Apocrypha
Apocalypse of Esdras
Prophetic Visions
7 chapters · read and listen
Reading note
An apocryphal or pseudepigraphal text — outside the canon of the Western churches, yet widely circulated among ancient Jews and Christians. Published here from a public-domain translation, edited for continuous reading.
Chapters
Dossier
Ezra argues with God face to face over the fate of sinners, goes down to hell to see for himself, and in the end refuses to surrender his soul until he obtains a promise.
Where this text comes from
Greek, of very uncertain date — proposals range from the 2nd to the 9th century AD. It clearly depends on 4 Ezra, which it rewrites in a blunter tone.
Why it is not in the Bible
Outside every canon.
What you will find
- The final negotiation, in which Ezra refuses to die until he gets what he asks for.
- The descent into hell, with what is there seen close up — and the promise that the children will not see it.
- The tone is open complaint, harsher than anything in the canonical text.
Frequently asked questions
- How does this differ from 4 Ezra?
- They are different works. 4 Ezra is the older and more influential text, from the late 1st century. The Greek Apocalypse of Ezra is later and depends on it, with a shorter narrative and a more confrontational tone.