Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

c. 2nd century BC (with later additions) · Early Jewish / Second Temple Texts

About this text

Twelve farewell speeches, one attributed to each son of Jacob. Contains moral instruction, prophecy, and visions. May have been edited by early Christians.

Significance

Provides insight into Jewish ethical thought in the period between the Old and New Testaments.

Key excerpts

"Love the Lord and your neighbor. Be compassionate to all, not only to men, but also to beasts."

"In the last days God shall send his compassion on the earth, and wheresoever he findeth bowels of mercy he dwelleth in him."

Scripture cross-references

Matthew 22:37-39 — Love God and neighbor — the same ethic
Genesis 49 — Jacob's blessings to his sons — the Testaments expand these

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This text is one of 17 in the Early Jewish / Second Temple Texts category, and one of 62 across the entire library.