Pseudepigrafia

Pseudepigrapha refers to ancient writings that are attributed to a revered biblical figure but were actually composed by an unknown author at a later date. These texts are not included in the canonical Hebrew Bible or the New Testament. The term itself is derived from Greek, meaning "falsely ascribed writings." Authors adopted the names of famous biblical figures, such as Enoch, Moses, or Elijah, to lend authority and prestige to their own theological ideas, prophecies, or narratives. The purpose was often to present a particular interpretation of religious history or to offer guidance for a community facing specific challenges.

The collection of pseudepigraphical works is diverse, covering a range of genres including apocalyptic literature, testaments, wisdom writings, and expansions of biblical stories. While not considered scripture by mainstream Judaism or Christianity, these texts offer valuable insights into the religious landscape, theological debates, and cultural milieu of the Second Temple period and early Christian eras. Scholars study pseudepigrapha to understand the development of religious thought, the circulation of ideas, and the diverse ways in which ancient peoples interacted with their sacred traditions. The exact dating and authorship of many pseudepigraphical works remain subjects of scholarly debate.