The Impact of Dead Sea Scroll Fragments on Biblical Translations
The Impact of Dead Sea Scroll Fragments on Biblical Translations
The texts discovered at the Dead Sea Scrolls have long been a subject of scholarly interest, especially in the context of biblical translations. These scrolls, dating back to the Second Temple period, offer insights into the linguistic and textual variations of ancient Jewish literature, including the Hebrew Bible. Among the notable translations that incorporate these scrolls are the Jerusalem Bible and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
Translating the Dead Sea Scrolls
The most well-known translations that reference the Dead Sea Scrolls include the Jerusalem Bible and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
The Jerusalem Bible, published in the 1960s, incorporates the Dead Sea Scrolls in its translation notes, providing valuable historical and textual context. This translation highlights the rich tapestry of biblical scholarship that is enriched by the insights derived from these ancient texts. The NRSV, on the other hand, is a specific translation that incorporates the texts found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, offering a direct comparison with the traditional Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. This translation includes the biblical texts discovered in the Scrolls and reflects the variations found within them.
Specific Examples
One of the most notable examples of textual variation concerns the Book of Isaiah. Complete scrolls from the Dead Sea Scrolls have been found, and they align closely with the traditional text. Another example is Psalm 22, which also matches the modern readings without significant discrepancy.
However, the Dead Sea Scrolls also provide evidence for alternative readings that have been debated by scholars. For instance, the Book of Deuteronomy 32:8 shows a difference between the Masoretic and Septuagint texts. The Septuagint, being an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, offers a different interpretation:
Deu 32:8 (Septuagint): τε διεμριζεν ψιστο θνη δισπειρεν υο Αδαμ στησεν ρια θνν κατ ριθμν γγλων θεο
Translation: 'he separated and scattered the people of the world, and set the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God.'
One of the Dead Sea scrolls contains the note “Bene Elohim” (Sons of God), which aligns with Genesis 6 and supports the Septuagint reading. This highlights the significance of these ancient texts in textual criticism and translation.
Modern Translations and Scholarly Contributions
Modern translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), often include notes that highlight these textual variations. For example, in Deuteronomy 32:8, the NRSV might include a note saying:
Deu 32:8 (NRSV): When the most high apportioned the people, when he divided the sons of Adam, he fixed the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the angels of God (according to some Dead Sea scroll manuscripts).
This note helps readers understand the scholarly debate and provides a direct comparison with the traditional Masoretic text, enabling a deeper understanding of the linguistic and historical context.
Similarly, some translations, such as the New Jerusalem Bible (NJB), provide a more inclusive approach by incorporating a broader range of authoritative translations and textual sources.
Conclusion
The Dead Sea Scrolls have profound implications for biblical scholarship and translation. They provide valuable insights into the linguistic and textual history of the Hebrew Bible, enriching our understanding of ancient Jewish literature and its transmission over the centuries. While not all translations incorporate these ancient texts, those that do offer a richer and more scholarly approach to biblical study.