Željko Stanojević
Institute for Hebrew Language and Literature, Belgrade
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0717-6184
Abstract
This study presents a detailed analysis of Column 4 of the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa), focusing on orthographic variation, scribal features, and textual structure within Isaiah 3:24–5:14. The research examines patterns of spelling variation, omission, and morphological differentiation, alongside the use of matres lectionis and indications of scribal correction. Particular attention is given to the comparison between the Qumran text and the Masoretic Text, highlighting both minor orthographic divergences and more substantial textual variants. The study also includes a translation of the column, supported by philological and contextual interpretation.
Keywords
Great Isaiah Scroll; 1QIsaa; Qumran; Biblical Hebrew; orthography; textual criticism; scribal practices; Masoretic Text; Hebrew linguistics
Description
This work represents the fourth unit within a broader research project dedicated to the systematic analysis of all 54 columns of the Great Isaiah Scroll. Column 4 is examined through a combined philological and text-critical approach, with emphasis on orthographic variation, scribal intervention, and the classification of textual variants.
The analysis identifies patterns of omission, orthographic expansion, and variation in verbal and nominal morphology, as well as shifts in suffixation and syntactic structure. These features are evaluated in relation to the Masoretic Text, allowing for the identification of both routine orthographic differences and more significant textual divergences.
Special attention is given to cases where the Qumran text preserves alternative readings that may reflect distinct textual traditions or internal consistency within the manuscript. The study also considers damaged portions, reconstructed readings, and instances of scribal correction where applicable.
In addition to linguistic and text-critical analysis, the work provides a structured translation of Column 4, reflecting the specific readings of 1QIsaa within the broader textual history of the Book of Isaiah.
Access
Primary scholarly version (DOI):
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19461041
Open repository version HCommons record:
https://works.hcommons.org/records/5t0em-bsd19
Alternative access Academia.edu version:
https://www.academia.edu/165555402/The_Great_Isaiah_Scroll_from_Qumran_1QIsaa_Orthographic_and_Scribal_Features_Analysis_and_Translation_Column_4
Google Sites version:
https://sites.google.com/view/hebrejski-jezik/the-great-isaiah-scroll-from-qumran-1qisaa-orthographic-and-scribal-feat_3
Citation
Stanojević, Željko. The Great Isaiah Scroll from Qumran (1QIsaa): Orthographic and Scribal Features, Analysis, and Translation — Column 4. Zenodo, 2026. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19461041
Project Context
This study forms part of a comprehensive 54-column critical analysis of the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa), conducted within a unified methodological and philological framework.
Related studies:
– Previous Column 3:
https://zeljkostanojevic.hcommons.org/the-great-isaiah-scroll-from-qumran-1qisaa-orthographic-and-scribal-features-analysis-and-translation-column-3/
– Research Project Overview:
https://zeljkostanojevic.hcommons.org/the-great-isaiah-scroll-from-qumran-1qisaa-research-project-overview/