The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English

by Geza Vermes

  For the editio princeps of 4Q470, see Erik Larson, Lawrence H. Schiffinan and John Strugnell, DJD, XIX, 235—44.

  Fr. 1

  ... Michael ... Zedekiah [shall en]ter into a covenant on [th]at day ... to practise and to cause all the Torah to be practised. [At] that time M[ich]ael shall say to Zedekiah.... I will make with you [a cov]e[nant] before the assembly [to p]ractise ...

  Fr. 3

  ... their [c]ry towards heaven ... [to] restore them to health and help them by the spirit of [his] m[ight] ...

  ... and by the pillar of fire [many] times ... And Moses wrote when he spoke according to a[ll] ... Kadesh B[arnea] ...

  A Historico-theological Narrative based on Genesis and Exodus

  (4Q462—4)

  Palaeographically dated to the mid-first century BCE, the two joined fragments of 4Q462 represent the only meaningful part of a historical narrative told from a theological point of view. Both the beginning and the end of each of the nineteen lines are missing, but the general tenor of the story can be guessed: after repeated oppression and humiliation, God is to remember Jerusalem. The Tetragram is twice replaced by four dots as in the Community Rule (1QS) VIII, 15. There are six further small fragments.

  For the editio princeps of 4Q462, see M. Smith, DJD, XIX, 195—209. 4Q463, or Narrative D, contains only a few broken lines, starting with ‘And God remembered his word which he said’, followed by the quotation of Lev. xxvi, 44. Apparently the fragment has vanished and the text edited by M. Smith (ibid., 211-14) is based on J. Strugnell’s transcription. The poorly preserved 4Q464 (ibid., 215—3 2) refers to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and apparently to Joseph. Fr. 3 ii, 7 contains the word pesher (interpretation), suggesting that an exegetical comment followed in the lacuna.

  4Q462

  ... [Shem and] Ham and Japhet ... for Jacob ... for Israe[l] ...

  ... And he will give (the land?) to the multitude as a heritage. ... (=the Lord) who rules ... his glory which ... will fill the waters and the earth ... They seized his people. The light was with them and [darkness] was on us ...

  The [per]iod of darkness [passed away] and the period of light came and they were to rule for ever. Therefore he will say, ... to Israel, for in our midst was the people of the beloved, (of) Jac[ob] ... And they slaved, and they were safeguarded and they cried to .... (=the Lord) ... And behold they were handed over to Egypt for the second time in the period of the kingship, and [they] were safeguarded ... [and the inha]bitants of Philistia and Egypt will become a booty and a ruin. And he will make it stand ...

  ... the fierceness of her face will be changed to brightness and her 15 soiled garments [to] ... And he will remember Jerusalem ...

  Tobit

  (4Q196—200

  Prior to the Qumran finds, the Book of Tobit existed among the Apocrypha in two, a long and a short, Greek recensions and in various secondary ancient versions. Cave 4 has revealed remains of four Aramaic (4Q196—9) and one Hebrew (4Q200) manuscripts, of which two scrolls, the papyrus Toba (196) and the leather Tobb (197), have yielded copious extracts. They all basically represent the Semitic original from which the longer Greek recension, attested by the fourth-century CE Codex Sinaiticus, and the Old Latin version were made.

  Toba, Tobc and Tobd are palaeographically dated to the first century BCE and Tobb, as well as the Hebrew Tobe, to the turn of the era (30 BCE-20 CE). The translation of a composite Aramaic text is followed separately by that of the Hebrew fragments. The Aramaic and the Hebrew overlap only in Tob. xiv, 1—2. Of the two, the Aramaic, represented by older and more numerous manuscripts, is likely to be the original language of the composition.

  The following illustrate some of the differences between the Aramaic (A), and the Greek (G) Tobit:

  i, 22 (A) He was the son of my brother, of my father’s house and of my family. (G) He was my brother’s son and of my kindred.

  ii, 1 (A) On the day of the Festival of Weeks (G) At the feast of Pentecost which is the sacred festival of the seven weeks

  vi, 6 (A) Also he salted the rest for the journey. Both of them were going together (G) and left part of it salted. And they journeyed both of them together

  vi, 12 (A) and her father loves her (G) and her father is an honourable man

  xiv, 2(A) He was fifty-eight years old when he lost his sight and afterward he lived fifty-four years (G) He was sixty-two years old when he was maimed in his eyes (Sinaiticus) He was fifty-eight years old when he lost his sight and after eight years he regained it (Vaticanus)

  For the editio princeps of 4Q196-200, see J. A. Fitzmyer, DJD, XIX, 1-79.

