The Bible has been an essential religious text for centuries, but did you know that there are dozens of "lost" or "missing" books that were once part of the Bible? These books are collectively known as the "lost books of the Bible" and were removed from the Bible for various reasons, including their controversial or heretical content.
Here is a list of 75 missing books from the Bible, along with a brief description of each:
- The Book of Adam and Eve: A collection of stories about Adam and Eve, including their expulsion from the Garden of Eden and their lives after.
- The Book of Enoch: A series of visions and revelations attributed to the biblical figure Enoch.
- The Book of Jubilees: A retelling of the first book of Genesis, focusing on the story of creation and the lives of Adam and Eve.
- The Book of Jasher: A historical book that covers events from the creation of Adam and Eve to the conquest of Canaan.
- The Book of Wisdom (also known as the Wisdom of Solomon): A poetic meditation on wisdom and the nature of God.
- The Wisdom of Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus): A collection of wise sayings and ethical teachings attributed to the biblical figure Jesus ben Sirach.
- The Letter of Aristeas: A letter written in the 2nd century BCE that tells the story of the translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek.
- The Prayer of Manasseh: A prayer attributed to the biblical figure Manasseh, who repented of his sins.
- The Psalms of Solomon: A collection of psalms attributed to King Solomon.
- The Book of Baruch: A book attributed to Baruch, a scribe of the prophet Jeremiah.
- The Letter of Jeremiah (also known as Baruch chapter 6): A letter written in the name of the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon.
- The Additions to the Book of Esther: Additional verses and stories added to the book of Esther.
- The Song of the Three Holy Children (also known as the Prayer of Azariah): A song of praise attributed to three young men who were thrown into a furnace for refusing to worship a Babylonian idol.
- The Story of Susanna: A story about a virtuous woman who is falsely accused of adultery.
- Bel and the Dragon: A story about the Babylonian god Bel and a dragon that is worshipped by the Babylonians.
- The Prayer of Manasses: A prayer attributed to the biblical figure Manasseh, who repented of his sins.
- 1 Esdras: A historical book that covers events from the reign of Josiah to the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile.
- 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra): A series of visions and prophecies attributed to the biblical figure Ezra.
- 3 Esdras (also known as 1 Esdras in the Latin Vulgate): A historical book that covers events from the Babylonian exile to the rebuilding of the temple.
- 4 Esdras (also known as 2 Esdras in the Latin Vulgate): A series of visions and prophecies attributed to the biblical figure Ezra.
- Tobit: A story about a man named Tobit who is cured of blindness by an angel.
- Judith: A story about a woman named Judith who saves her people from an invading army.
- The Rest of Esther: Additional verses and stories added to the book of Esther.
- The Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach (also known as the Ecclesiasticus): A collection of wise sayings and
- The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs - This collection of texts features the dying speeches of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as the patriarchs. Each speech includes advice, prophecies, and personal reflections from the patriarchs, making it a valuable historical and theological resource.
- The Prayer of Manasseh - This is a short prayer attributed to Manasseh, a wicked king of Judah who later repented and turned to God. It is a powerful expression of penitence and supplication.
- The Book of Jubilees - Also known as the Little Genesis or the Apocalypse of Moses, this text presents a retelling of the Book of Genesis with additional details and interpretations.
- The Martyrdom of Isaiah - This book details the martyrdom of the prophet Isaiah and his vision of heaven. It includes prophecies about the coming of Christ and the end of the world.
- The Psalms of Solomon - This collection of 18 psalms was written during the Second Temple period. It expresses the hopes and fears of the Jewish people during a time of political upheaval and religious change.
- The Apocalypse of Baruch - This text is attributed to Baruch, a scribe and disciple of the prophet Jeremiah. It presents visions of the end times and the coming of the Messiah.
- The Letter of Aristeas - This is a letter attributed to Aristeas, a courtier in the court of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. It describes the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek and provides valuable insights into the history of the Bible.
- The Ascension of Isaiah - This book details the ascent of the prophet Isaiah into heaven and his encounters with angels and demons. It includes prophecies about the coming of Christ and the end of the world.
