Overview
The Ethiopian Bible is one of the oldest, largest, and most unique biblical canons, containing books and traditions not found in most other Christian Bibles. Its origins, history, and exclusion from mainstream Christian canon are rooted in Ethiopia’s distinctive religious development, linguistic factors, and historical-political circumstances.
Origins and Historical Background
- The Ethiopian Bible contains 88 books, significantly more than the 66 in the King James Bible.
- Ethiopia is one of the oldest civilizations and the only African country never colonized, tracing Biblical lineage to Ham, son of Noah.
- Christianity was present in Ethiopia by the 4th century, predating many other nations' conversion.
- The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is considered the oldest organized Christian body, locally known as Tewahedo.
- Illustrated Christian manuscripts in the ancient Ge'ez language have been found in Ethiopian monasteries.
- Ethiopian tradition claims the Queen of Sheba had a son with King Solomon, forming a royal and spiritual lineage.
- Genetic studies suggest ancient mixing between Ethiopians and populations from Israel, Egypt, or Syria.
Biblical Canon Formation
- Early Christian leaders standardized the New Testament canon to address false writings and ensure authenticity.
- The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and Council of Constantinople (381 AD) defined criteria for scriptural inclusion.
- St. Jerome’s Vulgate (4th century) became the principal Latin translation, excluding many texts present in other canons.
- King James I commissioned the King James Bible (1611), further shaping the mainstream biblical canon by excluding certain books.
- The Ethiopian Bible retains texts omitted elsewhere, including Old Testament works and uniquely Ethiopian scriptures.
Ethiopian Bible Canon Structure
- The broader Ethiopian canon contains 81 books, including Enoch, Jubilees, and other rare texts.
- A narrower canon, established by Emperor Haile Selassie, has 72 books and is the officially proclaimed version.
- Differences between broad and narrow canons add to controversy and confusion over acceptance.
Reasons for Exclusion from Mainstream Canon
- The Ethiopian Bible includes pseudepigrapha—texts falsely attributed to biblical figures—considered non-canonical by most Christian traditions.
- Language barriers (Ge'ez), limited translations, and unfamiliar church practices restrict its global influence.
- Political motives in early Christianity, especially in Rome, led to the exclusion and destruction of non-approved texts.
- Surviving manuscripts, like those found in the Dead Sea region, demonstrate historical efforts to preserve discredited works.
Recent Developments and Ongoing Interest
- Academic and public interest in the Ethiopian Bible is increasing, revealing its historical and theological significance.
- The Ethiopian Church is expanding accessibility through translations and research.
- The Ethiopian Bible has endured historical threats, including invasion, war, and fire, heightening its mystique.