O.T. Canon Lists

[Origen]

It is clear that many people have an interest in which books belong in the O.T. canon. However, I have not seen is anyone post the historical or manuscript evidence.

I will first divided the lists into Greek and Latin sources starting with earliest ones first. The manuscript evidence also be added according to the date of the codex.

Please note the books have been named according to their modern titles.

I. Greek Lists Second Century
Bryennios List - The Bryennios List dates ca. 2nd century A.D.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
Esdras A
Esdras B
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophet

There is some uncertainty as to the books of Esdras A and Esdras B. However it is most likely they are Ezra and Nehemiah respectively.

Melito's List - Melito's list is dated to A.D. 170. This list comes from Eusebius.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
Esdras
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Wisdom
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) The book of Esther is omitted from the list.
(2) The book Nehemiah is not explicitly mentioned but may have been included with Esdras.
(3) The book of Lamentations is not explicitly mentioned but may have been included with Jeremiah.
(4) There is an issues concerning the book(s) of Proverbs and Wisdom. It is a translation issue (i.e. Σολομῶνος Παροιμίαι ἡ καὶ Σοφία). Are there two books, one Proverbs and the another named Wisdom, or just one book Proverbs also called Wisdom. Naturally both positions have been argued.

II. Greek Lists Third Century
Origen's List - Scholars dates Origen's list to ca. A.D. 220-240. This list comes from Eusebius.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
Esdras A
Esdras B
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets
Maccabees (outside the canon)

(1) There is some uncertainty as to the books of Esdras A and Esdras B. However it is most likely they are Ezra and Nehemiah respectively.
(2) The Epistle of Jeremiah is clearly listed and link to Jeremiah.
(3) In regard to the Maccabees Origen states "And outside of these [i.e. the above books just listed by Origen] there are the Maccabees."

I will supplement the above information tomorrow.

 

[Origen]

Before moving on to the 4th century lists, the Jewish sources must be examined.

Josephus (Against Apion I.37–44) This work is dated ca. A.D. 95.
Unfortunately Josephus does not list the books by name.

He states: "Our books, those which are justly accredited, are but two and twenty, and contain the record of all time."

Joesphus gives the number of books as 22. That number will be cited by many church fathers. Origen give the number as 22 and this will be important.

He states: Of these, five are the books of Moses, comprising the laws and the traditional history from the birth of man down to the death of the lawgiver.

He states: "From the death of Moses until Artaxerxes, who succeeded Xerxes as king of Persia, the prophets subsequent to Moses wrote the history of the events of their own times in thirteen books."

He states: "The remaining four books contain hymns to God and precepts for the conduct of human life."

I. The five books of Moses are the Torah (i.e. Pentateuch).
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy

II. The remaining four books contain hymns and precepts.
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon

This section comes third in Josephus's comments. It seems certain these are the four books he means. It is the next section that need to be unpacked.

III. The prophets subsequent to Moses wrote the history of the events of their own times in thirteen books.
Joshua
Judges- Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
Ezra-Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Isaiah
Jeremiah-Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophet

In order to get the number 13 certain books have to be grouped together. As mentioned above, Origen gave the number of books as 22 but places certain books into groups. For example Origen writes:

"Judges and Ruth, among them in one book"
"the first and second of Kings, among them one"
"of the Chronicles, the first and second in one"

These types of grouping were completely normal.

Babylonian Talmud, Baba Bathra 14b–15a
The Babylonian Talmud is the only Jewish document that lists the books by name. There are a couple of points to note. First, in the Babylonian Talmud this is a baraita. That means it is a tradition not incorporated in the Mishnah. However, the phrase "Our Rabbis taught" is the standard phrase introducing a tannaitic tradition (i.e. placing it in the 2nd century A.D.). Second, the Babylonian Talmud itself dates to ca. sixth century.

