Scribal marks in the Great Isaiah Scroll
Additional information
Authors
Feliciangeli M.,
Mizrahi N.
Type
Book chapter
Year
2026
Language
English
Abstract
This chapter investigates the remarkable abundance of scribal marks in the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaᵃ), which far surpasses any other Qumran manuscript in both number and variety. The authors explain how horizontal strokes, X-shaped marks, and other marginal signs interact with the scroll's paragraph divisions to select, structure, and highlight the text. Some marks appear to have been added by the original scribe, while others reflect later readers' interventions, suggesting a layered history of use. The analysis reveals that these markings were not arbitrary but rather served distinct purposes. Ultimately, the chapter portrays 1QIsaᵃ as a living document, actively engaged with by multiple hands across time.
Keywords
Great Isaiah Scroll, Qumran, Scribal marks, Scribal practices
Book
The Great Isaiah Scroll: A Voice from the Desert
Pages (or article number)
109-111
ISBN
9783647502632
Diffusion
License
Rights reserved
Visibility
Public
Status open access
Green
