Unlike the traditional 66-book Protestant Bible, the Cepher includes: The Full 81-Book Canon : Includes all books from the 1611 KJV, including the : Includes (Enoch), (Jubilees), (Jasher), , (Baruch), and (Additions to Esther). Restored Chapters : Features the missing 70 verses in Psalms 151–155 , and the 29th chapter of Acts ( 3. Understanding Transliterated Names
The Cepher Bible has faced significant criticism from mainstream Christian scholars and pastors. The main points of controversy include:
Replaces familiar names with Hebrew transliterations (e.g., Jesus becomes , God becomes Aleph Tav (את):
Pidgeon is associated with the Hebrew Roots Movement, a religious movement that argues that mainstream Christianity has been influenced by Greco-Roman philosophy and has lost its original Hebraic foundations. According to the publisher, the Cepher aims to restore the Hebrew names of God (replacing "LORD" with "Yahuah" and "God" with "Elohiym"), restore the Aleph Tav (את) character throughout the text, and include texts he believes were purposely removed from the canon. The Cepher Bible Pdf
: It transliterates the names of the Father (Yahuah), Son (Yahusha), and Holy Spirit (Ruach HaQodesh) rather than using traditional English substitutes like "God" or "Jesus".
Translation Methodology and Textual Basis Unlike mainstream critical editions that transparently cite manuscript evidence (Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls, Textus Receptus, Nestle-Aland, etc.), The Cepher’s methodology is less clearly documented. It selectively adopts Hebrew names and readings, sometimes harmonizing variant traditions. The work mixes canonical books with additional texts and editorial interpolations; in some places the text appears heavily adapted or paraphrased rather than strictly translated.
Reading an 87-book compendium on a tablet, smartphone, or e-reader is far more convenient than carrying a five-pound physical volume. Unlike the traditional 66-book Protestant Bible, the Cepher
To maintain historical and cultural accuracy, the publishers transliterated all proper names from Hebrew into English characters. For example: becomes Mosheh Abraham becomes Avraham Isaiah becomes Yeshayahu Matthew becomes Mattithyahu 4. Integration of the "Eth" (את)
The primary objective of the editors was to correct what they viewed as systemic omissions and mistranslations carried over from the Latin Vulgate and Greek Septuagint into English Bibles. Key Features and Differences from Traditional Bibles
Critics argue that adding books like Jasher, Enoch, and Acts 29 to the biblical canon is theologically problematic. The Crosswalk article notes, "The Eth Cepher treats all intertestamental books as divinely inspired by God in the same way as the Bible's 66 canonical books. The Jewish rabbis who collected these books didn't take that view". The inclusion of Acts 29, which describes Paul blessing Druid priests, has been described as "ridiculous" and "dangerous". The main points of controversy include: Replaces familiar
A core objective of the Eth Cepher is the restoration of the Tetragrammaton (the four-letter divine name of God) and other sacred names. Used in place of "Lord" or "God." YAHUSHA: Used in place of "Jesus." Ruach HaQodesh: Used in place of the "Holy Spirit." 3. Transliterated Hebrew Names
Highly sought-after ancient texts including:
Linguists point out that "Yahusha" is not attested in any ancient Hebrew manuscript of the New Testament (which was Greek). Cepher supporters counter that the original apostolic writings were in Hebrew and Aramaic.