"Our Rabbis taught: The order of the Prophets is, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and the Twelve Minor Prophets. Let us examine this. Hosea came first, as it is written, God spake first to Hosea [Hos. 1:2]. But did God speak first to Hosea? Were there not many prophets between Moses and Hosea? R. Joḥanan, however, has explained that [what it means is that] he was the first of the four prophets who prophesied at that period, namely, Hosea, Isaiah, Amos, and Micah. Should not then Hosea come first?—Since his prophecy is written along with those of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, and Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi came at the end of the prophets, he is reckoned with them. But why should he not be written separately and placed first?—Since his book is so small, it might be lost [if copied separately]. Let us see again. Isaiah was prior to Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Then why should not Isaiah be placed first?—Because the Book of Kings ends with a record of destruction and Jeremiah speaks throughout of destruction and Ezekiel commences with destruction and ends with consolation and Isaiah is full of consolation; therefore we put destruction next to destruction and consolation next to consolation.

The order of the Writings is Ruth, the Book of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Daniel and the Scroll of Esther, Ezra and Chronicles. Now on the view that Job lived in the days of Moses, should not the book of Job come first?—We do not begin with a record of suffering. But Ruth also is a record of suffering?—It is a suffering with a sequel [of happiness], as R. Joḥanan said: Why was her name called Ruth?—Because there issued from her David who replenished the Holy One, blessed be He, with hymns and praises.

Who wrote the Scriptures?—Moses wrote his own book and the portion of Balaam and Job. Joshua wrote the book which bears his name and [the last] eight verses of the Pentateuch. Samuel wrote the book which bears his name and the Book of Judges and Ruth. David wrote the Book of Psalms, including in it the work of the elders, namely, Adam, Melchizedek, Abraham, Moses, Heman, Yeduthun, Asaph, Korah. Jeremiah wrote the book which bears his name, the Book of Kings, and Lamentations. Hezekiah and his colleagues wrote (Mnemonic YMSHḲ) Isaiah, Proverbs, the Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. The Men of the Great Assembly wrote (Mnemonic ḲNDG) Ezekiel, the Twelve Minor Prophets, Daniel and the Scroll of Esther. Ezra wrote the book that bears his name and the genealogies of the Book of Chronicles up to his own time. This confirms the opinion of Rab, since Rab Judah has said in the name of Rab: Ezra did not leave Babylon to go up to Eretz Yisrael until he had written his own genealogy. Who then finished it [the Book of Chronicles]?—Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah."

Note that the books of the Torah are not specifically named. However it is very safe to assume all the books of the Pentateuch were part of the Jewish canon. They are divided into two

The Torah (assumed)

The Nevi'im - the Prophets
Joshua
Judges
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Isaiah
12 Minor Prophet

The Ketuvim - The Writings
Ruth
Psalms
Job
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs
Lamentations
Esther
Ezra
Chronicles

It is very likely that the book of Nehemiah, though not explicitly mentioned, would have been grouped with Ezra. Nehemiah is mentioned in the above text. In this list Ruth is not grouped with Judges nor is Lamentations grouped with Jeremiah. If they were grouped together, as normally done, that would bring the number of books to 22.

 

[pinacled]

Excellent summary of history with a clear foundation.

 

[pinacled]

Before moving on to the 4th century lists, the Jewish sources must be examined.

Josephus (Against Apion I.37–44) This work is dated ca. A.D. 95.
Unfortunately Josephus does not list the books by name.

He states: "Our books, those which are justly accredited, are but two and twenty, and contain the record of all time."

Joesphus gives the number of books as 22. That number will be cited by many church fathers. Origen give the number as 22 and this will be important.

He states: Of these, five are the books of Moses, comprising the laws and the traditional history from the birth of man down to the death of the lawgiver.

He states: "From the death of Moses until Artaxerxes, who succeeded Xerxes as king of Persia, the prophets subsequent to Moses wrote the history of the events of their own times in thirteen books."

He states: "The remaining four books contain hymns to God and precepts for the conduct of human life."

I. The five books of Moses are the Torah (i.e. Pentateuch).
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy

II. The remaining four books contain hymns and precepts.
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon

This section comes third in Josephus's comments. It seems certain these are the four books he means. It is the next section that need to be unpacked.

III. The prophets subsequent to Moses wrote the history of the events of their own times in thirteen books.
Joshua
Judges- Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
Ezra-Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Isaiah
Jeremiah-Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophet

In order to get the number 13 certain books have to be grouped together. As mentioned above, Origen gave the number of books as 22 but places certain books into groups. For example Origen writes:

"Judges and Ruth, among them in one book"
"the first and second of Kings, among them one"
"of the Chronicles, the first and second in one"

These types of grouping were completely normal.

