Apocrypha & Pseudepigrapha

1,329 texts · Page 1 of 148

The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha: ancient Jewish texts composed during the Second Temple period that, while not included in the canonical Hebrew Bible, preserve invaluable traditions about angels, the afterlife, and the end of days.

Beginning of Wisdom and Sira

Apocrypha Ben Sira 1:1

And maybe, just maybe, the answer is simpler than we think. The Book of Ben Sira, a text brimming with practical advice and profound insights, starts with a bold claim. It cuts rig...

Wisdom

Judgment of the Wicked and Sira

Apocrypha Ben Sira 1:7

Ben Sira, that wise sage whose words have resonated for centuries, starts with that very feeling. "The sands of the seas, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity, who can count...

Hell/GehennaWisdom

Wisdom of Ben Sira

Apocrypha Ben Sira 1:15

It starts with something seemingly simple: "Unto all flesh he gave her according to his desire, and he will give her to his lovers." Now, who is this "her"? Interpretations vary, b...

CreationWisdom

Wisdom of Ben Sira

Apocrypha Ben Sira 1:21

It offers a perspective that might just change how you see everything. The very first verse sets the stage: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and it increases peace...

CreationPrayerWisdom

Wisdom of Wisdom

Apocrypha Ben Sira 1:27

The ancient wisdom tradition certainly thinks so, and it points us toward something, or rather, someone, very special. Who is this "she" that promises so much joy, so much fulfillm...

Wisdom of Ben Sira and Sirach

Apocrypha Ben Sira 1:33

That tension is something the ancient wisdom tradition wrestled with, too. And it's something we find echoed in the Book of Ben Sira. This book, also known as Sirach or the Wisdom ...

Soul

Wisdom of Ben Sira

Apocrypha Ben Sira 2:1

The Book of Ben Sira, a treasure trove of wisdom literature, has something to say about that very human struggle. It's a book full of practical advice, ethical teachings, and a hea...

Soul

Wisdom of Ben Sira

Apocrypha Ben Sira 2:8

And sometimes, ancient wisdom is exactly what we need to steady ourselves. Today, let's dive into some powerful advice from the Book of Ben Sira, a treasure trove of Jewish ethical...

SoulExile

Proverbs of Ben Sira and Adonai

Apocrypha Ben Sira 2:13

That moment of doubt, when faith feels… fragile. But what does our tradition teach us about those times? Ben Sira, a book of wisdom literature from around the 2nd century BCE, offe...