The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. These ancient manuscripts date from approximately the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE and include biblical texts, non-biblical writings, and other Jewish literature.

These scrolls are invaluable. They contain the oldest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible texts, predating previously known copies by over a thousand years, and allow scholars to trace textual transmission and variants. The non-biblical materials provide unprecedented insight into Second Temple Judaism, revealing the diversity of Jewish thought and practice during this formative period. The Scrolls illuminate the religious landscape that gave birth to both rabbinic Judaism and Christianity. The Scrolls also reveal apocalyptic beliefs, messianic expectations, and communal practices that help contextualize the emergence of numerous traditions.

Studying and discussing the Dead Sea Scrolls will enhance our understanding of biblical interpretation, the development of Jewish law, the historical Jesus, our knowledge of ancient Judaism, and the evolution of Jewish and Christian traditions.

Our core book is JC VanderKam and P Flint, The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls . . . , a popular, readable, informative, comprehensive and well-regarded book that received an award for Best Book of the Year by the Biblical Archeology Society.

‍