- The Wisdom of Solomon - This book presents the wisdom of King Solomon, known for his legendary wisdom. It includes reflections on the nature of God, human nature, and the meaning of life.
- The Letter of Jeremiah - This is a letter attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, warning the Jewish people against the worship of idols.
- The History of the Rechabites - This book presents the history and teachings of the Rechabites, a sect of nomadic Jews known for their asceticism and devotion to God.
- The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men - This book is included as an apocryphal addition to the Book of Daniel. It features the prayers of Azariah, one of the three young men thrown into the fiery furnace by Nebuchadnezzar.
- The Bel and the Dragon - Also included as an apocryphal addition to the Book of Daniel, this text details the story of the prophet Daniel and his confrontation with the Babylonian god Bel.
- The Epistle to the Laodiceans - This is a short letter attributed to the apostle Paul, though its authenticity is widely debated. It includes exhortations to the early Christian community in Laodicea.
- The Gospel of the Nazarenes - This gospel is attributed to the followers of Jesus in Nazareth. It presents a version of the life and teachings of Jesus with unique perspectives and interpretations.
- The Gospel of the Ebionites - This gospel is attributed to a Jewish Christian sect known as the Ebionites. It presents a version of the life and teachings of Jesus from a Jewish perspective.
- The Gospel of the Hebrews - This gospel is attributed to the Hebrews, a Jewish Christian community. It presents a version of the life and teachings of Jesus with a focus on Jewish traditions and beliefs.
- The Gospel of Peter: This gospel is believed to have been written in the 2nd century and was widely used by early Christian communities. The Gospel of Peter offers an alternate version of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, and includes details not found in the canonical gospels. The text was highly regarded by some early Christians, but eventually fell out of favor and was not included in the canon.
- The Apocalypse of Peter: This book was written in the 2nd century and was popular among some early Christian communities. It offers a vivid description of the punishments that await sinners in Hell, and includes a vision of heaven. Although it was highly regarded by some early Christians, it was not included in the canon.
- The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs: This work is a collection of writings that date back to the 2nd century BC. It offers the last words and blessings of the 12 sons of Jacob to their children. The work was highly regarded in early Christian communities and was used as a source for moral teachings. Although it was highly regarded by some early Christians, it was not included in the canon.
- The Acts of John: This text is believed to have been written in the 2nd century and is a collection of stories and sayings of John the Apostle. The text was highly regarded by some early Christians, but eventually fell out of favor and was not included in the canon.
- The Gospel of Thomas: This gospel is a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, and was discovered in the Nag Hammadi library in Egypt in 1945. The text is believed to have been written in the 2nd century, and includes some material that is similar to the canonical gospels, as well as some that is unique. The text was highly regarded by some early Christians, but eventually fell out of favor and was not included in the canon.
- The Gospel of Mary Magdalene: This gospel is also part of the Nag Hammadi library, and is believed to have been written in the 2nd century. It offers an alternate version of some of the events found in the canonical gospels, and focuses on the role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus’ ministry. The text was highly regarded by some early Christians, but eventually fell out of favor and was not included in the canon.
- The Acts of Paul: This text is believed to have been written in the 2nd century, and is a collection of stories and sayings of Paul the Apostle. The text was highly regarded by some early Christians, but eventually fell out of favor and was not included in the canon.
- The Gospel of the Savior: This gospel is believed to have been written in the 2nd century, and is a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus. The text was highly regarded by some early Christians, but eventually fell out of favor and was not included in the canon.
- The Gospel of the Egyptians: This gospel is also part of the Nag Hammadi library, and is believed to have been written in the 2nd century. It offers an alternate version of some of the events found in the canonical gospels, and focuses on the teachings of Jesus rather than his life and ministry. The text was highly regarded by some early Christians, but eventually fell out of favor and was not included in the canon.
- The Secret Book of James: This text is also part of the Nag Hammadi library, and is believed to have been written in the 2nd century. It offers an alternate version of some of the events found in the canonical gospels, and includes teachings attributed to James, the brother of Jesus. The text was highly regarded by some early Christians, but eventually fell out of favor and was not
- The Prayer of Manasseh - This is a prayer attributed to King Manasseh, who ruled the Kingdom of Judah in the 7th century BCE. It is included in the biblical apocrypha and is considered a deuterocanonical book by some Christian denominations.
