1. Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

Many Jewish books were composed between 200 B.C.E. and 100 C.E. Written in Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek, the books include wisdom literature, history, short stories, and apocalyptic literature. Some of the books were widely used by Jews of this period, especially the Jews of the diaspora. There are two broad groups, the Apocrypha and the Pseudepigrapha. None of the books, however, became part of any official Jewish collection of scriptures.

Judith and the Head of Holofernes, by Lucas Cranach (1472-1553)

The book of Judith, one of the apocrypha, is a folktale about the pious Israelite widow Judith who beheaded the commander of the Assyrian army, Holofernes, and saved her people.

1530, Art History Museum, Vienna -- CGFA

See also Judith Beheading Holofernes , by Caravaggio (1573-1610) -- WebMuseum, Paris

ToC | Reading the Old Testament

. . . Conclusion. After the Hebrew Bible | ToC