Read The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English Online
Authors: Geza Vermes
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âThe Seductress',
Israel Antiquities Authority
Israel Antiquities Authority
The Seductress
(4Q
184
)
184
)
A long and relatively well-preserved Wisdom poem from Cave 4 (4Q
184
) depicts, by means of the metaphor of the harlot, the dangers and attraction of false doctrine. Palaeographically, the text is dated to the first century BCE, but the work may be much older, possibly antedating the Qumran sect.
184
) depicts, by means of the metaphor of the harlot, the dangers and attraction of false doctrine. Palaeographically, the text is dated to the first century BCE, but the work may be much older, possibly antedating the Qumran sect.
For the
editio princeps,
see J. M. Allegro and A. A. Anderson,
DJD,
V, 82-5. Cf. also J. Strugnell,
RQ
7 (1970), 263-8.
editio princeps,
see J. M. Allegro and A. A. Anderson,
DJD,
V, 82-5. Cf. also J. Strugnell,
RQ
7 (1970), 263-8.
... speaks vanity and ... errors.
She is ever prompt to oil her words, and she flatters with irony, deriding with iniquitous l[ips].
Her heart is set up as a snare, and her kidneys (affections) as a fowler's nets.
Her eyes are defiled with iniquity, her hands have seized hold of the Pit.
Her legs go down to work wickedness, and to walk in wrong-doings.
Her... are foundations of darkness, and a multitude of sins is in her skirts.
Her... are darkness of night, and her garments...
Her clothes are shades of twilight, and her ornaments plagues of corruption.
Her couches are beds of corruption, and her ... depths of the pit.
Her inns are couches of darkness, and her dominions in the midst of the night.
She pitches her dwelling on the foundations of darkness she abides in the tents of silence.
Amid everlasting fire is her inheritance, not among those who shine brightly.
She is the beginning of all the ways of iniquity.
Woe (and) disaster to all who possess her! And desolation to all who hold her!
For her ways are ways of death, and her paths are roads of sin, and her tracks are pathways to iniquity, and her by-ways are rebellious wrong-doings.
Her gates are gates of death, and from the entrance of the house she sets out towards the underworld.
None of those who enter there will ever return, and all who possess her will descend to the Pit. She lies in wait in secret places, ...
In the city's squares she veils herself, and she stands at the gates of towns.
She will never re[st] from wh[orin]g, her eyes glance hither and thither.
She lifts her eyelids naughtily to stare at a virtuous man and join him, and an important man to trip him up, at upright men to pervert their way, and the righteous elect to keep them from the commandment, at the firmly established to bring them down wantonly, and those who walk in uprightness to alter the statute;
to cause the humble to rebel against God, and turn their steps away from the ways of justice, to bring insolence to their heart, so that they march no more in the paths of uprightness; to lead men astray to the ways of the Pit, and seduce with flatteries every son of man.
Exhortation to Seek Wisdom
(4Q
185
)
185
)
Large fragments of a Wisdom poem in which a teacher encourages his âpeople', his âsons', the âSimple', to search for Wisdom have been preserved in Cave 4 (4Q
185
). The script is believed to be late Hasmonaean, i.e. from the first half of the first century BCE. As is often the case in Wisdom literature, events of the patriarchal and Mosaic past are used for didactic purposes.
185
). The script is believed to be late Hasmonaean, i.e. from the first half of the first century BCE. As is often the case in Wisdom literature, events of the patriarchal and Mosaic past are used for didactic purposes.
For the
editio princeps,
see J. M. Allegro and A. A. Anderson,
DJD,
V, 85-7. Cf. J. Strugnell,
RQ
7 (1970), 269-73.
editio princeps,
see J. M. Allegro and A. A. Anderson,
DJD,
V, 85-7. Cf. J. Strugnell,
RQ
7 (1970), 269-73.
I
... And you, sons of men, woe to you!
... And you, sons of men, woe to you!
For he (man) sprouts from his ground like grass, and his grace blossoms like a flower.
His [gl]ory blows away and his grass dries up, and the wind carries away its flower
... so that it is found no more ...
