Biblia Sacra et Ultra: An Unprecedented Compilation of Ancient Judeo-Christian Texts

The Biblia Sacra et Ultra, many times larger than the Bible, is an unprecedented collection of ancient Judeo-Christian texts for scholars and curious readers.

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, April 15, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- In a groundbreaking moment for religious scholarship and historical exploration, the freshly-released Biblia Sacra et Ultra (Latin for "The Holy Bible and Beyond") has emerged as the most expansive collection of ancient Judeo-Christian texts ever assembled — many times larger than the Holy Bible. Based on the Literal Standard Version (LSV) Bible project, this extraordinary contemporary-English anthology of literally thousands of ancient works goes far beyond traditional Scripture, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the sacred writings that have shaped Judeo-Christian faith and culture for millennia. Available through various booksellers, it’s a treasure trove that is already sparking intrigue among scholars, theologians, and curious readers alike.

The Biblia Sacra et Ultra isn’t just another Bible — it’s a seismic leap in the study of religious texts. Anchored by the 66 books of the Holy Bible and translated with the LSV’s signature blend of literal accuracy and modern readability, the compilation doesn’t stop there. It ventures into uncharted territory, weaving together an astonishing array of additional writings: apocryphal books, pseudepigrapha, and works from the Apostolic Fathers and early Jewish and Christian writers. This isn’t a mere footnote to Scripture; it’s a full-scale excavation of Judeo-Christian heritage.

Among its highlights are all the books of The Complete Apocrypha^®, featuring revered yet often overlooked texts like Tobit, Judith, and the Wisdom of Solomon. These works, cherished in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, are now accessible alongside lesser-known gems like the three books of Enoch, the Book of Jubilees, and the Aramaic Book of Giants — some of which surfaced among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Added to that are pseudepigraphal writings such as the Testament of Solomon and the Ascension of Isaiah, plus early Christian texts like the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas. It’s a collection that spans many centuries and dozens of religious traditions.

The sheer scope of the Biblia Sacra et Ultra is staggering — hundreds of texts, many rarely compiled in one place. But it’s not just about quantity. The LSV team has meticulously translated each work into contemporary English, preserving their historical authenticity using consistent principles of formal equivalence while making them approachable for today’s readers.

For academics, the Biblia Sacra et Ultra is a goldmine. Texts like the Revelation of Abraham and the Apocryphon of Ezekiel — previously scattered or hard to access — now sit alongside canonical Scripture, opening fresh avenues for research. Apocalyptic traditions, early Christian ethics, and the evolution of Jewish thought come into sharper focus, promising new insights into the ancient world.

But the appeal isn’t limited to ivory towers. For the public, these texts breathe life into familiar stories. The Life of Adam and Eve and the Testament of Job offer intimate, humanizing narratives, while works like the Book of Giants weave tales of cosmic drama. At a time when archaeological finds and TV specials fuel fascination with religious origins, this compilation arrives as a perfect companion for anyone eager to dig deeper. And the timing couldn’t be better: interest in ancient texts is surging, driven by discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls and a growing curiosity with faith’s roots. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra meets that hunger head-on, offering a resource that’s both scholarly and accessible.

David Lynn
Covenant Press
media@ccc.one