Dead Sea Scrolls: How They Prove Biblical Accuracy
The Dead Sea Scrolls represent the most significant archaeological discovery of the 20th century, providing crucial evidence for the Bible's accuracy and preservation over millennia.
Discovered in 1947 by Bedouin shepherds near Qumran, the initial finding included several clay jars containing ancient scrolls. This discovery led to further excavations, ultimately yielding over 900 texts in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek from 11 caves.
The scrolls contain two main categories:
- Biblical texts (including portions of all Hebrew Scripture books except Esther)
- Non-biblical texts (letters, hymns, prayers, calendars, and legal documents)
Their significance lies in dating from 200 BC to 68 AD, making them over 1,000 years older than previously available Hebrew manuscripts. Comparing these ancient scrolls with later versions reveals remarkable consistency:
- 95% word-for-word identity with the Masoretic Text (used for modern Old Testament translations)
- Confirms the meticulous preservation methods of Jewish scribes
- Provides objective evidence of textual reliability across millennia
Ancient parchment scroll
The scrolls can be viewed at:
- The Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem
- Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library online
Hebrew scholar Millar Burrows notes: "It is a matter of wonder that through something like one thousand years the text underwent so little alteration." This preservation demonstrates the extraordinary accuracy of biblical transmission and supports the Bible's historical reliability.
The Greek New Testament's accuracy is similarly supported by over 6,000 manuscripts and fragments dating back to the second century, including portions of John's Gospel from within a generation of its writing.
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