How Old is the Ethiopian Bible?
The Ethiopian Bible, also known as the Ge’ez Bible or the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible, holds significant historical and cultural value for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church. But how old is this ancient text? Understanding its age is crucial in appreciating its rich heritage and the role it has played in shaping Ethiopian Christianity.
The Ethiopian Bible is believed to have been translated from Greek into Ge’ez, the ancient language of Ethiopia, as early as the 4th century AD. This translation is attributed to Frumentius, a Greek monk who is considered the first bishop of Ethiopia. However, the exact age of the Ethiopian Bible remains a subject of debate among scholars.
Some argue that the translation process began even earlier, during the reign of King Ezana in the 4th century. King Ezana was a convert to Christianity and is said to have sponsored the translation. If this is true, the Ethiopian Bible would be one of the oldest translations of the Bible into a Semitic language.
Another point of contention is the age of the manuscripts that have been preserved. The oldest known manuscript of the Ethiopian Bible dates back to the 6th century. This manuscript, known as the Kebra Nagast, is a critical text for Ethiopian Christians and contains the “Book of the Glory of the Kings,” which narrates the legend of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
Despite the discrepancies in dating, it is widely accepted that the Ethiopian Bible is one of the oldest translations of the Bible and has been a central part of Ethiopian Christian life for over a thousand years. Its age reflects the deep roots of Christianity in Ethiopia and the country’s rich religious history.