- 3 Esdras - Also known as 1 Esdras in some versions of the Bible, this book is a historical and religious text that covers the period of the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
- 4 Esdras - Also known as 2 Esdras in some versions of the Bible, this book contains a series of prophetic visions that were supposedly revealed to the biblical figure Ezra.
- The Apocalypse of Baruch - This book is attributed to the biblical figure Baruch, who was a scribe and assistant to the prophet Jeremiah. It contains prophecies about the end of the world and the coming of the Messiah.
- The Letter of Jeremiah - This book is also known as Baruch chapter 6 in some versions of the Bible. It is a letter written by the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon, warning them against the worship of idols.
- The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Holy Children - These are two prayers that are included in some versions of the Book of Daniel. They are part of a larger story in which three Jewish youths are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship the Babylonian king's idol.
- Susanna - This book tells the story of Susanna, a pious Jewish woman who is falsely accused of adultery by two elders. She is eventually vindicated by the prophet Daniel.
- Bel and the Dragon - This book tells the story of the Babylonian god Bel and the dragon that was worshipped alongside him. It is also included in some versions of the Book of Daniel.
- The Prayer of Manasses - This prayer is attributed to Manasseh, a king of Judah who was known for his wickedness but who repented and turned to God. It is included in some versions of the biblical apocrypha.
- 1 Maccabees - This book tells the story of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. It is considered a deuterocanonical book by some Christian denominations.
- 2 Maccabees - This book continues the story of the Maccabean Revolt and includes accounts of the martyrdoms of several Jewish leaders. It is also considered a deuterocanonical book.
- 3 Maccabees - This book tells the story of a persecution of Jews in Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy IV Philopator in the 3rd century BCE. It is also included in some versions of the biblical apocrypha.
- 4 Maccabees - This book is a philosophical treatise that discusses the themes of reason and virtue. It is included in some versions of the biblical apocrypha.
- Psalm 151 - This is an additional psalm that is attributed to King David. It is included in some versions of the Septuagint and is considered a deuterocanonical book by some Christian denominations.
- The Odes of Solomon - This is a collection of 42 hymns or songs that were composed by an unknown author in the 1st or 2nd century CE. They are considered to be among the earliest Christian hymns and are included in some versions of the biblical apocrypha.
- The Epistle of Barnabas – This book is believed to have been written between the first and second century A.D. and was originally attributed to Barnabas, a companion of the apostle Paul. It is a homily that encourages readers to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid false teachings.
- The Didache – Also known as "The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles," this book was written in the first century A.D. and provides instructions for Christian living and church practices. It is considered one of the earliest Christian texts outside of the New Testament.
- The Shepherd of Hermas – Written in the second century A.D., this book is a series of visions and parables that encourage readers to live a righteous life. It was widely read and respected in early Christian communities, and some early church leaders considered it to be inspired scripture.
- The Odes of Solomon – This collection of hymns and poetry dates back to the first century A.D. and was likely used in early Christian worship services. The odes offer praise and worship to God, and some of them contain prophetic messages.
- The Acts of Paul and Thecla – This book tells the story of Thecla, a young woman who converted to Christianity after hearing Paul preach. It was widely circulated in the early Christian church and is considered one of the earliest examples of Christian literature that focuses on the experiences of women.
- The Acts of Peter – This book tells the stories of Peter's miracles and his conflicts with the Roman authorities. It was likely written in the third century A.D. and was widely read in early Christian communities.
- The Acts of John – This book tells the stories of John's miracles and teachings. It was likely written in the second or third century A.D. and was widely read in early Christian communities.
- The Apocalypse of Peter – This book is a vision of the afterlife that was likely written in the second century A.D. It describes the punishments of sinners and the rewards of the righteous, and it was widely read and respected in early Christian communities.
- The Testament of Solomon – This book is a collection of stories about King Solomon and his encounters with demons. It was likely written in the first or second century A.D. and was widely read in early Christian communities. It provides insights into early Christian beliefs about the supernatural world.