They shall seek him but shall not find him, and there is no hope (for him); and his days are like a shadow over the ea[rth].
Now pray hearken to me, my people; heed me, O you Simple; become wise through the might of God.
Remember His miracles which He did in Egypt, and His marvels in the land of Ham.
Let your heart shake because of His fear,
II
and do His will ... ... your souls according to His good graces, and search for yourself a way towards life, a highway [towards ... ]
and do His will ... ... your souls according to His good graces, and search for yourself a way towards life, a highway [towards ... ]
a remnant for your sons after you.
And why have you given up your soul to vanity, ... judgement?
Hearken to me, O my sons, and do not rebel against the words of YHWH.
Do not walk ... [but in the way He established] for Jacob, and in the path which He decreed for Isaac.
Is one day not better ... ... His fear, and not to be afflicted (?) by dread and the fowler's net. ... to be set apart from His angels, for there is no darkness, nor gloom ...
And you, what do you understand ... before Him evil shall go towards every people.
Happy is the man to whom it (Wisdom) has been given thus, ... the evil, nor let the wicked boast, saying:
It has not been given me, nor ... [For God gave it] to Israel, and with a good measure He measures it; and He will redeem all His people, and He will put to death those who hate His Wisdom.
Â
Seek her and find her, grasp her and possess her!
With her is length of days and fatness of bone, the joy of the heart and ...
Happy is the man who works it ... who does not seek it ... of deceit, nor holds to it with flatteries.
As it has belonged to his fathers, so will he inherit it, and hold fast to it with all the strength of his might, and all his immeasurable ... and he shall cause his offspring to inherit it.
Â
I know how to labour for good ...
III
...
...
Â
[God inspects] all the chambers of the womb and He tries all its inward parts.
[God shapes] the tongue and knows its words.
God makes the hand [and understands their deeds (?)] ...
A Parable of Warning
(4Q
302
)
302
)
This text comprises eighteen badly damaged papyrus fragments palaeographically dated to the end of the second century BCE. The topic of the first fragment seems to be the giant âgood' tree which produces thorns.
For the
editio princeps,
see B. Nitzan,
DJD,
XX, 135-41.
Fr. 2 iieditio princeps,
see B. Nitzan,
DJD,
XX, 135-41.
II
Sages, reflect on this.
If a man has a good tree
[which grows] as far as heaven
[and its branches reach (?)]
to the ex[tremitie]s of the lands,
yet it [pr]oduces thorny fruits (?)
... former rain and latter rain ...
and in thirst ...
...
Fr. 3 iiSages, reflect on this.
If a man has a good tree
[which grows] as far as heaven
[and its branches reach (?)]
to the ex[tremitie]s of the lands,
yet it [pr]oduces thorny fruits (?)
... former rain and latter rain ...
and in thirst ...
...
... God will avenge Himself on you for your transgression ... your designs and He does not stand up against you to rebuke you, and to dispute with you. God's seat is in heaven and His dominion is over the lands and seas ...
Sapiential Didactic Work A
(4Q
412
)
412
)
This badly mutilated wisdom composition is represented by four fragments. They contain only one translatable sentence.
For the
editio princeps,
see A. Steudel,
DJD,
XX, 164-7.
Fr. 1editio princeps,
see A. Steudel,
DJD,
XX, 164-7.
[P]ut a lock on your lips and protecting doors to your tongue ...
A Sapiential Work (i)
(4Q
413
)
413
)
Two fragments have preserved the first four lines of a column from a Wisdom composition. The script is Herodian, dating to the turn of the era. The word âGod' is written with palaeo-Hebrew letters in lines 2 and 4.
For the
editio princeps,
see E. Qimron,
DJD,
XX, i69-71.
editio princeps,
see E. Qimron,
DJD,
XX, i69-71.
... I will teach you [knowledge(?)] and wisdom,
And understand the ways of man
and the works of the sons of ma[n].
[According to] God's [loving-kindness] towards man,
He has enlarged his inheritance in the knowledge of His truth,
and according to His rejection of every ev[il man,]
no-one who [walks after] his ears and his eyes shall live.
