CategoryBackground / Biblical Canon Term
Modern Equivalentdisputed or secondary biblical writings.
KJV Word TypeBiblical canon / background term
DefinitionA collection of ancient Jewish and Christian writings not included in the Hebrew Bible but sometimes included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. The KJV includes the Apocrypha in some editions.
Key Verses"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)
KJV Usage NoteRefers to writings included in some historic KJV editions but treated differently across Christian traditions and Bible canons.
Common MisunderstandingIt is not treated the same way in every Christian tradition; some KJV editions included it separately, while many modern Protestant Bibles omit it.
EtymologyFrom Greek apokryphos ("hidden, secret").