Editorial Note: As a Christmas and New Year experiment, I am opening up comments to not just the elite score of you paid subscribers, but to the entire horde of hundreds of dear readers!
Merry Christmas. Heaux, heaux, heaux, and all that jazz. In the West, we are still in the canonical 12 Days of Christmas; whose sing-song lyrics, I have just learned, contain an esoteric catechism within, from when Anglos (Church of England) persecuted the Latins (Roman Catholics) in their midst.
Some Greeks (Eastern Orthodox / Dyophysites / Chalcedonians), as a polemic, point toward the uniformity of their rite. Maybe the motto featured on the Great Seal of the United States of Ameria, E PLURIBUS UNUM, successfully propagandized me as a yute. Out of many, one. We Afroasiatics (Oriental Orthodox / Miaphysites / Non-Chalcedonians) have had more than one rite from the very beginning; Alexandrine (Egypt) and Antiochene (Syria). Over the centuries, this expanded to many, and yet, we are still one.
The Aksumite Church (Abyssinian / Ethiopian) has had influences from Alexandria and Antioch, but has also blossomed on her own to include many eye-catching oddities. One of these is in regard to her gathering, collecting, and enumerating of the holy scriptures. Regarding this matter I have fielded many questions irl and on my various extremely online platforms.
I usually just give a tried-and-true elevator pitch to the inquirer, and then send them a followup email. But recently I have been flabbergasted and gobsmacked by the increased frequency of this question, and I think I have finally found the culprit. I am convinced there is some lesser demon, in service of Mammon, with access to AI who is churning out ever more preposterous material in order to make money off of the zealous but misguided masses, and frustrate me personally.
How many books are there in the Bible?
These two sponsored collections of top shelf bullshit masked as mere superfluity, brought to you by ‘Edward Jones’, ‘Asher Wilson’, and ‘Bob Henry Oakland’, are now best sellers on Amazon. I think all of these names are AI-generated, to hide a dummy corp which is hiding the marionettist. Whilst I wait on Scooby-doobie-doo et al to unveil them, if any of you are lawyers willing to sue, I actually want to pursue this demon, or legion, in the court of law, on behalf of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church. This has to be some form of libel.
First, there is no authorized translation of the Ethiopian Bible into the English language. I repeat, there is no authorized translation of the Ethiopian Bible into the English language. Although we have evidence of the scriptures in Ge’ez since the 4th to 6th centuries, during the Aksumite period, we just got an authorized commercial Ge’ez bible a few short years ago. We have had an abridged commercial Amharic version since the mid-20th Century, and got the full thing in the 1980s. Write a letter to your local Ethiopian Orthodox bishop to hire me to begin the tremendous task of translating the EOTC bible into English, if that is the type of thing you are in to.
Second, let us return to the question of numerology, keeping in mind that “mysticism begins with mist, puts the I in the center, and ends with schism” (John Henry Newman? G.K. Chesterton?). Let alone 208, there are not 88 books in the Ethiopian Bible. So, how many books are there in the Bible?
The Germanics (Protestants) stick to 66 books. And the Latins and Greeks 73 books. We Afroasiatics have differing opinions, but for us that is no big deal, in fact, we take it as a sign of the miraculous grace of God who has kept us so different on matters like this but still the same on matters of dogma. Copts follow the Latins and Greeks with 73, which is no surprise as they have been Hellenized since Aristotle’s number one student Alexander the Great marched over there a few centuries before the first advent of Jesus Christ. I have come across different numberings of the Peshitta (Syriac), I will defer to whatever Prof. Michael Wingert says on the matter. But it may be 61 books. The Ge’ez is 81 books.
How we get to this mystical number of 81 varies from time-to-time, but it mostly hinges on how strict or loose we are with our Old Testament (OT). The New Testament (NT) is for the most part the same. Whereas the Syriac NT rejects 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation, we accept them all and even read St. John’s Revelation in its entirety during faseeka/pascha (Easter), the feast of feasts. Whereas the Latin and Greek OT is inclusive of: Tobit, Judith, Wisdom (of Solomon), (Wisdom of) Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees, 1 Esdras and 2 Esdras, and additions to other books, the Ge’ez has all of these, and more and different Maccabees and Enoch and Jubilees. There is also sometimes different splittings of preexisting books, influence from the Ascension of Isaiah, and the addition of certain texts from the Apostolic Fathers such as the Shepherd of Hermas.