Babylonian Talmud, Baba Bathra 14b–15a
The Babylonian Talmud is the only Jewish document that lists the books by name. There are a couple of points to note. First, in the Babylonian Talmud this is a baraita. That means it is a tradition not incorporated in the Mishnah. However, the phrase "Our Rabbis taught" is the standard phrase introducing a tannaitic tradition (i.e. placing it in the 2nd century A.D.). Second, the Babylonian Talmud itself dates to ca. sixth century.

"Our Rabbis taught: The order of the Prophets is, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and the Twelve Minor Prophets. Let us examine this. Hosea came first, as it is written, God spake first to Hosea [Hos. 1:2]. But did God speak first to Hosea? Were there not many prophets between Moses and Hosea? R. Joḥanan, however, has explained that [what it means is that] he was the first of the four prophets who prophesied at that period, namely, Hosea, Isaiah, Amos, and Micah. Should not then Hosea come first?—Since his prophecy is written along with those of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, and Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi came at the end of the prophets, he is reckoned with them. But why should he not be written separately and placed first?—Since his book is so small, it might be lost [if copied separately]. Let us see again. Isaiah was prior to Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Then why should not Isaiah be placed first?—Because the Book of Kings ends with a record of destruction and Jeremiah speaks throughout of destruction and Ezekiel commences with destruction and ends with consolation and Isaiah is full of consolation; therefore we put destruction next to destruction and consolation next to consolation.

The order of the Writings is Ruth, the Book of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Daniel and the Scroll of Esther, Ezra and Chronicles. Now on the view that Job lived in the days of Moses, should not the book of Job come first?—We do not begin with a record of suffering. But Ruth also is a record of suffering?—It is a suffering with a sequel [of happiness], as R. Joḥanan said: Why was her name called Ruth?—Because there issued from her David who replenished the Holy One, blessed be He, with hymns and praises.

Who wrote the Scriptures?—Moses wrote his own book and the portion of Balaam and Job. Joshua wrote the book which bears his name and [the last] eight verses of the Pentateuch. Samuel wrote the book which bears his name and the Book of Judges and Ruth. David wrote the Book of Psalms, including in it the work of the elders, namely, Adam, Melchizedek, Abraham, Moses, Heman, Yeduthun, Asaph, Korah. Jeremiah wrote the book which bears his name, the Book of Kings, and Lamentations. Hezekiah and his colleagues wrote (Mnemonic YMSHḲ) Isaiah, Proverbs, the Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. The Men of the Great Assembly wrote (Mnemonic ḲNDG) Ezekiel, the Twelve Minor Prophets, Daniel and the Scroll of Esther. Ezra wrote the book that bears his name and the genealogies of the Book of Chronicles up to his own time. This confirms the opinion of Rab, since Rab Judah has said in the name of Rab: Ezra did not leave Babylon to go up to Eretz Yisrael until he had written his own genealogy. Who then finished it [the Book of Chronicles]?—Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah."

Note that the books of the Torah are not specifically named. However it is very safe to assume all the books of the Pentateuch were part of the Jewish canon. They are divided into two

The Torah (assumed)

The Nevi'im - the Prophets
Joshua
Judges
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Isaiah
12 Minor Prophet

The Ketuvim - The Writings
Ruth
Psalms
Job
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Songs
Lamentations
Esther
Ezra
Chronicles

It is very likely that the book of Nehemiah, though not explicitly mentioned, would have been grouped with Ezra. Nehemiah is mentioned in the above text. In this list Ruth is not grouped with Judges nor is Lamentations grouped with Jeremiah. If they were grouped together, as normally done, that would bring the number of books to 22.

Wisdom has 3 threads woven in charity.
Sight is more than color

 

[Origen]

Excellent summary of history with a clear foundation.

Thank you

 

[Stephen]

II. Greek Lists Third Century
Origen's List - Scholars dates Origen's list to ca. A.D. 220-240. This list comes from Eusebius.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
Esdras A
Esdras B
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets
Maccabees (outside the canon)

(1) There is some uncertainty as to the books of Esdras A and Esdras B. However it is most likely they are Ezra and Nehemiah respectively.
(2) The Epistle of Jeremiah is clearly listed and link to Jeremiah.
(3) In regard to the Maccabees Origen states "And outside of these [i.e. the above books just listed by Origen] there are the Maccabees."

