The Copper Scroll

Abstract

by Emma Jane Tee

(Emma Tee is a third-year undergraduate in the M.Theol. honours programme at the University of St. Andrews.--JRD)

The Copper Scroll is one of the most perplexing Dead Sea Scrolls. There is much debate over whether it should even be linked with the other scrolls found in the Qumran caves. In my paper I focus on the current debate and theories concerning the origins and purpose of the Copper Scroll; I investigate different theories as to the locations the Scroll seems to allude to -- this is not as clear cut as one might assume; treasure/archaeological finds in the Qumran area that may be related to treasures described in the Copper Scroll; and unusual features of the Copper Scroll, especially the Greek letters that may or may not be the beginning of Greek proper names. The two most important theories to bear in mind while reading my paper are firstly that the Copper Scroll and its treasure belonged to a sectarian community based at Qumran; secondly that the Copper Scroll and its treasure belonged to the Jerusalem temple. Subsequent hypotheses about places and unusual features of the Scroll are all influenced by each individual scholar's viewpoint. This paper aims to be a comprehensive account of the current problems and debate surrounding the Copper Scroll.

(c) 2001
Reproduction beyond fair use only on permission of the author.