From kraft Tue Jan 24 13:16:54 1995
Subject: Pseudepigrapha Definition Query
To: dss
Date: Tue, 24 Jan 1995 13:16:54 -0500 (EST)
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> On page 36 of VanderKam a translation of parts of the DSS is referred 
> to called: The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha. Isn't this title an 
> oxymoron? Aren't the Pseudepigrapha by definition, texts which didn't 
> make it into the Old Testament?

Yes and no. Through general usage, "pseudepigrapha" normally is applied
to writings of presumably Jewish origin (usually preserved by
Christians), but the idea itself can equally apply to other writings
(e.g. New Testament Pseudepigrapha). Thus the need for being specific.
But also, for the publisher of the volumes called "OT Pseudepigrapha," 
it doubtless helps to sell copies to have "OT" there as well! I might
have preferred at title such as "Presumably Jewish Pseudepigrapha," but
I'm sure that the marketing department would shoot it down.

RAK