I will supplement the above information tomorrow.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia on the New Advent site:

"The Alexandrian tradition is represented by the weighty authority of Origen. Influenced, doubtless, by the Alexandrian-Jewish usage of acknowledging in practice the extra writings as sacred while theoretically holding to the narrower Canon of Palestine, his catalogue of the Old Testament Scriptures contains only the protocanonical books, though it follows the order of the Septuagint. Nevertheless Origen employs all the deuterocanonicals as Divine Scriptures, and in his letter of Julius Africanus defends the sacredness of Tobias, Judith, and the fragments of Daniel, at the same time implicitly asserting the autonomy of the Church in fixing the Canon (see references in Cornely). In his Hexaplar edition of the Old Testament all the deuteros find a place."


It also says:

"St. Hippolytus (d. 236) may fairly be considered as representing the primitive Roman tradition. He comments on the Susanna chapter, often quotes Wisdom as the work of Solomon, and employs as Sacred Scripture Baruch and the Machabees. For the West African Church the larger canon has two strong witnesses in Tertullian and St. Cyprian. All the deuteros except Tobias, Judith, and the addition to Esther, are biblically used in the works of these Fathers."

 

[Origen]

Before moving on to the 4th century canon lists, certain points should be noted in regard to the above lists.

(1) The above lists cover the 1st through the 3rd centuries.

(2) They cover both Jewish (i.e. two) and Christian (i.e. three) sources.

(3) All the lists are very consistent with each other as to which books make up the canon of the O.T.

(4) The book of Esther is missing from Melito's list but is found in all the others. Whether this accidental or intentional is unknown.

(5) As for the books of the Apocrypha, only one is clearly referenced and that is the Epistle of Jeremiah (i.e. 3rd century), and it is only mentioned in one list.

(6) As for the Maccabees, Origen states "And outside of these [i.e. the books listed by Origen] there are the Maccabees."

(7) Both Josephus and Origen give the number of books as 22. That same number will be reiterated by several Church fathers.

 

[Origen]

Now I will provide the canon lists of the 4th century. It is within this century that the first Latin lists appear. In keeping with the basic outline given in the OP, I have divided the lists into Greek and Latin sources starting with earliest ones first. I will post the Greek sources first followed by the Latin sources. The manuscript evidence will also be added according to the date of the codex.

III. Greek Lists fourth Century
Cyril of Jerusalem - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 350.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel with some additions
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Cyril givens the number of O.T. as books 22.

(2) The Epistle of Jeremiah is in the list, and for the first time Baruch is added to a list.

(3) Also note that the book of Daniel does include some of the additions (i.e. Susanna and Bel and the Dragon).


Athanasius of Alexandria - This list is dated to A.D. 367 (39th Festal Letter).
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Athanasius give the number of O.T. books as 22.

(2) Esther is omitted from the list.

(2) Baruch is added to the list along with Epistle of Jeremiah.

(3) Athanasius make a very clear distinction between canonical and non-canonical books. He states:

"But for the sake of greater exactness I add this also, writing under obligation, as it were. There are other books besides these, indeed not received as canonical but having been appointed by our fathers to be read to those just approaching and wishing to be instructed in the word of godliness: Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, Tobit, and that which is called the Teaching of the Apostles, and the Shepherd. But the former, my brethren, are included in the Canon, the latter being merely read; nor is there any place a mention of secret writings. But such are the invention of heretics, who indeed write them whenever they wish, bestowing upon them their approval, and assigning to them a date, that so, using them as if they were ancient writings, they find a means by which to lead astray the simple-minded."

Athanasius makes it very clear there are books which are not canonical but are nevertheless helpful, instructive, and ought to be read according to the Fathers. He lists those books as:
Wisdom of Solomon
Wisdom of Sirach
Esther
Judith
Tobit

He goes on to states: "But the former , my brethren, are included in the Canon, the latter being merely read." Athanasius clearly believes that the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, and Tobit are not part of the canon.


Gregory of Nazianzus - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 380-390.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Gregory produced his list in poem form.

(2) He gave the number of O.T. books as 22.

(3) Esther is omitted from the list.

(4) Note that neither Baruch nor Epistle of Jeremiah are on this list.

