Discover literally 1,000s of Judeo-Christian texts in the world's largest collection of its kind. With 300 complete and unabridged books in print, including the complete Holy Bible and rare apocryphal texts, plus 1,000s of digital works, dive into history's hidden treasures and transform your understanding of religious history. Presented in clear, accurate, contemporary English, unlike similar collections. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra is a record-breaking feat, now submitted to the Guinness World Records as the longest single-volume published book in print in the world. Perfect for scholars and casual readers alike. A massive expansion of the LSV Master Collection, the Biblia Sacra et Ultra is nearly 2.5 times the length of the Holy Bible in print and includes hundreds of additional works in print and thousands via the Expanded Digital Library, substantially exceeding the Catholic Bible (73 books), Ethiopian Bible (81 books), and even the Cepher (87 books).
Click here to read the press release at the Associated Press (AP).
THE TRUE, DEFINITIVE COLLECTION
Unlike similar volumes with abridged and often poorly-formatted and unprofessionally-collated material, this growing library of 1,000s of ancient works is composed entirely of complete, unabridged, and thoughtfully-arranged works so you get exactly what is advertised. Translated into contemporary English while still achieving accuracy and literalness, the LSV Biblia Sacra et Ultra, a massive expansion of the Master Collection, is a breath of fresh air compared to the many antiquated alternatives which use hard-to-read 17th, 18th, and early-19th-century translations. Don't fall for misleading advertising; only the definitive collection by Covenant Press includes what you're looking for.
THE ULTIMATE BIBLE WITH APOCRYPHA
In the annals of biblical scholarship, few projects rival the ambition and scope of the Biblia Sacra et Ultra (Latin for "The Holy Bible and Beyond"). This monumental collection stands as the largest assemblage of early Judeo-Christian and apocryphal texts ever compiled, encompassing 300 complete and unabridged books and ancient works in its printed form (including the Holy Bible) and an additional and growing collection of thousands of works accessible through the Expanded Digital Library. The 300 print books, as well as Ancient Historia, are rooted in the Literal Standard Version (LSV), a modern translation celebrated for its fidelity to the original languages. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra preserves the integrity of these ancient writings while making them accessible to contemporary readers. Beyond its scholarly significance, this collection has been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest single-volume published book in the world in print, a distinction that underscores its unprecedented scale and the dedication of its editors. With its 300 printed books bound into a single volume, the collection is nearly two million words in print and countless millions of words when including the digital material.
EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AS A COLLECTOR'S EDITION HARDCOVER WITH 1,100+ PAGES, HANDSOME MARBLE COVER, GOLD-COLORED DESIGN, TRIPLE-COLUMN LAYOUT, AND COPIOUS 10-PT CAMBRIA FOR EASY, ENGAGING READING.
BIBLIA SACRA ET ULTRA FEATURE OVERVIEW:
Unlike similar volumes with abridged and often poorly-formatted and unprofessionally-collated material, this growing library of 1,000s of ancient works is composed entirely of complete, unabridged, and thoughtfully-arranged works so you get exactly what is advertised. Translated into contemporary English while still achieving accuracy and literalness, the LSV Biblia Sacra et Ultra, a massive expansion of the Master Collection, is a breath of fresh air compared to the many antiquated alternatives which use hard-to-read 17th, 18th, and early-19th-century translations. Don't fall for misleading advertising; only the definitive collection by Covenant Press includes what you're looking for.
THE ULTIMATE BIBLE WITH APOCRYPHA
In the annals of biblical scholarship, few projects rival the ambition and scope of the Biblia Sacra et Ultra (Latin for "The Holy Bible and Beyond"). This monumental collection stands as the largest assemblage of early Judeo-Christian and apocryphal texts ever compiled, encompassing 300 complete and unabridged books and ancient works in its printed form (including the Holy Bible) and an additional and growing collection of thousands of works accessible through the Expanded Digital Library. The 300 print books, as well as Ancient Historia, are rooted in the Literal Standard Version (LSV), a modern translation celebrated for its fidelity to the original languages. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra preserves the integrity of these ancient writings while making them accessible to contemporary readers. Beyond its scholarly significance, this collection has been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest single-volume published book in the world in print, a distinction that underscores its unprecedented scale and the dedication of its editors. With its 300 printed books bound into a single volume, the collection is nearly two million words in print and countless millions of words when including the digital material.
EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AS A COLLECTOR'S EDITION HARDCOVER WITH 1,100+ PAGES, HANDSOME MARBLE COVER, GOLD-COLORED DESIGN, TRIPLE-COLUMN LAYOUT, AND COPIOUS 10-PT CAMBRIA FOR EASY, ENGAGING READING.
BIBLIA SACRA ET ULTRA FEATURE OVERVIEW:
- Largest collection ever: 1,000s of early Judeo-Christian and apocryphal texts
- Print portion: 300 complete books, including the entire Holy Bible
- Digital expansion: 1,000s of additional works in the Expanded Digital Library
- Trusted translation: Literal Standard Version for accuracy, clarity, and easy reading
- Rare finds: Features thousands of ancient works you've likely never heard of
- For all readers: Scholars, theologians, historians, and casual readers alike
- Interactive video content: Hundreds of relevant videos are accessible in the print volume
- Everything you're looking for: Includes Tobit, Judith, Maccabees, Jasher, Jubilees, all the books of Enoch, apocryphal Gospels, ancient historical works, epistles, apocalypses, pseudepigrapha, and much more
In the annals of biblical scholarship, few projects rival the ambition and scope of the Biblia Sacra et Ultra (Latin for “The Holy Bible and Beyond”). This monumental collection stands as the largest assemblage of early Judeo-Christian and apocryphal texts ever compiled, encompassing 300 complete and unabridged books and ancient works in its printed form—including the Holy Bible—and thousands of additional works accessible through the Expanded Digital Library, including fresh English revisions of the ancient works of Josephus and Eusebius. Rooted in the Literal Standard Version (LSV), a modern translation celebrated for its fidelity to the original languages, the Biblia Sacra et Ultra preserves the integrity of these ancient writings while making them accessible to contemporary readers. Beyond its scholarly significance, this collection has been submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest single-volume published book in the world, a distinction that underscores its unprecedented scale and the dedication of its editors. With its 300 printed books bound into a single volume, the collection is nearly two million words in print and countless millions of words when including the digital material.
THE LITERAL STANDARD VERSION AS A FOUNDATION
At the heart of the Biblia Sacra et Ultra (the 300 print books as well as the digital works of Ancient Historia) lies its reliance on the Literal Standard Version, a translation first published in 2020. The LSV is renowned for its commitment to formal equivalence, a methodology that prioritizes word-for-word accuracy over interpretive paraphrase. By adhering closely to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts (and in the case of apocryphal texts, additionally Latin, Ethiopic, Coptic, Syriac, and Slavonic), the LSV ensures that the nuances of the original texts—whether canonical or apocryphal—are faithfully conveyed. This approach is particularly significant for apocryphal writings, many of which have suffered from inconsistent translations or editorial liberties over time. The use of the LSV provides a consistent and reliable framework, enabling readers to engage with these texts in a manner that balances scholarly precision with modern readability.
DEFINING THE APOCRYPHA AND THE SCOPE OF THE COLLECTION
The term “apocrypha,” from the Greek ἀπόκρυφος (apókruphos), meaning “hidden,” refers to religious texts that were excluded from the canonical Scriptures of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Composed primarily (but not exclusively) between 200 BC and AD 200, these writings encompass a diverse array of genres—narratives, wisdom literature, apocalyptic visions, and pseudepigrapha—that illuminate the religious, cultural, and historical contexts of their time. While not universally accepted as authoritative, apocryphal texts have been preserved and studied for centuries, offering scholars and readers alike a broader lens through which to view the development of Judeo-Christian thought. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra, based on and greatly expanding the LSV Master Collection, distinguishes itself through its extraordinary comprehensiveness. It includes not only familiar apocryphal books such as Tobit and the Maccabees—long valued for their historical and theological insights—but also a vast array of lesser-known works, such as the Testament of Abraham, the Apocalypse of Elijah, and the Lives of the Prophets, as well as historic gnostic books, creeds and key writings of the Early Church, and secular references that validate the biblical account. With 300 books bound in a single printed volume, including the complete text of the Holy Bible as rendered in the LSV, the collection surpasses all previous compilations in scale and ambition. The Expanded Digital Library, increasing the total to literally thousands of works, further enhances its scope, making it an unparalleled resource for exploring the full spectrum of biblical and parabiblical literature.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF APOCRYPHAL TEXTS
Apocryphal texts hold immense value for biblical studies, offering insights that enrich our understanding of the canonical Scriptures. The books of the Maccabees, for example, provide a detailed chronicle of the Jewish revolt against Hellenistic rule in the second century BC, a pivotal event that shapes the historical backdrop of the New Testament. Similarly, works like the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach explore themes of ethics, divine wisdom, and human conduct that echo the canonical wisdom literature. Even texts excluded from mainstream traditions, such as the apocalyptic Book of Enoch or the pseudepigraphal Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, reveal the diversity of beliefs and practices within early Jewish and Christian communities. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra challenges their marginalization by presenting them alongside the Holy Bible, inviting readers to reconsider their significance as historical, literary, and spiritual artifacts, while also recognizing that their canonical rejection is a legitimate and Spirit-led decision of the Church based on their (1) lack of apostolic authorship and acceptance in the Church, (2) late dates of composition in comparison to the authentic biblical texts, (3) often incompatible or even heretical doctrines, and (4) frequent use of pseudepigraphy. These works are not God-breathed Scripture, but they do inform our understanding of Scripture and the cultural and religious contexts in which Scripture was written.