  4Q196, Fr. 2 Tob. i, 19—ii, 2

  (i, 19) [one o]f the men of Nineveh, and he informed the kin[g about me, th]at I was bury[ing them (the murdered Jews) and] I hid myself. When I learned that he knew of me [and sought to kil]1 [me], I was frightened and fled. (20) ... [al]1 that I possessed and nothing was left to me ... a[part from Hanna]h my wife and Tobiah my son. (21) But not f[orty] days passed [before two of] his (Sennacherib’s) [sons killed him] and they fled to the mountains of Ararat. Then [Esarhaddo]n became king [and he] appointed Ahikar, the son of my brother Anael, over all the ac[count]s [of the kingdom. And he was in ch]arge of all the royal treasury accounts. (22) And Ahikar intervened for me ... [And Ahi]kar my brother was the cupbearer, the guardian of the signet ring and the accountant under Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and Esarhaddon reappointed him. Now he was the son of my brother, of my father’s house and of my family.

  (ii, 1) And in the days of [ki]ng Esarhaddon, when I returned to my home 10 and Hannah my wife and Tobiah my son were restored to me, on the day of the Festival of Wee[ks, I] had an excellent meal and I reclined to [ea]t. (2) And they put a table in front of me and I saw the many delicacies placed on it, [and I] said [to Tob]iah my son, My son, go and bring all those among our brot[hers whom you] can find ... my son, go and bring (them). Let him be brought (here) and eat [together] with me. And behold I ...

  Fr. 6 Tob. iii, 9—15

  (iii, 9) ... [Go] after them (after her seven deceased husbands) and let us n[ot] see a son [or a daughter] of yours [ever.] (10) ... [and she cried and went] up to the upper room of [her father’s] house ... [may I not hear] again [such a dis]graceful thing in my life. And ... (I I) against ... [May] thy holy [and glo]rious name [be blessed] for all et[ernity. And] may [all thy works] bless [thee]. (12) [And now I have turned] my face [to]wards thee and I have [li]fted my eyes. (13) Say that I should depart from [the earth] ... (14) [Thou, O Lord, kn]owest that I myself am pure o[f a]ll impurity [of man.

  (15) And I have not de]filed [my] nam[e and the name of] my [father] in all the land of our captivity. I am [the on]ly child [of my father and] he has no other son who would inherit from him. Nei[ther has he] a brother or a relation [for whom I] should [keep my]self, or a son f[or whom I should b]e a wife. Already seve[n] of my [husbands] have per[ished] ...

  4Q197, fr. 4 + 4Q196, fr. 13 Tob. v, 19—vi, 12 [vi, 6-8]

  I (v, 19) ... Let my son not cleave [to mone]y and like ... (21) [And] he said to her, Do not be afraid. My son will go in peace ... [in pea]ce. Do not be afraid. And do not worry about him, my sister. (22) ... [his] jour[ney] ...

  (vi, I) Once again [she fell silen]t and cried no more. vacat

  (2) ... [and the ang]el was with him and ... [and they went] together. And [night] came [and they reached] the Tigris. (3) And the young man went down ... [and] a big [fis]h [jumped] out of [the water to swall]ow the foot of the young man ... (4) ... [C]atch the f[ish! And] the young man [se]ized [the fish and brou]ght it to the dry land. And [the angel] s[aid to him, (5) Cut] it open and remove [its gall and] its [heart and its liver. Keep] them, but [throw away its] entrails. [Its gall], its [heart] and its liver are [medicament]. (6) And [he cut out its gall and] its [h]eart and [its liver ... the f]ish and he ate (it). Also {he sa[lted the re]st for the journey} (4Q196). Both of them were going [to]gether [until they rea]ched Media. vacat (7) {The young man [as]ked the ang[el]} (4Q196) [and s]aid to him, Azari
ah my brother, what kind of medicament is in the heart of the fish and in its liv[er and in its gall? (8) If you] smoke it in front of a man or a woman smitten by a demon or an [evil] spirit ... they will [n]ever come by again. (9) The gall is for applying to the ey[es of a man] ... white film and he will recover. (10) And when they entered Media and he was already ne[aring Ecbatana, (11) Raphael said to the young] man, T[o]biah my brother. And he said to him, Here am I. And he said to him, In the house [of Raguel we shall stay. And the m]an is from the house of our father. And he has a beautiful daughter ... (12) [And] he has [no other (children) except Sarah a]l[one]. And you are re[lat]ed to her ... [And this young girl]

