VERIFIKASI KEAKURATAN PENYALINAN TEKS ALKITAB BERDASARKAN GULUNGAN LAUT MATI

Abstract

In the field of biblical text studies, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran in 1947 stands as one of the greatest archaeological findings, significantly contributing to textual criticism of the Old Testament. These ancient manuscripts, estimated to date from 250 BCE to 100 CE, serve as an important comparison to the Masoretic Text, as the basic for the Old Testament. This study aims to analyze the extent to which the Dead Sea Scrolls support the verification of the accuracy of biblical text transmission and to examine whether significant changes occurred in the copying process. The research use a philological approach within textual criticism, comparing textual variants from the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Masoretic Text, and the Septuagint. Result of the research indicate that while minor differences exist, such as variations in spelling and writing style, no substantial changes were found that alter the core meaning of the biblical text. The research verifies that the tradition of biblical text transmission over thousands of years has been carried out with precision and accuracy. The conclusion of this research is that the Dead Sea Scrolls provide historical evidence that strengthens the verification of biblical text accuracy. Consequently, skepticism regarding the authority and authenticity of the biblical text is refuted, as this study demonstrates that no substantial changes have occurred in the transmission process of the biblical text.

Keywords: Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic Text, Biblical Accuracy, Textual Criticism, Philology.