And now [His] loving-kindness ... the ancient,
they will consider the years of all the generations
as God has revealed ...
And understand the ways of man
and the works of the sons of ma[n].
[According to] God's [loving-kindness] towards man,
He has enlarged his inheritance in the knowledge of His truth,
and according to His rejection of every ev[il man,]
no-one who [walks after] his ears and his eyes shall live.
And now [His] loving-kindness ... the ancient,
they will consider the years of all the generations
as God has revealed ...
A Sapiential Work (ii)
(4Q
415
-
18
,
423
, 1Q
26
)
415
-
18
,
423
, 1Q
26
)
A substantial Wisdom composition, probably dating to the second century BCE, has survived in six fragmentary manuscripts, one from Cave 1 (1Q
26
) and five partly overlapping scrolls from Cave 4 (4Q
415
,
416, 417
,
418a
and
b
and
423
). Apart from the last-mentioned manuscript, dated to the first half of the first century CE, all are said to be early Herodian (30â1 BCE). The work is unquestionably sectarian and displays a terminology akin to the Community Rule, the Damascus Document and the Thanksgiving Hymns. T. Elgvin has attempted to reconstruct the original work and he sums up its contents as follows: argument with a neighbour; relationship of the elect to God and man; God as provider for all his creatures; business ethics; a modest life; deposit to be returned in full; the hope of the just man; divine mysteries to be studied and the praise of God's name; attitude to parents, wife, children; the elect and the sage's escape from God's anger; God as permanent judge of wickedness; God as creator of the heavenly beings and luminaries; God as future judge; mankind's submission to God; the fate of the just and the wicked; religious life; first-born sons of God in praise of him; the use of insight; God's eternal plant: the saints; God's providence; the distribution of the portions of the elect; the farmer and the garden of Eden; Warning: God is to try man. Cf. T. Elgvin, âThe Reconstruction of Sapiential Work A',
RQ
16 (1995), 559-80.
26
) and five partly overlapping scrolls from Cave 4 (4Q
415
,
416, 417
,
418a
and
b
and
423
). Apart from the last-mentioned manuscript, dated to the first half of the first century CE, all are said to be early Herodian (30â1 BCE). The work is unquestionably sectarian and displays a terminology akin to the Community Rule, the Damascus Document and the Thanksgiving Hymns. T. Elgvin has attempted to reconstruct the original work and he sums up its contents as follows: argument with a neighbour; relationship of the elect to God and man; God as provider for all his creatures; business ethics; a modest life; deposit to be returned in full; the hope of the just man; divine mysteries to be studied and the praise of God's name; attitude to parents, wife, children; the elect and the sage's escape from God's anger; God as permanent judge of wickedness; God as creator of the heavenly beings and luminaries; God as future judge; mankind's submission to God; the fate of the just and the wicked; religious life; first-born sons of God in praise of him; the use of insight; God's eternal plant: the saints; God's providence; the distribution of the portions of the elect; the farmer and the garden of Eden; Warning: God is to try man. Cf. T. Elgvin, âThe Reconstruction of Sapiential Work A',
RQ
16 (1995), 559-80.
For the
editio princeps,
see J. Strugnell and D. J. Harrington,
DJD,
XXXIV, 1-503 (4Q
415-418c
and 1Q
26
), and T. Elgvin, ibid., 505-33 (4Q423).
4Qeditio princeps,
see J. Strugnell and D. J. Harrington,
DJD,
XXXIV, 1-503 (4Q
415-418c
and 1Q
26
), and T. Elgvin, ibid., 505-33 (4Q423).
416
, fr. 1 (=4Q
418
, fr. 2)
From heaven He judges the work of wickedness
and all the sons of truth will be accepted ...
... [until] his end
and all those who have wallowed in it
shall be frightened and scream.
For heaven ...
The waters and abysses shall be frightened,
and all the spirits of flesh shall be laid bare.
And the sons of heaven ... its [jud]gement.
And all injustice will yet come to an end
and the age of trut[h] will be completed ...
... in all the everlasting ages.
For He is the God of truth, and from the beginning
of years ...
to establish righteousness between good and ev[il].
...