Since we in Aksum received our bishopric from St. Athanasius of Alexandria (aka The Great aka Against the World), it may be helpful to hear what he has to say about this matter in his 39th Festal Letter (367 A.D.). Also, he may hurt your feelings.
They have fabricated books which they call books of tables, in which they shew stars, to which they give the names of Saints. And therein of a truth they have inflicted on themselves a double reproach: those who have written such books, because they have perfected themselves in a lying and contemptible science; and as to the ignorant and simple, they have led them astray by evil thoughts concerning the right faith established in all truth and upright in the presence of God.
But since we have made mention of heretics as dead, but of ourselves as possessing the Divine Scriptures for salvation; and since I fear lest, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians, some few of the simple should be beguiled from their simplicity and purity, by the subtlety of certain men, and should henceforth read other books—those called apocryphal—led astray by the similarity of their names with the true books; I beseech you to bear patiently, if I also write, by way of remembrance, of matters with which you are acquainted, influenced by the need and advantage of the Church…
There are, then, of the Old Testament, twenty-two books in number; for, as I have heard, it is handed down that this is the number of the letters among the Hebrews; their respective order and names being as follows. The first is Genesis, then Exodus, next Leviticus, after that Numbers, and then Deuteronomy. Following these there is Joshua, the son of Nun, then Judges, then Ruth. And again, after these four books of Kings, the first and second being reckoned as one book, and so likewise the third and fourth as one book. And again, the first and second of the Chronicles are reckoned as one book. Again Ezra, the first and second are similarly one book. After these there is the book of Psalms, then the Proverbs, next Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. Job follows, then the Prophets, the twelve being reckoned as one book. Then Isaiah, one book, then Jeremiah with Baruch, Lamentations, and the epistle, one book; afterwards, Ezekiel and Daniel, each one book. Thus far constitutes the Old Testament.
Again it is not tedious to speak of the [books] of the New Testament. These are, the four Gospels, according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Afterwards, the Acts of the Apostles and Epistles (called Catholic), seven, viz. of James, one; of Peter, two; of John, three; after these, one of Jude. In addition, there are fourteen Epistles of Paul, written in this order. The first, to the Romans; then two to the Corinthians; after these, to the Galatians; next, to the Ephesians; then to the Philippians; then to the Colossians; after these, two to the Thessalonians, and that to the Hebrews; and again, two to Timothy; one to Titus; and lastly, that to Philemon. And besides, the Revelation of John.
These are fountains of salvation, that they who thirst may be satisfied with the living words they contain. In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no man add to these, neither let him take ought from these. For concerning these the Lord put to shame the Sadducees, and said, ‘Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures.’ And He reproved the Jews, saying, ‘Search the Scriptures, for these are they that testify of Me’ But for greater exactness I add this also, writing of necessity; that there are other books besides these not indeed included in the Canon, but appointed by the Fathers to be read by those who newly join us, and who wish for instruction in the word of godliness. The Wisdom of Solomon, and the Wisdom of Sirach, and Esther, and Judith, and Tobit, and that which is called the Teaching of the Apostles, and the Shepherd. But the former, my brethren, are included in the Canon, the latter being [merely] read; nor is there in any place a mention of apocryphal writings. But they are an invention of heretics, who write them when they choose, bestowing upon them their approbation, and assigning to them a date, that so, using them as ancient writings, they may find occasion to lead astray the simple.
Start with the smallest biblical canon you can find. This is what Emperor Haile Selassie (hayle silasé) did commissioning the first authorized Amharic version for commercial release to feed the souls of his people in the mid-20th Century. Once you have committed these to memory and exhausted all effort of studying them, then move on the second canon books, and as my abe nefs (father of my soul; spiritual father) recommended to me over a decade ago, do so at home.
I have taught my Sunday school students these past five months a sampler plate of the universal letters of St. Jacob (James), St. Peter, and St. John, excluding what the Syriac exclude. Does this mean I hate 2 Peter and 2 & 3 John? God forbid. I love them. And especially Jude. See Tewahido Bible Study. But “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3).
And so those of you driven to limit the canon should be more open to instruction from other books. And those of you who would boast about having more books and put down those with fewer books, should first exhaustively study those acknowledged by the many.
Glory to God, for all tingz.
Post Scriptum:
For more on the biblical canon see Tedros Abraha’s The Biblical Canon of the Orthodoks Täwaḥədo Church of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Pontificio Istituto Orientale (2017). Il canone biblico nelle chiese orientali (Pages: 95-122).
