Dead Sea Scrolls Electronic Library: Biblical Texts now available
We now have access to the online version of the Biblical Texts component of the Dead Sea Scrolls Electronic Library.
What is it? The Dead Sea Scrolls Electronic Library presents a complete Hebrew transcription and English translation of the biblical texts discovered at Qumran in the Judean Desert, together with high-resolution images of fragments of the scrolls (see this example).
What’s new in this version? For the first time all the all the known Qumran biblical scrolls (as of January 2013) are accessible in one place.
How do I search it? The texts are arranged in two ways:
1. Cave Order – the scrolls are presented in the Qumran cave order in which they were found, e.g., 1Q1 (Gen), 1Q2 (Exod), 1Q3 frgs. 1–7, (paleoLev), etc.
2. Masoretic Text Order – the scrolls are presented in Hebrew Scripture order, e.g., under Genesis 1:1, the three scrolls in which this verse has been preserved are presented.
There’s also a search box at the top of each page which allows you to search both content and metadata.
How do I use it? Each entry typically gives the Hebrew (and sometimes Aramaic) text, an English translation, and the corresponding passage from the Codex Leningrad. These three texts are placed beside each other for easy comparison. Entries are ordered by fragment (or sometimes column), and each fragment is accompanied by a high-res photograph which can be positioned next to the transcription, enabling side-by-side comparison.
What else is included? A comprehensive introduction to the Scrolls and to the translation, an Inventory of the Texts (by Emanuel Tov), an Inventory of Biblical Manuscripts and an Index of Images.
Who will want to use it? Biblical scholars, or anyone interested in ancient texts.
Where do I find it? On SAULCAT. For access from off-campus see the instructions on our A-Z list of databases (click more… to see instructions).
Contact us for more information: [email protected]