[For] his is a fleshly [in]clination
and his foundation ...
and all the sons of truth will be accepted ...
... [until] his end
and all those who have wallowed in it
shall be frightened and scream.
For heaven ...
The waters and abysses shall be frightened,
and all the spirits of flesh shall be laid bare.
And the sons of heaven ... its [jud]gement.
And all injustice will yet come to an end
and the age of trut[h] will be completed ...
... in all the everlasting ages.
For He is the God of truth, and from the beginning
of years ...
to establish righteousness between good and ev[il].
...
[For] his is a fleshly [in]clination
and his foundation ...
416
, fr. 2 ii (4Q
417
2 ii, 4Q
418
8, 21, 22, 4Q
418a
[for] He opens His mercies ...
...
and to give nourishment to all the living.
If he keeps his hand tight,
the spirit of all flesh is gathered in.
Do not take ...
... and the debtor ... let him quickly repay (his debt).
As for you, settle with him,
for you must keep an eye on your money purse.
At[tend] your creditor on behalf of your friend
and you have gi[ven] all your life for (?) him.
Give quickly what is his and take [your] purse.
Let your spirit not diminish because of your words;
do not exchange your holy spirit for any wealth,
for no price equals it ...
For no man thrusts you away.
With favour seek His face
and speak according to His tongue
and you will then find your pleasure
...
and to give nourishment to all the living.
If he keeps his hand tight,
the spirit of all flesh is gathered in.
Do not take ...
... and the debtor ... let him quickly repay (his debt).
As for you, settle with him,
for you must keep an eye on your money purse.
At[tend] your creditor on behalf of your friend
and you have gi[ven] all your life for (?) him.
Give quickly what is his and take [your] purse.
Let your spirit not diminish because of your words;
do not exchange your holy spirit for any wealth,
for no price equals it ...
For no man thrusts you away.
With favour seek His face
and speak according to His tongue
and you will then find your pleasure
... do not ...
Do not abandon your precepts
and take care of yourself with your mysteries.
If he assigns you some work to do,
do not rest or give sleep to your eyes
until you have done
[his] command[ments] ...
[and] do not add ...
And if it is to be humbled, do not ...
Lift up your eyes and see
that man's zeal is great
for deceitful is the heart more than every ...
And also by His gentle wisdom you will hold fast to His service
... you will consult with him.
And you will be his first-born son
and (he will) have compassion on you
like a man on his only son;
... for you are his servant and his chosen one
Do not trust ...
and do not keep awake because of ...
and become for him like a slave ...
Do not strike him who is without your strength
lest you stumble and your shame increase greatly.
[Do not s]ell yourself for wealth
it is better for you to be a slave in spirit.
And serve your master freely
And do not sell your glory for a price.
Do not give money in pledge for your inheritance
lest it impoverish your body.
Do not satiate yourself with bread while there is no clothing.
Do not drink wine while there is no food.
Do not seek luxury when you lack bread.
Do not glorify yourself in your need if you are poor
lest you degrade your life.
Also do not treat with contempt the vessel of your bosom (wife)
4QDo not abandon your precepts
and take care of yourself with your mysteries.
If he assigns you some work to do,
do not rest or give sleep to your eyes
until you have done
[his] command[ments] ...
[and] do not add ...
And if it is to be humbled, do not ...
Lift up your eyes and see
that man's zeal is great
for deceitful is the heart more than every ...
And also by His gentle wisdom you will hold fast to His service
... you will consult with him.
And you will be his first-born son
and (he will) have compassion on you
like a man on his only son;
... for you are his servant and his chosen one
Do not trust ...
and do not keep awake because of ...
and become for him like a slave ...
Do not strike him who is without your strength
lest you stumble and your shame increase greatly.
[Do not s]ell yourself for wealth
it is better for you to be a slave in spirit.
And serve your master freely
And do not sell your glory for a price.
Do not give money in pledge for your inheritance
lest it impoverish your body.
Do not satiate yourself with bread while there is no clothing.
Do not drink wine while there is no food.
Do not seek luxury when you lack bread.
Do not glorify yourself in your need if you are poor
lest you degrade your life.
