What are the 14 books removed from the Bible?

Over centuries, various religious traditions have debated which books should be included or excluded from the Bible. One of the most intriguing aspects of this history involves the so-called "14 books removed from the Bible." These texts, often referred to as the Apocrypha, were once included in some versions of the Bible but are missing from most Protestant editions today.

The Formation of the Biblical Canon

To understand why certain books were removed from the Bible, it's helpful to know how the biblical canon—the official list of books considered Scripture—was established. The process was gradual, spanning centuries and influenced by religious, political, and cultural factors.

The Old Testament (or Hebrew Bible) was largely established by Jewish communities before the birth of Christianity, but even then, different Jewish groups recognized different collections of texts. Early Christians adopted the Hebrew Scriptures but also developed their own writings, which eventually became the New Testament. Disagreements about which books were authoritative persisted for centuries. By the fourth century CE, church councils began to formalize the canon, but differences remained among Christian traditions.

What Is the Apocrypha?

The term "Apocrypha" refers to a set of ancient texts that were included in some early versions of the Old Testament but are not found in most modern Protestant Bibles. The word itself comes from the Greek for "hidden" or "secret." To Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, many of these books are known as "deuterocanonical"—meaning "second canon"—and are still considered Scripture. For Protestants, however, these books are typically excluded or placed in a separate section.

The confusion arises because different denominations have different biblical canons. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century was a turning point: leaders like Martin Luther argued that only texts found in the Hebrew Bible should be considered canonical, leading to the removal of the Apocrypha from most Protestant Bibles.

The 14 Books: An Overview

The list of "14 books removed from the Bible" usually refers to the following texts:

1. 1 Esdras
2. 2 Esdras
3. Tobit
4. Judith
5. Additions to Esther
6. Wisdom of Solomon
7. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)
8. Baruch
9. The Letter of Jeremiah
10. The Prayer of Azariah
11. Susanna
12. Bel and the Dragon
13. The Prayer of Manasseh
14. 1 Maccabees
15. 2 Maccabees

You may notice there are actually 15 items in this list; the number can vary depending on how certain sections are counted (for example, the Additions to Esther, Prayer of Azariah, Susanna, and Bel and the Dragon are sometimes grouped together as parts of the Book of Daniel or Esther). The commonly cited number “14” typically refers to the major works.

The Content and Themes of the 14 Books

Each of these books offers unique stories, teachings, and perspectives. Here’s a brief overview of each:

1 & 2 Esdras

These books recount events related to the Jewish exile and return from Babylon. 1 Esdras covers much of the same ground as the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, while 2 Esdras (sometimes called the Apocalypse of Ezra) contains apocalyptic visions and prophecies about the end times.

Tobit

A tale of piety, family, and divine intervention, Tobit tells the story of a devout Israelite and his son Tobias, who, with the help of the angel Raphael, overcomes adversity and finds love.

Judith

Judith is a dramatic story of a courageous Jewish widow who saves her people by deceiving and assassinating the Assyrian general Holofernes.

Additions to Esther

These additions expand the canonical Book of Esther, adding prayers, letters, and more explicit references to God, which are lacking in the Hebrew version.

Wisdom of Solomon

Attributed to King Solomon, this philosophical text explores themes of wisdom, justice, and the fate of the righteous and the wicked.

Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)

Also known as the Book of Sirach, this work offers practical advice and moral teachings, similar to Proverbs, and praises wisdom as the foundation for a good life.

Baruch and The Letter of Jeremiah

Baruch, the scribe of the prophet Jeremiah, is said to have composed this book during the Babylonian exile. The Letter of Jeremiah, sometimes a standalone book, warns against idolatry.

The Prayer of Azariah, Susanna, and Bel and the Dragon

These three works are considered additions to the Book of Daniel. The Prayer of Azariah is a psalm of praise from the fiery furnace; Susanna tells the story of a virtuous woman falsely accused and vindicated by Daniel; Bel and the Dragon depicts Daniel exposing the fraudulence of Babylonian idols.

The Prayer of Manasseh

This brief text is a penitential prayer attributed to King Manasseh of Judah, seeking forgiveness for his sins.

1 & 2 Maccabees

These historical books chronicle the Jewish revolt against Seleucid oppression (the Maccabean Revolt), the rededication of the Temple, and the origins of Hanukkah.

Why Were These Books Removed?

The removal of these books was largely the result of theological and historical debates during the Reformation. Martin Luther and other Reformers questioned the authority of the Apocryphal books, noting that they were not part of the Hebrew Bible. They argued that these texts, while valuable for instruction, did not have the same divine inspiration as the canonical books.

The development of the printing press and the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages (such as the King James Version) also influenced which books were included. Early editions of the King James Bible (1611) included the Apocrypha in a separate section, but later Protestant editions omitted them altogether.

The Catholic and Orthodox Perspective

Despite their exclusion from most Protestant Bibles, the Apocryphal books retain a significant place in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) affirmed the canonicity of most of these books for the Roman Catholic Church. Eastern Orthodox Bibles contain even more additional texts, reflecting different traditions in the ancient church.

For Catholics and Orthodox Christians, these books provide valuable historical, ethical, and spiritual lessons. They are read in liturgical settings, referenced in doctrine, and seen as divinely inspired.

The Legacy and Influence of the Removed Books

Although the 14 books are not part of most Protestant Bibles today, their influence remains. They shed light on the intertestamental period—the centuries between the Old and New Testaments—providing historical and religious context for the world into which Jesus was born. Themes from these books, such as divine wisdom, justice, and resistance to oppression, resonate throughout Christian thought.

Many Protestant Christians are unaware of these texts, but scholars and theologians often study them for their literary, theological, and historical value. The stories of Tobit, Judith, and the Maccabees, for example, have inspired countless works of art, literature, and even religious practices (such as Hanukkah).

The Apocrypha in Modern Bibles

While most Protestant Bibles exclude the Apocryphal books, some editions—such as certain versions of the King James Bible or the Revised Standard Version—include them in a separate section. These texts are typically labeled "for historical reference" or "for edification," rather than as authoritative Scripture.

Interest in the Apocrypha has grown in recent years, with many readers seeking out these "lost" books to gain a fuller understanding of biblical history and literature. Some modern Bibles, study guides, and online resources make these texts readily available for those who wish to explore them.

Are These Books Really "Lost"?

Describing the Apocrypha as "removed" or "lost" can be misleading. These books were never universally accepted as canonical by all branches of Judaism or Christianity. Their status has always been debated, and their inclusion or exclusion reflects differences in doctrine, tradition, and theology. What is clear, however, is that these texts have been an important part of religious and cultural history.

For those interested in deepening their understanding of the Bible and its development, reading the Apocryphal books can be eye-opening. They offer a window into the religious life, struggles, and hopes of ancient communities whose voices are sometimes missing from the canonical Bible.