Documentary Hypothesis

Question 1

Who developed the Documentary Hypothesis?

Answer 1

The German scholar Julius Wellhausen

Question 2

What was Wellhausen’s thesis?

Answer 2

• The law came after the prophets
• Prophets (seen as revolutionaries) started a movement which later became institutionalized with the priesthood and Levites

Question 3

What are the Four Sources of the Documentary Hypothesis?

Answer 3

• J (Yahwist) Document
• E (Elohist) Document
• D (Deuteronomistic) Document
• P (Priestly) Document

Question 4

What is the “ J (Yahwist) Document” (Four Sources of the Documentary Hypothesis)?

Answer 4

• Uses ‘Yahweh’ (Lord)
• Focuses on faith, portraying God in human-like terms

Question 5

What is the “E (Elohist) Document” (Four Sources of the Documentary Hypothesis)?

Answer 5

• Uses ‘Elohim’ for God
• Emphasizes morality and prophecy

Question 6

What is the “D (Deuteronomistic)” (Four Sources of the Documentary Hypothesis)?

Answer 6

Focuses on the Book of Deuteronomy

Question 7

What is the “P (Priestly)” (Four Sources of the Documentary Hypothesis)?

Answer 7

• Written post-exile
• Contains laws, with a focus on priesthood, temples, and worship.

Question 8

What are the Six Pillars of the Documentary Hypothesis?

Answer 8

• Textual References to Moses
• Anachronisms (Chronological Lapses)
• Differences in Divine Names
• Differences in Language and Style
• Differences in the Conception of God and Human Beings
• Duplicate Narratives