Here is a beautiful prayer you get from the Old Greek (OG), itself a translation from an ancient and lost Hebrew as evidenced by the Dead Sea Scrolls found in the Qumran community of Essenes, that the EOTC received which is not in the Masoretic Hebrew version of the Scroll of Daniel. It is about the angel of the Lord being sent by God to deliver the three youth, friends of Daniel, from the fiery furnace. I find it beautiful and edifying. In the Ge’ez tradition, it is usually compiled in Psalters, and I have heard Copts singing it liturgically (here and here). In the Ge’ez tradition we interpret the wax (type; surface layer) as Gabriel, even though no version of Daniel explicitly mentions him by name in Daniel 3 (he is explicitly named in Daniel 8 & 9), and the gold (archetype; deeper meaning) as Jesus Christ, and remember this particularly during the month of tahisas (roughly December) for the bi-annual feast day of the archangel St. Gabriel, which happens to be placed in the midst of the minor holidays of the Lord Jesus (sibket and birhan; heralding and light) leading up to Christmas.
The Prayer of Azariah & The Song of The Three Youth
The Prayer of Azariah:
And they walked about in the midst of the flames, singing hymns to God and blessing the Lord. Then Azariah stood and offered this prayer; in the midst of the fire he opened his mouth and said:
"Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: thy name is worthy to be praised and glorified for evermore: For thou art righteous in all the things that thou hast done to us: yea, true are all thy works, thy ways are right, and all thy judgments truth. Thou hast executed true judgments in all the things that thou hast brought upon us, and upon Jerusalem, the holy city of our fathers, for in truth and justice thou hast brought all this upon us because of our sins. For we have sinned and committed iniquity, departing from thee. In all things have we trespassed, and not obeyed thy commandments, nor kept them, neither done as thou hast commanded us, that it might go well with us. Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us, and every thing that thou hast done to us, thou hast done in true judgment. And thou didst deliver us into the hands of lawless enemies, most hateful forsakers of God, and to an unjust king, and the most wicked in all the world. And now we cannot open our mouths, we are become a shame and reproach to thy servants; and to them that worship thee. Yet deliver us not up wholly, for thy name's sake, neither disannul thou thy covenant: And cause not thy mercy to depart from us, for thy beloved Abraham's sake, for thy servant Isaac's sake, and for thy holy Israel's sake; To whom thou hast spoken and promised, that thou wouldest multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that lieth upon the seashore. For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and be kept under this day in all the world because of our sins. Neither is there at this time prince, or prophet, or leader, or burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place to sacrifice before thee, and to find mercy. Nevertheless in a contrite heart and an humble spirit let us be accepted: Like as in the burnt offerings of rams and bullocks, and like as in ten thousands of fat lambs: so let our sacrifice be in thy sight this day, and grant that we may wholly go after thee: for they shall not be confounded that put their trust in thee. And now we follow thee with all our heart, we fear thee, and seek thy face. Put us not to shame: but deal with us after thy lovingkindness, and according to the multitude of thy mercies. Deliver us also according to thy marvellous works, and give glory to thy name, O Lord: and let all them that do thy servants hurt be ashamed; And let them be confounded in all their power and might, and let their strength be broken; And let them know that thou art God, the only God, and glorious over the whole world."
The Song of the Three Youth:
And they stood up and blessed God in the furnace, saying:
"Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. And blessed is thy glorious and holy name: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Blessed art thou in the temple of thy holy glory: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever, O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O all ye waters that be above the heaven, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O all ye winds, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye dews and storms of snow, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye ice and cold, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye frost and snow, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O let the earth bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye mountains and hills, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O all ye things that grow in the earth, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye fountains, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye seas and rivers, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O all ye fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O Israel, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever. O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever: for he hath delivered us from place of the dead, and saved us from the hand of death, and delivered us out of the midst of the furnace and burning flame: even out of the midst of the fire hath he delivered us. O give thanks unto the Lord, because he is gracious: for his mercy endureth for ever. O all ye that worship the Lord, bless the God of gods, praise him, and give him thanks: for his mercy endureth for ever."
This prayer gives us popular phrases we hear everywhere in the Ge’ez tradition, such as yitbarek igzeeabhér amlake abeweene sibuhnee wiitu we’liulnee wiitu le’alem (blessed be the lord the god of our fathers, glorious and most high is he forever).
I’m looking for commentaries on apocrypha…. I don’t think it’ll happen in my lifetime :(
Thank you so much for this insightful clarification. May God continue to bless you always.