(4) After listing all the books found in both the O.T. and the N.T. Gregory states: "You have them all. And if there are any beyond these, they are not genuine."


Amphilochius of Iconium - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 380.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
Esther
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Amphilochius's list was given in poem form and was persevered by his cousin Gregory of Nazianzus.

(2) Lamentations is omitted from the list.

(3) Amphilochius states: "some approve the inclusion of Esther."


Epiphanius of Salamis - Epiphanius give three list. Two are dated ca. A.D. 376 and the other A.D. 392.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Epiphanius gave the number of of O.T. as both 22 and 27. The explanation for this is simple. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 medial letters and 5 final forms letters. That adds up to 27 total letters (22 medial + 5 final = 27).

(2) Baruch is added to the list along with Epistle of Jeremiah.

(3) Epiphanius also states there are "two more books of disputed canonicity, the Wisdom of Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon, apart from certain other apocrypha."

 

[pinacled]

Now I will provide the canon lists of the 4th century. It is within this century that the first Latin lists appear. In keeping with the basic outline given in the OP, I have divided the lists into Greek and Latin sources starting with earliest ones first. I will post the Greek sources first followed by the Latin sources. The manuscript evidence will also be added according to the date of the codex.

III. Greek Lists fourth Century
Cyril of Jerusalem - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 350.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel with some additions
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Cyril givens the number of O.T. as books 22.

(2) The Epistle of Jeremiah is in the list, and for the first time Baruch is added to a list.

(3) Also note that the book of Daniel does include some of the additions (i.e. Susanna and Bel and the Dragon).


Athanasius of Alexandria - This list is dated to A.D. 367 (39th Festal Letter).
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Athanasius give the number of O.T. books as 22.

(2) Esther is omitted from the list.

(2) Baruch is added to the list along with Epistle of Jeremiah.

(3) Athanasius make a very clear distinction between canonical and non-canonical books. He states:

"But for the sake of greater exactness I add this also, writing under obligation, as it were. There are other books besides these, indeed not received as canonical but having been appointed by our fathers to be read to those just approaching and wishing to be instructed in the word of godliness: Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, Tobit, and that which is called the Teaching of the Apostles, and the Shepherd. But the former, my brethren, are included in the Canon, the latter being merely read; nor is there any place a mention of secret writings. But such are the invention of heretics, who indeed write them whenever they wish, bestowing upon them their approval, and assigning to them a date, that so, using them as if they were ancient writings, they find a means by which to lead astray the simple-minded."

Athanasius makes it very clear there are books which are not canonical but are nevertheless helpful, instructive, and ought to be read according to the Fathers. He lists those books as:
Wisdom of Solomon
Wisdom of Sirach
Esther
Judith
Tobit

He goes on to states: "But the former , my brethren, are included in the Canon, the latter being merely read." Athanasius clearly believes that the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, and Tobit are not part of the canon.


Gregory of Nazianzus - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 380-390.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Gregory produced his list in poem form.

(2) He gave the number of O.T. books as 22.

(3) Esther is omitted from the list.

(4) Note that neither Baruch nor Epistle of Jeremiah are on this list.

(4) After listing all the books found in both the O.T. and the N.T. Gregory states: "You have them all. And if there are any beyond these, they are not genuine."


Amphilochius of Iconium - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 380.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
Esther
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Amphilochius's list was given in poem form and was persevered by his cousin Gregory of Nazianzus.

(2) Lamentations is omitted from the list.

(3) Amphilochius states: "some approve the inclusion of Esther."


Epiphanius of Salamis - Epiphanius give three list. Two are dated ca. A.D. 376 and the other A.D. 392.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Epiphanius gave the number of of O.T. as both 22 and 27. The explanation for this is simple. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 medial letters and 5 final forms letters. That adds up to 27 total letters (22 medial + 5 final = 27).

(2) Baruch is added to the list along with Epistle of Jeremiah.

(3) Epiphanius also states there are "two more books of disputed canonicity, the Wisdom of Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon, apart from certain other apocrypha."

Thankyou for the excellent purvey of history.

Yes there is a relation to the 22 hebrew consonants and torah.

Yet I've never heard 5 additional hebrew letters,"5 final forms"!
Do you have any comparable notes of evidence to prove the statement in brackets below?

