The term deuterocanonical describes a specific collection of ancient texts that occupy a distinct space within certain religious canons. While these books are treated as non-canonical by Judaism and most Protestant denominations, they are recognized as divinely inspired scripture by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Understanding this category requires examining the historical development of the biblical canon and the specific criteria used to distinguish authoritative texts.
Historical Origins and the Septuagint
The development of the deuterocanonical books is inextricably linked to the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible known as the Septuagint. Produced by Jewish scholars in Alexandria between the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE, the Septuagint included several works not found in the Hebrew canon. Early Christian communities, which primarily used the Septuagint, accepted these additional books as scripture. The distinction between protocanonical (the Hebrew core) and deuterocanonical (the Greek additions) emerged later as theological boundaries were formally defined.
Defining the Deuterocanonical List
The specific books classified as deuterocanonical vary slightly between denominations, but a core collection is generally acknowledged. These texts were often written during the intertestamental period, a time of significant political upheaval and religious reflection for the Jewish people. They provide crucial historical and cultural context for the Second Temple period, illuminating the worldview of the authors of the New Testament. The list typically includes the following works.
The Core Texts
The deuterocanonical corpus encompasses a range of literary genres, from historical narratives to wisdom literature and apocalyptic visions. These books were preserved and revered in early Christian communities, eventually being codified in the Latin Vulgate by Jerome. Though he personally questioned their canonical status, he translated them due to their widespread use in the Western Church. The following table outlines the primary books recognized as deuterocanonical.
Book | Common Alternative Name | Primary Genre
Tobit | The Book of Tobit | Novella
Judith | The Book of Judith | Historical Novella
1 Maccabees | — | Historical Narrative
2 Maccabees | — | Historical Narrative
Wisdom of Solomon | — | Wisdom Literature
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) | The Book of Sirach | Wisdom Literature
Baruch | — | Letter / Confession
Additions to Daniel | The Prayer of Azariah, Susanna, Bel and the Dragon | Apocalyptic / Additions
Additions to Esther | — | Historical Additions
