for a moment in Star Wars Apocrypha, Han was actually married to a Wookiee, but does anyone freak out about that?”

From Literature