The oldest, most complete Bible on Earth is the Ethiopian Bible. This remarkable manuscript, written on goat skin, is the world’s first illustrated Christian Bible. It dates back to around the early fifth century. The Ethiopian Bible is not only significant for its age but also for its comprehensive and detailed illustrations, which make it a unique and invaluable artifact in the history of Christianity.

Dr. Steve Delamarter, an expert on Ethiopian manuscripts, states, “The Ethiopian Bible offers an unparalleled glimpse into early Christian art and literature. Its illustrations and texts are a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Ethiopia.”

The texts are written in Ge’ez, an ancient Ethiopian language, and the manuscript contains both the Old and New Testaments along with several apocryphal books that are not found in the standard Western Christian Bibles. This Bible reflects the deep-rooted Christian tradition in Ethiopia, which has one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.

According to Abba Seraphim, a scholar of Ethiopian Christianity, “The Ethiopian Bible stands as a profound symbol of the enduring faith and spiritual artistry of Ethiopia’s ancient Christian community. Its preservation over centuries is nothing short of miraculous.”