A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT IN MODERN SCHOLARSHIP
Translated into contemporary, easy-to-read English using highly-precise formal equivalence, the Biblia Sacra et Ultra is more than a collection; it is a transformative tool for religious scholarship. By assembling the largest array of apocryphal texts ever published, it provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the interplay between canonical and non-canonical writings. Its dual-format accessibility—print for traditional engagement and digital for advanced research—ensures its utility for both personal and academic study. The searchable digital text, in particular, facilitates detailed analysis, enabling scholars to trace themes, linguistic patterns, and historical influences with ease. This collection also reflects the evolving nature of biblical studies in the digital age. While the print volume stands as a testament to the enduring power of the written word, the digital edition embraces technological advancements, broadening access and fostering new avenues of exploration. Together, they position the Biblia Sacra et Ultra as a bridge between past and present, preserving ancient texts while making them relevant to modern audiences. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra represents a landmark achievement in biblical scholarship and publishing. Its inclusion of 300 books in print—encompassing the Holy Bible and an extensive array of apocryphal texts—and thousands of works via digital access establishes it as the most comprehensive collection of its kind. Grounded in the Literal Standard Version, it offers a faithful and accessible rendition of these writings, illuminating the rich tapestry of Judeo-Christian thought beyond the traditional canon. Its submission to the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest single-volume published book in print underscores its physical and intellectual magnitude, but its true legacy lies in its potential to deepen our understanding of the biblical world. For scholars, theologians, and casual readers alike, the Biblia Sacra et Ultra is an indispensable resource, poised to reshape the study of religious history for generations to come.
THE LITERAL STANDARD VERSION AS A FOUNDATION
At the heart of the Biblia Sacra et Ultra (the 300 print books as well as the digital works of Ancient Historia) lies its reliance on the Literal Standard Version, a translation first published in 2020. The LSV is renowned for its commitment to formal equivalence, a methodology that prioritizes word-for-word accuracy over interpretive paraphrase. By adhering closely to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts (and in the case of apocryphal texts, additionally Latin, Ethiopic, Coptic, Syriac, and Slavonic), the LSV ensures that the nuances of the original texts—whether canonical or apocryphal—are faithfully conveyed. This approach is particularly significant for apocryphal writings, many of which have suffered from inconsistent translations or editorial liberties over time. The use of the LSV provides a consistent and reliable framework, enabling readers to engage with these texts in a manner that balances scholarly precision with modern readability.
