
Testament of Abraham
Dating
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Patriarchal era (Abraham's final days)
Signifcance
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Explores afterlife concepts
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Details divine judgment
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Shows patriarch's mercy
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Emphasizes righteous living
Discovery
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Earliest Greek manuscripts from 13th century
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Multiple recensions (long and short)
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Coptic, Arabic, Ethiopic versions found
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Slavonic translation exists
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Romanian version discovered
Transmission
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Through Greek-speaking communities
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Via Egyptian Christianity
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Multiple cultural adaptations
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Preserved in various traditions
Language / Translation
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Original language likely Greek
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Semitic elements present
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Two main Greek recensions
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Multiple oriental versions
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Medieval translations
Genre
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Death narrative
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Apocalyptic vision
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Moral instruction
Content
The text recounts Abraham's final days and his heavenly journey before death. When Michael comes to take Abraham's soul, the patriarch requests to see all creation before departing. YHWH grants this request, leading to a divine tour showing how human deeds are weighed and judged. The narrative emphasizes Abraham's compassion as he repeatedly intercedes for sinners he sees being punished.
Commentary
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