Why the Ethiopian Bible Has More Books
The Ethiopian Bible is a treasure of the ancient Christian world. Written in Geʽez and venerated in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, it includes eighty‑one books — thirty‑five in the New Testament and forty‑six in the Old Testament. Unlike other Christian Bibles, it preserves texts and traditions lost or rejected elsewhere. This unique canon invites us to consider the breadth of Scripture and the ways the Holy Spirit has worked through diverse communities over the centuries.
What is the Ethiopian Bible?
The Ethiopian Bible is the sacred scripture of one of the oldest Christian traditions. It is written primarily in Geʽez and used in both the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches. It contains more books than Protestant or Roman Catholic Bibles, including texts such as 1 Enoch, Jubilees, and 1–3 Meqabyan. Many of these works survive in complete form only in Geʽez.
How many books are included?
Where Protestants acknowledge sixty‑six books and Roman Catholics acknowledge seventy‑three, the Ethiopian Church has eighty‑one inspired books. The canon consists of the familiar Hebrew scriptures, the Deuterocanonical books recognized by the Catholic and Orthodox churches, and additional works such as Enoch, Jubilees, 4 Baruch and 4 Ezra.
Why does the Ethiopian Bible have more books?
The Ethiopian canon developed in a region that encountered both Judaism and Christianity very early. Ethiopian Christians and Jews preserved texts that were widely read in the early Church and among Jewish communities, even after many others no longer considered them canonical. Works like 1 Enoch, Jubilees, and the three books of Meqabyan are examples. The Ethiopian Church’s emphasis on tradition alongside Scripture also allowed these writings to be valued across centuries. As a result, the canon reflects a rich tapestry of ancient Jewish and Christian thought.
What books are unique to the Ethiopian canon?
In addition to the standard Old and New Testament books, the Ethiopian Bible includes:
Jubilees
1 Enoch
1–3 Meqabyan
4 Baruch
4 Ezra
The Book of Josippon
The Books of the Covenant
Some of these books, like the Meqabyan texts, survive only in Geʽez. Others, like 1 Enoch and Jubilees, were preserved in full only because Ethiopian scribes copied them faithfully.
Why does this matter?
The Ethiopian canon reminds us that the history of the Bible is more complex than a simple list of books. It shows how different communities have preserved and cherished different parts of God’s revelation. Studying these texts can deepen our understanding of early Judaism and Christianity and reveal themes and traditions that shaped the faith of the ancient Church.
How can I read these books?
English translations of the Ethiopian canon exist, though they are often published separately. The Books of Enoch and Jubilees are available in standalone volumes; translations of 1–3 Meqabyan, 4 Baruch, and 4 Ezra are less common but can be found in academic collections. A few modern publishers have produced compiled translations of the eighty‑one‑book canon. When exploring these works, remember that they are best read alongside the teaching of the Church and in prayer.
The Ethiopian Bible’s expanded canon is not an oddity but a witness to the diversity and richness of early Christian Scripture. It invites us to broaden our perspective, appreciate the faith of Ethiopian Christians, and explore the ancient texts they have preserved. Their reverence for Scripture and tradition encourages us to seek wisdom wherever God’s word is found.