Also do not treat with contempt the vessel of your bosom (wife)
417
, fr. 2 i (=4Q
416
fr. 2 i)
... each time so that he shall not fill you
and according to his spirit speak against him ...
without rebuke.
Forgive the worthy and ...
And you shall not swallow up his spirit,
for you have spoken in whisper ...
And he has recited quickly his rebuke ...
Do not overlook your sin ...
for he is as righteous as you are.
For he is a prince among pr[inces]
... he will do.
For how unique is he in all activity with[out] ...
Do not reckon an unjust man as a help,
nor one filled with hatred ... [apart from] the wickedness
of his deeds
at his visitation.
Know how to walk with him ...
Let [instr]uction not depart from your heart
and God will be for you, yourself.
Widen ... in your poverty,
for who is more insignificant than a poor man.
Do not be jolly while in mourning
lest you labour all your life.
Look at the approaching mystery
and grasp the sources (or: begetters) of salvation,
and know who is to inherit glory or injustice.
Will they not ...
and for their mourning everlasting joy.
...
Be an advocate for your business ... all your sins.
Pronounce your judgement like a righteous ruler.
Do not ta[ke] ...
and do not overlook your sin.
Be like a poor man in your dispute;
His judgement ... take.
Then God will see and His anger will cease,
and He will forgive your sins ...
[Fo]r before His anger
no one can stand,
And who is righteous in His judgement?
And without pardon, how can the poor [stand firm
before Him]?
And as for you, if you are in need of food,
your need and your plenty ... you will make abundant.
Be led to the sustenance of His delight,
and take from Him your inheritance
and do not add agai[n] ...
[By the word] of his mouth everything is
and whatever He feeds you with, eat it.
... of your life.
vacat
If in your need you borrow money from people
do not ... day and night
and there shall be no rest for your soul
[until] you have repaid [your] creditor [his money].
Do not lie to him so that you will not bear guilt for it.
Furthermore, because of the reproach ...
You will not trust his neighbour.
In your need he will close his hand.
Your strength ...
If you receive a stroke ...
Do not hide from him who strikes you
So that he will not reveal your shame ...
and according to his spirit speak against him ...
without rebuke.
Forgive the worthy and ...
And you shall not swallow up his spirit,
for you have spoken in whisper ...
And he has recited quickly his rebuke ...
Do not overlook your sin ...
for he is as righteous as you are.
For he is a prince among pr[inces]
... he will do.
For how unique is he in all activity with[out] ...
Do not reckon an unjust man as a help,
nor one filled with hatred ... [apart from] the wickedness
of his deeds
at his visitation.
Know how to walk with him ...
Let [instr]uction not depart from your heart
and God will be for you, yourself.
Widen ... in your poverty,
for who is more insignificant than a poor man.
Do not be jolly while in mourning
lest you labour all your life.
Look at the approaching mystery
and grasp the sources (or: begetters) of salvation,
and know who is to inherit glory or injustice.
Will they not ...
and for their mourning everlasting joy.
...
Be an advocate for your business ... all your sins.
Pronounce your judgement like a righteous ruler.
Do not ta[ke] ...
and do not overlook your sin.
Be like a poor man in your dispute;
His judgement ... take.
Then God will see and His anger will cease,
and He will forgive your sins ...
[Fo]r before His anger
no one can stand,
And who is righteous in His judgement?
And without pardon, how can the poor [stand firm
before Him]?
And as for you, if you are in need of food,
your need and your plenty ... you will make abundant.
Be led to the sustenance of His delight,
and take from Him your inheritance
and do not add agai[n] ...
[By the word] of his mouth everything is
and whatever He feeds you with, eat it.
... of your life.
vacat
If in your need you borrow money from people
do not ... day and night
and there shall be no rest for your soul
[until] you have repaid [your] creditor [his money].
Do not lie to him so that you will not bear guilt for it.
Furthermore, because of the reproach ...
You will not trust his neighbour.
In your need he will close his hand.
Your strength ...
If you receive a stroke ...
Do not hide from him who strikes you
So that he will not reveal your shame ...
BOOK: The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English
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