When you pick up an Ethiopian Bible in English, you aren't just reading a different translation; you are reading different history. Here are a few of the fascinating texts included in the Ethiopian canon that are usually missing from Western Bibles:
This expansive canon includes the books found in the King James Version (KJV), but it also encompasses the books found in Catholic Bibles, plus a unique set of texts known as the "Broader Canon."
Have you read the Book of Enoch or the Book of Jubilees? What was your biggest takeaway? Let us know in the comments below! books ethiopian bible in english
Some translations focus specifically on the "Octateuch" (the first eight books, including Jubilees and Enoch alongside the Pentateuch). If you aren't ready to commit to a massive 88-book volume, purchasing a high-quality translation of The Book of Enoch and The Book of Jubilees separately (specifically the translations by R.H. Charles or more modern scholars) is a great way to start exploring the Ethiopian worldview.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the oldest organized Christian bodies in the world. Because of their geographical isolation and strict adherence to ancient traditions, they preserved a canon of scripture that looks very different from the one used in the West. When you pick up an Ethiopian Bible in
While a Protestant Bible has 66 books and a Catholic Bible has 73, the Ethiopian Bible canon contains (depending on the specific print edition and the inclusion of certain smaller works).
If you're designing or reviewing an app, website, or publication, adding (e.g., "Based on the 1962 Ethiopian Bible") will make the feature even more credible. Let us know in the comments below
The Ethiopian Bible offers readers a unique perspective on biblical scripture, steeped in a rich cultural and religious tradition. When looking for an English translation, consider what you are looking for: a scholarly approach, a readable modern English translation, or access to specific books. Given the importance of accuracy and cultural sensitivity, consulting multiple sources and translations can provide a well-rounded understanding of this fascinating biblical tradition. Whether you are a scholar, a student of religion, or simply interested in biblical studies, the Ethiopian Bible in English can be a profoundly enriching resource.
Reading these books provides context that "fills in the gaps" of the Old Testament, offering answers to questions that standard Bibles leave open.
Whether you are a theologian, a history buff, or a curious seeker, here is everything you need to know about the Ethiopian Bible in English.
: The Ethiopian Bible includes books like the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jubilees, which are considered apocryphal or non-canonical by Western Christian churches but are integral to the Ethiopian Orthodox faith.