Epiphany
[ (1) Epiphanius gave the number of of O.T. as both 22 and 27. The explanation for this is simple. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 medial letters and 5 final forms letters. That adds up to 27 total letters (22 medial + 5 final = 27). ]

Blessings Always

 

[Origen]

Thankyou for the excellent purvey of history.

Yes there is a relation to the 22 hebrew consonants and torah.

Yet I've never heard 5 additional hebrew letters.
Do you have any comparable notes to

Five Hebrew letters have final forms (i.e. when they come at the end of a word they are written differently).



Note that the letters Kaf, Mem, Nun, Pe, and Tasade have two forms. The second form of those letters only occurs on the end of a word.

 

[pinacled]

Five Hebrew letters have final forms (i.e. when they come at the end of a word they are written differently).

View attachment 1368

Note that the letters Kaf, Mem, Nun, Pe, and Tasade have two forms. The second form of those letters only occurs on the end of a word.

5 consonants with two forms.
5 vowels to compliment each.
5×5 equaling 25 weeks of observance.

Interesting how math is involved and gematria missed the attention of a an epiph......!

Definition of EPIPHANY

January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ; an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

Jewish Calendar 2021 Diaspora - Hebcal

 

[pinacled]

Five Hebrew letters have final forms (i.e. when they come at the end of a word they are written differently).

View attachment 1368

Note that the letters Kaf, Mem, Nun, Pe, and Tasade have two forms. The second form of those letters only occurs on the end of a word.

If youre curious about hebrew study the mishkan and you will find 22 is a constant numerical composition provided throughout torah.

Though I lack in fluency.
Patterns in math are an area I enjoy studying.
Fractals in nature along with predications with experimentation to find beauty beyond the scope of doubt.

To explore the unknown and share beyond secular ridicule.
3s over 2s

Blessings Always

 

[pinacled]

Please carry on with fruitfull historical studies sir origen.

 

[Andrew]

5 consonants with two forms.
5 vowels to compliment each.
5×5 equaling 25 weeks of observance.

Interesting how math is involved and gematria missed the attention of a an epiph......!

Definition of EPIPHANY

January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ; an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being… See the full definition

www.merriam-webster.com

Jewish Calendar 2021 Diaspora - Hebcal

You must be into the study of the Mazzaroth I'm sure

 

[pinacled]

You must be into the study of the Mazzaroth I'm sure

א וַיַּעַן-יְהוָה אֶת-אִיּוֹב, מנהסערה (מִן הַסְּעָרָה); וַיֹּאמַר.

1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
ב מִי זֶה, מַחְשִׁיךְ עֵצָה בְמִלִּין-- בְּלִי-דָעַת.

2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?


No,
Never bothered.
An unhindered view of a star lit sky is well enough provided for those who observe seasons.

Shabbat Shalom

 

[Andrew]

No,
Never bothered.
An unhindered view of a star lit sky is well enough provided for those who observe seasons.

Shabbat Shalom

I thought Jesus did away with observing lunar based holidays and sabbaths

 

[pinacled]

I thought Jesus did away with observing lunar based holidays and sabbaths

Address the op and respect their hospitality in truth.

History has a way of being obscured.

And what origen has offered is clarity to those who are in need of armor against the anachronistic enemy out to confuse and conflate.

Blessings Always

 

[pinacled]

I thought Jesus did away with observing lunar based holidays and sabbaths

How dare one of you with a complaint against another go to court before pagan judges and not before God’s people? 2 Don’t you know that God’s people are going to judge the universe? If you are going to judge the universe, are you incompetent to judge these minor matters? 3 Don’t you know that we will judge angels, not to mention affairs of everyday life? 4 So if you require judgments about matters of everyday life, why do you put them in front of men who have no standing in the Messianic Community? 5 I say, shame on you! Can it be that there isn’t one person among you wise enough to be able to settle a dispute between brothers? 6 Instead, a brother brings a lawsuit against another brother, and that before unbelievers!

 

[Origen]

Now I will provide the canon lists of the 4th century. It is within this century that the first Latin lists appear. In keeping with the basic outline given in the OP, I have divided the lists into Greek and Latin sources starting with earliest ones first. I will post the Greek sources first followed by the Latin sources. The manuscript evidence will also be added according to the date of the codex.

