Defining the Deuterocanon

Sep 27, 2025

In this intriguing discussion, the origins and definitions of key theological terms like deuterocanonical, apocryphal, and pseudepigraphal are explored. Discover the significance of the seven deuterocanonical books in Catholicism, and learn how they differ from apocryphal texts. The podcast also dives into the historical context of these terms, clarifying their varying interpretations across traditions. Finally, the distinction between apocryphal and pseudepigraphal writings sheds light on what’s considered inspired versus falsely attributed in biblical texts.

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INSIGHT

Meaning And Misleading Implication Of Deuterocanonical

"Deuterocanonical" literally means a "second" canonical standard but does not imply inferior inspiration in Catholicism.
Dr. John Bergsma explains the term's origin and stresses these books are fully authoritative in the Catholic Church.

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ANECDOTE

Sixtus Of Siena Coined The Term

Sixtus of Siena coined "deuterocanonical" in 1566 after converting from Judaism and engaging in polemics.
Bergsma uses this historical anecdote to show the term's origin and why it can seem dismissive.

insights

INSIGHT

Canons Vary Across Christian Traditions

Different Christian traditions have different deuterocanons, so the list of additional books varies.
Bergsma notes Eastern churches (e.g., Greek, Ethiopic) accept extra books like Psalm 151 or Jubilees.

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Why Catholic Bibles Are Bigger: Key Terms Overview

00:44 • 30sec

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Meaning and Origin of Deuterocanonical

01:14 • 2min

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Clarifying Status of Deuterocanonical Books

03:09 • 2min

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Which Books Are Deuterocanonical and Eastern Variations

05:20 • 1min

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What Apocryphal Means and Its Historical Use

06:26 • 1min

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Apocrypha vs Deuterocanon Across Traditions

07:41 • 2min

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New Testament Apocrypha Explained

09:56 • 1min

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Definition and Use of Pseudepigraphal

11:22 • 50sec

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Distinguishing Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

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introduction and commentary.

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This book by Hubert Cunliffe-Jones offers a comprehensive introduction and commentary on the biblical book of Deuteronomy. It is part of the Torch Bible Paperbacks series, which aims to provide scholarly yet accessible interpretations of biblical texts. The commentary delves into the historical, theological, and literary aspects of Deuteronomy, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in biblical studies.

The terms “deuterocanonical,” “apocryphal,” and “pseudepigraphal” get thrown around frequently in theological debates—especially amongst Catholics and Protestants. So what do they actually mean?

In this seventh episode of Stunned by Scripture, Dr. John Bergsma unpacks the significance of these terms and lays out the key distinctions between them. Dive deeper into your knowledge of the Bible with John Bergsma in Stunned by Scripture.

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#stunnedbyscripture #johnbergsma #bible #deuterocanonical #apocryphal #pseudepigraphal

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