  4Q197, fr. 4 + 4Q196, fr. 14 i Tob. vi, 12—18 [vi, 13—18]

  II [wise, stron]g and very beautiful, and her father loves [her] ... her father. And a just decision has been made concerning you (13) to m[arry her] ... You will speak about this young girl tonight. You will retain her and take her to be your wif[e ... And {when we return from [Rages]} (4Q196), [we shall make for her] a wedding-feast. And I know that Raguel cannot refuse her to you for he knows ... and to marry his daughter than any (other) ma[n. For h]e kno[ws] that if he were to give her to [another] man [this would be against the law in the Book] of Moses. And now [let us speak about] this [young] gir[1] tonight and let us retain her [for you ... (14) Then Tobiah replied and said to Rapha]el, Azariah my brother, I have heard ... (that she had seven husbands who all died) when they went in to her.... (15) And now I am [af]raid of this demon who {loves her ... the demon kills them} (4Q196)

  ... (bring) my [fath]er and my mother [to the grave ... They have] no other son [to bury them.] (16) {[Do you not remember the com]mands of your father} (4Q196) who commanded you ... {[And no]w listen to me, my brother. Do not (be afraid of) this [de]mon and marry (her) {tonight ... (17) [t]ake from the heart [of the fish] ... (18) ... the demon [will sme]ll it and will (flee]} (4Q196)

  ... (When you go in) [to be wi]th her, ri[se up] ... [And do n]ot be afraid [for] she has been allotted to you and for you ... you will save [her. And] I suppose that you will have [children by her and ... And when] Tobiah [h]eard the words of Raphae[l that she was h]is sister and of ...

  4Q197, fr. 4 + 4Q196, fr. 14 ii Tob. vi, 18—vii, 10 [vi, 18-vii, 6]

  III [the house of his father’s family] he fell in love with her [gr]eatly and his heart (was much attached) to her. (vii, 1) And when they entered Ecbat[ana], Tobiah [said] to him, Aza[riah my brother, lead] me straight away to the house of Raguel our brother. He led him there and [they] went [to the house] of Raguel and [they] found Rague[1 s]itting in front of the gate of his home. And first they greeted him and he said to them, In peace you have come. Enter in peace, my brothers. And he brought them into his house. (2) Then he said to Edna his wife, How much this young man resembles Tobit, the son of my uncle. (3) And Edna asked them and said to them, Where are you from, my brothers? and they said to her, From among the children of Naphtali [who] are captives in Niniveh. And she said to them, Do you know Tobit our brother? And they said to her, We know him. Is he well? (5) And they said, He is wel[l. And To]biah [sa]id, He is my father. (6) And Raguel jumped to his feet and kissed him and crie[d]. (7) ... A blessing on [you my son. You are the] s[on] of a just man ... the neck of Tobiah ... (9) he slaugh[tered] a ram from the flock ... to eat and to drink.... my sister. (10) And [Raguel] heard ...

  4Q]197, fr. 5 Tob. viii, 21—ix, 2

  (21)... my son. I am your father and Edna is [your] m[other] ... [Do not be] afraid, my son. vacat (ix, I) [Then Tobiah called Raphael and said to] him, (2) Azariah my brother, take with you from here fo[ur slaves] ...

  ... [and] you will come to the house of Gab[ae]l and give him the document and take [the money] ...

  4Q196, fr. 17 Tob. xiii, 6—12

  ... [with all]

  II your heart and [with all] your [s]oul to [do righteousness.

  Then he] will turn to you,

  and will no l[onger hide] his [face] from you.

  [Give] him [thanks] with all your mouth

  and ble[ss the Lord] of righteousness and ex[alt him].

  [In the land] of captivity I give him thanks

  and I dec[lare] his [m]ight and [his] greatne[ss

  before a people of s]in.

  According to your heart

  [do] righ[teousness] before him.

  [Who] kno[ws if there will be f]orgiveness [for you].

  (7) And I exalt my God and my [so]ul the ki[ng of heaven].

  ... all the day[s of my life].

  ... [and let them al]l [pr]aise his greatness.

  (8) Let them speak with psalm[s] ...

  (9) [Jerusalem] the holy city,

  he will [aff]lic[t you] concerning ...

  (10) ... [with righ]teousness give thanks ...

  ... from generation to generation they will give ...

  [and his] great name [will be for] everlasting [gene]rations.

