Deuterocanonici

Deuterocanonici is a term used primarily within Christian theology to refer to a specific group of books found in some versions of the Old Testament but not in others. These books are considered canonical by the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and other Eastern Christian traditions, meaning they are part of the divinely inspired Word of God. However, they are not included in the canon of the Hebrew Bible or by most Protestant denominations. The term itself is derived from Greek, meaning "second canon," suggesting their inclusion came at a later stage compared to the protocanonical books, which are accepted by all major branches of Christianity and Judaism.

The books commonly identified as deuterocanonical include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and additions to Esther and Daniel. The content of these books varies, encompassing historical narratives, wisdom literature, and apocalyptic visions. Their canonical status has been a subject of discussion and debate throughout Christian history, particularly during the Reformation when Martin Luther and other reformers excluded them from their Bibles. Despite this, they remain an integral part of the biblical canon for a significant portion of Christians worldwide.