The Pesher on the Periods A–B (4Q180–4Q181): Editing, Language, and Interpretation

The present paper offers new readings of 4Q180 and 4Q181, the Pesher on the Periods. The readings were obtained using the new photographs recently published by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Online Digital Library. The high quality of these photographs significantly assisted us in deciphering fragments 2–4 of 4Q180; the new readings thus obtained shed new light on the content and structure of the whole composition.
The question is debated as to whether or not 4Q180 and 4Q181 reflect a single composition. We believe that the parallels in content and structure between the two manuscripts attest to two distinct versions of the Pesher on the Periods: the longer is preserved in 4Q181, and the shorter is reflected by 4Q180. In any case, the textual restorations we propose here have no dependence upon this question.
At the beginning of the paper we offer an integrated edition of the opening paragraphs of the two scrolls (frag. 1 of 4Q180 and frag. 2 of 4Q181); the new edition enables improved restoration of the lacunae and leads to a better interpretation of the text. The next section of the paper deals with frag. 1 of 4Q181, which consists of a theological discussion concerning the relationships between angels and human beings. In addition, we consider the connections between this fragment and the text of 1QS col. 11.
Further, we suggest a new restoration of 4Q180 fragments 2–4, accompanied by notes on the new textual readings and their interpretation. It has become clear through these new readings that fragments 2–4 comprises a Pesher on Genesis, the form of which resembles that of 4Q252.
The paper also examines some fundamental issues, such as the differences between versions of similar compositions in the Qumran collection and the various genres found among the nonbiblical scrolls; it also poses some interesting linguistic questions.