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Canon
(3,641 words)

1. The OT Canon

1.1. Presuppositions and Preparatory Stages

Long before the OT writings became canonical in any strict sense (measuring up to a kanōn, i.e., a standard or rule), many of them claimed and received an authority that was already related to canonicity and that logically prepared the way for it. Priests, prophets, and wise men spoke with great, if not final, authority. Many of their sayings were remembered and gave instruction and direction to later generations, even if in cha…

Cite this page
Smend, Rudolf, Merk, Otto and Heron, Alasdair I. C., “Canon”, in: Encyclopedia of Christianity Online. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2211-2685_eco_C93>
First published online: 2011
First print edition: ISBN: 9789004169678, 20080512



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