  (12) Cur[sed] be [a]ll [who] despise (you)

  and all who are against [you].

  And cursed be al[l who hate] you

  and all [who spe]ak [a]gainst you.

  Cursed be ...

  4Q196, fr. 18 + 4Q198, fr. 1 Tob. xiii, 12—xiv, 3

  (18) ... [will] s[a]y, Halle[luiah] ...

  [Blessed be for ever] and ever

  for in you they will bless [his holy] n[ame] ...

  (xiv, 1) [The words of thanksgivings of To]bit [ended] and he died in peace at the a[ge of one hundred and twelve years and he was buried]. (2) [He was] fifty-ei[ght] years [old] ... his [e]yes. He lived a good life and in all ... {[and he gave] alms and continued to fear God and to pr[aise his greatness. (3) And he called Tobiah his son and] his [seven]} (4Q198) sons and commanded him and said to [him] ...

  4Q200, fr. 2 Tob. iv, 3—9

  ... (4) ... and she carried you in [her] womb ... vacat (5) My son, [re]member] God in all your days ... his word. vacat [Do] what is true [a]ll the days of [your] l[ife, and do not walk in the way]s of lies. (6) For when you do what is t[rue ... will] be with you. (7) ... My son, with a generous hand [give] alms, and do not hi[de your face from any p]oor. Then [the face of Go]d will not be hid]den [from you. (8) If you have much, [my] son, ... [giv]e al[m]s from it. If you have little, according to the little (you will give)....

  Fr. 4 Tob. x, 7—9

  [And when] the fourteen days of the [wedding] were completed for them which Raguel had sworn to make for Sarah his daughter, To[b]iah came [to him] and said to him, Send me away (for) I already know that [my father does not believe, n]or does my mother believe that she will see m[e] again. And now I request [y]ou, my father, that you send me away that I may go to my father. Already I have recounted to you how I left them. (8) And Raguel said to Tobiah, My son, remain with me and I will send messengers to Tobit y[o]ur father and the[y] ...

  Fr. 6 Tob. xii, 20—xiii, 4

  ... [Record in writing all] this story. And he (Raphael) ascended. (21)...

  [and they saw] him [no more]. (22) And they were blessing [and extolling

  God and giving him thanks for] his great d[ee]d and wondered how [an

  angel of God] had appeared [to them]. (xiii, 1) Then Tobit spoke and

  wrote a psalm of praise, and s[aid,

  Blessed be] the living [God] whose kingdom is for all eternity:

  (2) He who [strikes and wh]o is merciful;

  He who causes to descend to the nethermost hell,

  and he who brings up from the [g]rea[t] abyss.

  And who is there who can escape from his hand?

  (3) Give him thanks, children of Isra(el, in front of the nations],

  you who are exiled among them.

  (4) Recite there [his greatness and extol him before al]l the living.

  For he is your Lord, and he is [your] God

  ... [for al]l [eternity].

  Fr. 7 Tob. xiii, 18—xiv, 2

  II ... (xiv, 1) And [Tobit’s words of praise were] completed, [and he di]ed in peace aged [one hundred and twelve years]. He wa
s fifty-eight years old (when he lost) his [s]ight [and] afterward [he lived fifty]-fo[ur years].

  Apocryphon of Jeremiah

  (4Q383, 385a, 387, 387a, 388a, 389—90)

  Originally considered as part of an Ezekiel apocryphon, the remains of these manuscripts, written in a well-imitated biblical Hebrew, have been identified by the editor as pertaining to an apocryphal account of the life of Jeremiah in Babylon and in Egypt. The script probably dates to the end of the first century

  BCE.

  For the editio princeps, see D. Dimant, DJD, XXX, 91—260. For the related 4Q384, see M. Smith, DJD, XIX, 136—52.

  4Q385a, fr. 18 i-ii

  I vacat ... Jeremiah the Prophet [departed] from before the Lord (YHWH) ... [to accompany the] captives who were taken captive from the land of Jerusalem and came [to ... Nebuchadnezzar,] king of Babel, when Nabuzaradan, the chief of the bodyguard, smote ... and took the vessels of the house of God, the priests ... and the sons of Israel and led them to Babel. And Jeremiah the Prophet went [with them as far as] the river and he commanded them what they were to do in the land of [their] captivity ... [And they obeyed] the voice of Jeremiah in regard to the words which God commanded him ... and they were to keep the covenant of the God of their fathers in the land [of their captivity ... and they were not to d]o as they had done and their kings and priests [and ... and they] profaned [the na]me of God ...