Bible Dictionary
Versions, Ancient, Of The Old And New Testaments
Ancient versions are early translations of the Old and New Testaments into languages such as Greek, Aramaic, Syriac, Latin, Ethiopic, and Arabic. They provide important evidence for the transmission and interpretation of Scripture.
Definition
Ancient versions are early translations or paraphrases of the Old and New Testaments in languages other than the original biblical languages. The supplied material specifically begins describing the Ethiopic and Arabic versions.
Biblical Usage
These versions preserve portions of Scripture and belong to the history by which the biblical books were transmitted and read in different languages.
Historical Background
Christianity was introduced into Ethiopia in the fourth century through Frumentius and Aedesius of Tyre. The Ethiopic version is in the ancient dialect of Axum and was probably produced later than the earliest missionaries; its New Testament was printed at Rome in 1548–1549.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
In treating of the ancient versions that have come down to us, in whole or in part, they will be described in the alphabetical order of the languages. AETHIOPIC VERSION.—Christianity was introduced into AEthiopia in fourth century through the labors of Frumentius and AEdesius of Tyre, who had been made slaves and sent to the king. The AEthiopic version which we possess is in the ancient dialect of Axum; hence some have ascribed it to the age of the earliest missionaries, but it is probably of a later date. In 1548-9 the AEthiopic New Testament was also printed at Rome, edited by three Abyssinians. ARABIC VERSIONS.—