The Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation

Abstract

Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation is a landmark work that brings to life long-inaccessible ancient scrolls of Qumran. Three distinguished translators at forefront of modern scrolls scholarship reveal rich tapestry of writings known as Dead Sea Scrolls. This is the most comprehensive translation compiled for general reader in any language. Translated into modern-day English by Michael Wise, Martin Abegg Jr. and Edward Cook, this book contains virtually every legible portion of fragmented scrolls, including revelatory information on early Christianity and its roots far deeper than previously realized in ancient Judaism. Included as well are scroll fragments that promise to alter dramatically our view of biblical history, including never-before released texts and newly discovered writings by and about key biblical prophets and ancestors. The translators provide illuminating commentary throughout that place scrolls in their true historical context. They also present a compelling, insightful introduction that gives reader an overview of often surprising contents of scrolls and discusses what are perhaps greatest mysteries of scrolls -- who authored them and why. From a new generation of Dead Sea Scrolls scholars, here is a fresh look at scrolls, including most recently released texts. Michael Wise, Martin Abegg Jr. and Edward Cook unlock secrets and rich mysteries of Dead Sea Scrolls in most comprehensive translation ever published for general reader in any language. Their brilliant scholarship and illuminating commentary add dramatic new knowledge to our understanding of scrolls. Thishistoric translation includes: Intriguing revelations about biblical history and roots of Christianity. Never-before-seen stories about biblical figures Abraham, Jacob and Enoch -- including a text explaining why God demanded sacrifice of Isaac. Twelve texts not included in Bible that claim Moses as their author. New psalms attributed to King David and to Joshua. Texts illuminating ancient doctrines about angels and writings claiming to be revelations of angels themselves including Archangel Michael. Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation will set standard for scrolls scholarship for years to come. This is an important, rigorously researched work that renders scrolls vibrant and accessible. In their great variety and stunning richness, Dead Sea Scrolls as captured in this groundbreaking translation offer modern readers an unprecedented glimpse of complex roots of modern Christianity. Its dozens of never-before-published texts encompass poetry and prose, teaching parables and magical tales, astrology, apocalyptic visions, lists of buried treasure, stories of messiahs and antichrists, demons and angels and together comprise a new classic of religious history. Long withheld from public view, ancient scrolls found in caves of Qumran near Dead Sea are revered by many but known in full by very few. Now three translators at forefront of modern scrolls scholarship have revealed entire rich complex of writings, stories, poems and texts known as Dead Sea Scrolls.