4Q472a in Infrared Light: Latrine Manual Down the Drain

This paper presents a radical new reading of 4Q472a (previously designated 4QHalakha C) that is based upon the investigation of recently acquired infrared photography. According to the DJD edition by one of the present authors, this fragment was interpreted as the only Qumran document referring to the defecating habits of the Essenes, also described by Josephus. With new infrared images now available, such an interpretation should be abandoned altogether.