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Apocalypse of Elijah

An apocalyptic work attributed to Elijah, describing the end times, the Antichrist, and the coming of the Messiah.|||Survives in Coptic (P. Chester Beatty 2018, 4th–5th c.) and in Hebrew (Sefer Elijah).|||The bulk of the text is commonly dated between the middle of the 2nd century and the beginning of the 4th century CE. Clearly influenced by Christian thinking.|||Not canonical in any tradition.|||Describes the end times, the Antichrist, the martyrdom of the saints, and the coming of the Messiah. Contains reminiscences of the New Testament.|||Pietersma, A., & Comstock, S. T., eds. The Apocalypse of Elijah. SBL, 1993.|||Frankfurter, D. Elijah in Upper Egypt. Fortress Press, 1993.|||Apocalypse of Elijah — Early Jewish Writings|https://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/apocalypseelijah.html|Full translation and scholarly resources.;; Apocalypse of Elijah — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypse_of_Elijah|Background and scholarly discussion.|||" And the Lord will send Elijah and Enoch, and they will preach repentance to the world." — Apocalypse of Elijah 1:1

Collection: Jewish Pseudepigrapha Canon: varies

Canon Status

Not canonical in any tradition.

Date & Provenance

The bulk of the text is commonly dated between the middle of the 2nd century and the beginning of the 4th century CE. Clearly influenced by Christian thinking.

Language & Manuscripts

Survives in Coptic (P. Chester Beatty 2018, 4th–5th c.) and in Hebrew (Sefer Elijah).

Why It Matters for Study

Describes the end times, the Antichrist, the martyrdom of the saints, and the coming of the Messiah. Contains reminiscences of the New Testament.

" And the Lord will send Elijah and Enoch, and they will preach repentance to the world." — Apocalypse of Elijah 1:1

Read the Text & External Resources

Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.

  • " And the Lord will send Elijah and Enoch, and they will preach repentance to the world." — Apocalypse of Elijah 1:1 " And the Lord will send Elijah and Enoch, and they will preach repentance to the world." — Apocalypse of Elijah 1:1

External links open in a new tab. Sources are chosen for public-domain or open-access availability; always verify edition and translation when citing in academic work.

Further Reading

Pietersma, A., & Comstock, S. T., eds. The Apocalypse of Elijah. SBL, 1993.
Frankfurter, D. Elijah in Upper Egypt. Fortress Press, 1993.
Apocalypse of Elijah — Early Jewish Writings|https://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/apocalypseelijah.html|Full translation and scholarly resources.;; Apocalypse of Elijah — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypse_of_Elijah|Background and scholarly discussion.