III. Greek Lists fourth Century
Cyril of Jerusalem - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 350.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel with some additions
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Cyril givens the number of O.T. as books 22.

(2) The Epistle of Jeremiah is in the list, and for the first time Baruch is added to a list.

(3) Also note that the book of Daniel does include some of the additions (i.e. Susanna and Bel and the Dragon).


Athanasius of Alexandria - This list is dated to A.D. 367 (39th Festal Letter).
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Athanasius give the number of O.T. books as 22.

(2) Esther is omitted from the list.

(2) Baruch is added to the list along with Epistle of Jeremiah.

(3) Athanasius make a very clear distinction between canonical and non-canonical books. He states:

"But for the sake of greater exactness I add this also, writing under obligation, as it were. There are other books besides these, indeed not received as canonical but having been appointed by our fathers to be read to those just approaching and wishing to be instructed in the word of godliness: Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, Tobit, and that which is called the Teaching of the Apostles, and the Shepherd. But the former, my brethren, are included in the Canon, the latter being merely read; nor is there any place a mention of secret writings. But such are the invention of heretics, who indeed write them whenever they wish, bestowing upon them their approval, and assigning to them a date, that so, using them as if they were ancient writings, they find a means by which to lead astray the simple-minded."

Athanasius makes it very clear there are books which are not canonical but are nevertheless helpful, instructive, and ought to be read according to the Fathers. He lists those books as:
Wisdom of Solomon
Wisdom of Sirach
Esther
Judith
Tobit

He goes on to states: "But the former , my brethren, are included in the Canon, the latter being merely read." Athanasius clearly believes that the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, and Tobit are not part of the canon.


Gregory of Nazianzus - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 380-390.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Gregory produced his list in poem form.

(2) He gave the number of O.T. books as 22.

(3) Esther is omitted from the list.

(4) Note that neither Baruch nor Epistle of Jeremiah are on this list.

(4) After listing all the books found in both the O.T. and the N.T. Gregory states: "You have them all. And if there are any beyond these, they are not genuine."


Amphilochius of Iconium - This list is dated to ca. A.D. 380.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
Esther
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Amphilochius's list was given in poem form and was persevered by his cousin Gregory of Nazianzus.

(2) Lamentations is omitted from the list.

(3) Amphilochius states: "some approve the inclusion of Esther."


Epiphanius of Salamis - Epiphanius give three list. Two are dated ca. A.D. 376 and the other A.D. 392.
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1-2 Samuel
1-2 Kings
1-2 Chronicles
1-2 Esdras
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Epistle of Jeremiah
Baruch
Ezekiel
Daniel
12 Minor Prophets

(1) Epiphanius gave the number of of O.T. as both 22 and 27. The explanation for this is simple. The Hebrew alphabet has 22 medial letters and 5 final forms letters. That adds up to 27 total letters (22 medial + 5 final = 27).

(2) Baruch is added to the list along with Epistle of Jeremiah.

(3) Epiphanius also states there are "two more books of disputed canonicity, the Wisdom of Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon, apart from certain other apocrypha."

Before moving on there are certain points that need to be noted in regard to the above lists and the others lists provide in post 1 and post 2.

(1) All the lists of the 4th century are very consistent with each other.

(2) They are also very consistent with the lists of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd centuries.

(3) The number 22 is again very important in regard to the number of books in the canon for these authors.

(4) In the pre-4th century lists, the book of Esther is only omitted from Melito's list (whether this was done accentually or not is unknown). It is clearly omitted from Athanasius' list. However it is found in Cyril, Gregory, and Epipanius. Amphilochius does have it is his list but points out "some approve the inclusion of Esther."

(5) As for the books of the Apocrypha, the Epistle of Jeremiah is in the lists of Cyril, Athanasius, and Epipanius). It is missing from Gregory and Amphilochius.

Also Baruch is new to the lists. Baruch is found in the lists of Cyril, Athanasius, and Epipanius. It is omitted from both Gregory and Amphilochius.

(7) Athanasius is very helpful in making a distention between canonical other writings. He make point out that there are some book that are useful for instruction are to be read but are NOT part of the canon. Athanasius list those books as the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, and Tobit.

(6) Epiphanius states that the Wisdom of Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon are "of disputed canonicity."

 

[Andrew]

Exactly, none of which are ante nicene