DEFINING THE APOCRYPHA AND THE SCOPE OF THE COLLECTION
The term “apocrypha,” from the Greek ἀπόκρυφος (apókruphos), meaning “hidden,” refers to religious texts that were excluded from the canonical Scriptures of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Composed primarily (but not exclusively) between 200 BC and AD 200, these writings encompass a diverse array of genres—narratives, wisdom literature, apocalyptic visions, and pseudepigrapha—that illuminate the religious, cultural, and historical contexts of their time. While not universally accepted as authoritative, apocryphal texts have been preserved and studied for centuries, offering scholars and readers alike a broader lens through which to view the development of Judeo-Christian thought. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra, based on and greatly expanding the LSV Master Collection, distinguishes itself through its extraordinary comprehensiveness. It includes not only familiar apocryphal books such as Tobit and the Maccabees—long valued for their historical and theological insights—but also a vast array of lesser-known works, such as the Testament of Abraham, the Apocalypse of Elijah, and the Lives of the Prophets, as well as historic gnostic books, creeds and key writings of the Early Church, and secular references that validate the biblical account. With 300 books bound in a single printed volume, including the complete text of the Holy Bible as rendered in the LSV, the collection surpasses all previous compilations in scale and ambition. The Expanded Digital Library, increasing the total to literally thousands of works, further enhances its scope, making it an unparalleled resource for exploring the full spectrum of biblical and parabiblical literature.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF APOCRYPHAL TEXTS
Apocryphal texts hold immense value for biblical studies, offering insights that enrich our understanding of the canonical Scriptures. The books of the Maccabees, for example, provide a detailed chronicle of the Jewish revolt against Hellenistic rule in the second century BC, a pivotal event that shapes the historical backdrop of the New Testament. Similarly, works like the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach explore themes of ethics, divine wisdom, and human conduct that echo the canonical wisdom literature. Even texts excluded from mainstream traditions, such as the apocalyptic Book of Enoch or the pseudepigraphal Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, reveal the diversity of beliefs and practices within early Jewish and Christian communities. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra challenges their marginalization by presenting them alongside the Holy Bible, inviting readers to reconsider their significance as historical, literary, and spiritual artifacts, while also recognizing that their canonical rejection is a legitimate and Spirit-led decision of the Church based on their (1) lack of apostolic authorship and acceptance in the Church, (2) late dates of composition in comparison to the authentic biblical texts, (3) often incompatible or even heretical doctrines, and (4) frequent use of pseudepigraphy. These works are not God-breathed Scripture, but they do inform our understanding of Scripture and the cultural and religious contexts in which Scripture was written.
A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT IN MODERN SCHOLARSHIP
Translated into contemporary, easy-to-read English using highly-precise formal equivalence, the Biblia Sacra et Ultra is more than a collection; it is a transformative tool for religious scholarship. By assembling the largest array of apocryphal texts ever published, it provides an unprecedented opportunity to study the interplay between canonical and non-canonical writings. Its dual-format accessibility—print for traditional engagement and digital for advanced research—ensures its utility for both personal and academic study. The searchable digital text, in particular, facilitates detailed analysis, enabling scholars to trace themes, linguistic patterns, and historical influences with ease. This collection also reflects the evolving nature of biblical studies in the digital age. While the print volume stands as a testament to the enduring power of the written word, the digital edition embraces technological advancements, broadening access and fostering new avenues of exploration. Together, they position the Biblia Sacra et Ultra as a bridge between past and present, preserving ancient texts while making them relevant to modern audiences. The Biblia Sacra et Ultra represents a landmark achievement in biblical scholarship and publishing. Its inclusion of 300 books in print—encompassing the Holy Bible and an extensive array of apocryphal texts—and thousands of works via digital access establishes it as the most comprehensive collection of its kind. Grounded in the Literal Standard Version, it offers a faithful and accessible rendition of these writings, illuminating the rich tapestry of Judeo-Christian thought beyond the traditional canon. Its submission to the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest single-volume published book in print underscores its physical and intellectual magnitude, but its true legacy lies in its potential to deepen our understanding of the biblical world. For scholars, theologians, and casual readers alike, the Biblia Sacra et Ultra is an indispensable resource, poised to reshape the study of religious history for generations to come.
You can purchase the Biblia Sacra et Ultra from the following booksellers:
Waterstones (United Kingdom)
McNally Robinson (Canada)
Booktopia (Australia)
Saxo.com (Denmark)
Bücher (Germany)
Donner (Netherlands)
Adlibris.com (Sweden)
Orell Füssli (Switzerland)
Notes:
1, 2 The Eastern Orthodox and Ethiopian Orthodox Bibles contain Psalm 151, but lack Psalms 152–160.
3, 4, 5 The Ethiopic Bible of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches contains roughly 81 books, although how these books are arranged and divided between narrower and broader canons is disputed. The Ethiopic Bible lacks 1–4 Maccabees, but has an alternative account of the Maccabees unique to the Ethiopian tradition called Meqabyan, in three books.
6, 7 The Ethiopic Bible contains an Ethiopic Clement that differs significantly from the more widely known 1 and 2 Clement (written in Greek).
8 The Ethiopian and Eritrean churches recognize Josippon, a late, 10th-century work loosely based on Josephus’ Antiquities, but unlike Josephus’ original work, Josippon is pseudepigraphal, unoriginal, and composed some 900 years after the genuine works of Josephus.