Ancient reference at the heart of the association of Qumran with the Essenes | ||||||||||||||
The statement by Pliny the Elder that the Essenes lived above Ein Gedi, adjacent to the Dead Sea, has been a matter of contention for those who wish to locate the Essenes at Qumran as well as for those who wish to locate their settlement elsewhere. The critical term in Pliny's writings is his use of a Latin preposition in describing the location as being, infra hos, which has been correctly translated as “above.” But in what way did he mean this? Was it to be considered in a vertical sense or was there some other directional reference given in his writing that would help us understand the term? Joan E.Taylor has examined this question in detail in a chapter of the latest issue of Dead Sea Discoveries. Taylor’s abstract states:
The entire chapter can be read at Joan Taylor’s website. Compliments to Stephen Goransonof Duke University for highlighting this material.
| ||||||||||||||
|
Tags: Archaeology, Essenes, Judaea, Ein Gedi, Joan E. Taylor, Pliny the Elder, Qumran
Review and instructions available |
Mark Goodacre of NT Gateway highlighted a useful review of the latest version of A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (3rd edition). All New Testament students should avail themselves of the details provided in this review, which is written by Rodney J. Decker. Also offered in Decker’s post are several PDF files outlining the appropriate usage of the lexicon for those wishing to benefit from it seriously. In that the lexicon is available electronically in many of the major Bible software suites, it is worth reviewing Decker's notes to make the most of this great resource. Frederick Danker, who edited the 3rd edition, also has another useful Bible study aid in hisMultipurpose Tools for Bible Study, published by Augsburg Fortress Press in 2003. Danker provides a helpful insight into the various types of Bible study tools available. |
Tags: new testament, Bible Study Tools, Frederick Danker, Greek Lexicon, Lexicon, Mark Goodacre, NT Gateway, Rodney Decker
Offering free online access during March | |
Free internet access to the newly released study Bible in the English Standard Version (ESV) is available during the month of March. It's certainly worth having a look at the new resource and taking advantage of its study notes during the remainder of the month. HT to Leen Ritmeyer of Ritmeyer Archaeological Design. | |
Tags: ESV Study Bible
New Module
Add content here.