Topical Encyclopedia The Samaritan Pentateuch is a version of the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—preserved by the Samaritan community. This ancient text is written in the Samaritan script, a variant of the Paleo-Hebrew alphabet, and is considered by the Samaritans to be the true and uncorrupted version of the Torah. The Samaritans, an ethnoreligious group originating from the Israelites of the Northern Kingdom, have maintained their distinct religious identity and practices, which include the veneration of Mount Gerizim as the chosen place of worship, as opposed to Jerusalem.Historical Background The origins of the Samaritan Pentateuch are intertwined with the complex history of the Samaritans themselves. Following the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, the region experienced significant demographic and cultural changes. The Samaritans claim descent from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, and they assert that their version of the Pentateuch predates the Babylonian exile and the subsequent compilation of the Masoretic Text, which is the authoritative Hebrew text for most Jewish and Christian traditions. Textual Characteristics The Samaritan Pentateuch shares much in common with the Masoretic Text but also contains notable differences. These variations include linguistic, orthographic, and theological distinctions. One of the most significant theological differences is the emphasis on Mount Gerizim as the central place of worship, as seen in the Samaritan version of the Ten Commandments, which includes an additional commandment regarding the sanctity of Mount Gerizim. The Samaritan Pentateuch also aligns more closely with the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, in certain passages. This has led some scholars to suggest that the Samaritan text may preserve older readings that were later altered in the Masoretic tradition. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the Samaritan Pentateuch provides insight into the religious beliefs and practices of the Samaritan community. The Samaritans hold the Pentateuch as their sole scriptural authority, rejecting the rest of the Hebrew Bible, which they believe was corrupted by the Jews after the Babylonian exile. This exclusivity underscores the Samaritans' focus on the Mosaic covenant and their claim to be the true preservers of Israelite religion. The Samaritan emphasis on Mount Gerizim is reflected in their version of Deuteronomy 27:4, which instructs the Israelites to set up stones and build an altar on Mount Gerizim, rather than Mount Ebal as in the Masoretic Text. This difference highlights the centrality of Mount Gerizim in Samaritan worship and identity. Biblical References The New Testament provides some context for understanding the relationship between Jews and Samaritans during the time of Jesus. In John 4:20-21 , the Samaritan woman at the well speaks to Jesus about the worship on Mount Gerizim: "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus responds, "Believe Me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem." This interaction reflects the longstanding religious tensions between Jews and Samaritans, as well as the distinct theological perspectives each group held regarding the proper place of worship. Conclusion The Samaritan Pentateuch remains a valuable text for biblical scholarship, offering a unique perspective on the early transmission and interpretation of the Pentateuch. Its existence alongside the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint provides a broader understanding of the textual history of the Hebrew Scriptures and the diverse religious landscape of ancient Israel. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Samaritan PentateuchSAMARITAN PENTATEUCH sa-mar'-i-tan. Smith's Bible Dictionary Samaritan Pentateucha recension of the commonly received Hebrew text of the Mosaic law, in use among the Samaritans, and written in the ancient Hebrew or so-called Samaritan character. The origin of the Samaritan Pentateuch has given rise to much controversy, into which we cannot here enter. The two most usual opinions are --
Library The Original Text and Its History. The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study. Criticism of the Sacred Text. The Pentateuch. In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ... The Samaritan and Alexandrian Canons. Ancient Versions of the Old Testament. Book 4 Footnotes Chapter v Index ii. Resources What does the Bible say about selflessness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Jacob's well? | GotQuestions.org Samaritan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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