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The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Bible

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Bible is unique among Christian traditions—it is the largest biblical canon in use today.

Languages

Traditionally written in Geʽez (classical liturgical language).
Modern editions may include Amharic translations alongside Geʽez for wider understanding.

Structure

The canon is divided into the Narrower Canon (used in most services) and the Broader Canon (which includes additional books rarely found elsewhere).

📖 Narrower Canon (~81 Books)

Old Testament (46+ books):
- Includes the books found in the Septuagint (e.g., Tobit, Judith, 1–3 Maccabees)
- Unique to the Ethiopian canon: Enoch, Jubilees, Meqabyan (three books distinct from the Maccabees)
New Testament (35 books):
- Includes standard 27 books of the New Testament
- Plus books such as the Sinodos (church order), Book of the Covenant, and Didascali

📖 Broader Canon (up to 88 Books)

Adds books like Clement, Ethiopic Acts of Paul, and various church orders and homilies.

Notable Unique Books

1 Enoch – full text preserved only in Geʽez.
Book of Jubilees (Kufale) – a retelling of Genesis/Exodus chronology.
Meqabyan I–III – moral teachings and battles for faith (not the same as the Jewish Maccabees).
Sinodos – apostolic church laws.
Didascalia – early church order and teaching manual.
Book of the Covenant – guidance on worship and social conduct.

Use in Worship

Scripture is always read in Geʽez first, then explained in Amharic or the local language.
Special readings for feasts, fasts, and saints’ days are taken from both the canonical and liturgical books.
Hymns and commentaries are often interwoven with Bible readings.