The Use of Greek at Qumran: Manuscript and Epigraphic Evidence for a Marginalized Language

Research notes: 
Reader Checked OA 11/04/2013
Reference type: 
Journal Article
Author(s): 
Richey, Matthew
year: 
2012
Full title: 

The Use of Greek at Qumran: Manuscript and Epigraphic Evidence for a Marginalized Language

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Journal / Book Title || Series Title: 
Dead Sea Discoveries
Volume: 
19
Issue / Series Volume: 
2
Number of volumes: 
0
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Pages: 
177-197
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Abstract: 

Treatments of language use at Qumran have tended to marginalize the evidence for Greek language use among the Covenanters, on the basis of the observation that far more of the surviving texts are written in Hebrew or Aramaic. This paper examines the meager evidence for Greek use at the site—including the sole Greek documentary text, 4Q350, recently published epigraphic evidence, and the enigmatic Greek letters of the Copper Scroll (3Q15)—in an attempt to recognize the importance of Greek for everyday intramural business and for maintaining economic contact with exterior communities. Manuscript and epigraphic survivals demonstrate that the Covenanters' use of Greek can be characterized as primarily occurring in the context of day-to-day economic transactions, business, and trade. The evidence suggests that, like the Bar Kokhba rebels, the Covenanters attempted to “purify“ their discourse and way of life, but economic realities nevertheless encouraged periodic communication in the Greek language.

Notes: 
Language: 
Alternative title: 
DSD
Date: 
Primary Texts: Judean Desert Documents: 
Scroll / Document: 
4Q350
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Original Publication: 
Reprint edition: 
URL: 
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/brill/dsd/2012/00000019/00000002/art00003
DOI: 
ISBN: 
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Call num: 
Label: 
09/07/2012
Record number: 
18 053