Exegetically Speaking Cranky, Bald Donkeys and Textual Criticism, with Andrew Perrin: Jeremiah 14:6
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Nov 3, 2025 Andrew Perrin, Professor of Humanities and a Dead Sea Scrolls specialist, delves into the fascinating world of ancient manuscripts. He discusses how the Dead Sea Scrolls enhance our understanding of biblical texts and scribes’ techniques. Perrin highlights intriguing details from 4Q Jeremiah A, including a notable variant at Jeremiah 14:6 involving a 'bald donkey.' The conversation emphasizes the significance of messy manuscripts for textual development and the ongoing necessity of text critiques in biblical studies.
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Check Footnotes And Scrolls
- When studying scripture, consult the scrolls and critical footnotes to spot variant readings and earlier forms.
- Use those variant witnesses to test translations and understand possible original wording.
Scrolls Add New Textual Data
- The Dead Sea Scrolls supply new manuscript data that reshape our view of the biblical text.
- They allow scholars to both reconstruct readings and study ancient scribal processes.
Messy Manuscripts Reveal Scribes
- Messy, heavily corrected manuscripts reveal scribes' decision-making and textual cultivation.
- Those features let us watch how ancient readers updated, added, or constrained texts over time.
