Exploring Uncharted Territory
Józef T. Milik and the Interpretation of the Aramaic Astronomical Book (4Q208–4Q211)
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21586180 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Henryk Drawnel (0000-0003-4425-315X, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin https://dx.doi.org/49642 Lublin Poland, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-31 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-08 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Dead Sea Discoveries (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0929-0761 • E-ISSN: 1568-5179 |
| Publisher | Walter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1163/15685179-bja10081 |
| OpenAlex | W7163927583 |
| Language | EN |
The article examines how the Aramaic manuscripts of the Books of Enoch came to light and how they have been interpreted, focusing on 4Q208–4Q211. Recovered from Qumran Cave 4, the fragments shed light on Enochic astronomy—covering the coordination of lunar and solar calendars and the detailed modeling of lunar visibility periods. Józef Tadeusz Milik’s careful identification and reconstruction of the pieces set the stage for the field, though researchers have revised parts of his proposals. It also draws connections to early Babylonian astronomy, highlighting the cross-cultural currents that shaped these texts
Biblical studies · Cave · Dead Sea Scrolls · Hebrew Bible · Visibility · Ancient Near East History · Historical Astronomy and Related Studies · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies
| Highly cited | No |
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