A groundbreaking study led by researchers from Duke University has utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the authorship of some of the oldest books in the Bible. The research team focused on the first nine books of the Hebrew Bible, collectively known as the Enneateuch, using advanced linguistic analysis to uncover distinct writing styles that suggest multiple authors or scribal groups contributed to these sacred texts.
The study, which began in 2010, involved a collaborative effort among mathematicians, archaeologists, linguists, and computer scientists. The team employed a bespoke AI model to detect hidden language patterns within the biblical texts. Their analysis revealed three distinct literary styles attributed to the Priestly source, the Deuteronomistic History, and the Book of Deuteronomy itself. This finding challenges long-standing assumptions about the authorship of these ancient texts.
Thomas Römer, a professor at the Collège de France, highlighted the significance of their findings. “We found that each group of authors has a different style—surprisingly, even regarding simple and common words such as ‘no,’ ‘which,’ or ‘king.’ Our method accurately identifies these differences,” he explained. The implications of this research could reshape the understanding of biblical authorship that has been debated for centuries.
The lead mathematician on the project, Shira Faigenbaum-Golovin, noted that the project originated from the analysis of handwriting on ancient pottery fragments dating back to 600 BC. “We concluded that the findings in those inscriptions could offer valuable clues for dating texts from the Old Testament,” she said. This initial exploration laid the groundwork for assembling a team capable of analyzing the complex biblical texts.
The researchers were intrigued to discover that certain chapters aligned clearly with the identified styles, but portions of the Ark Narrative in 1 Samuel did not correspond to any of the three distinct styles. This anomaly suggests the presence of yet another layer of complexity in the Bible’s composition, which may invite further investigation.
Looking ahead, the research team believes the AI methodology could be beneficial for examining other historical manuscripts. “If you’re looking at document fragments to find out if they were written by Abraham Lincoln, for example, this method can help determine if they are real or just a forgery,” Faigenbaum-Golovin stated.
In their published study in the journal PLOS One, the researchers assert that their work provides interpretable, statistically significant evidence of linguistic characteristics in the writings of biblical authors and redactors. They emphasize that this methodology can offer new insights into disputed matters within biblical studies.
The collaboration represents a unique intersection of science and the humanities. Faigenbaum-Golovin expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s a surprising symbiosis, and I’m lucky to work with people who use innovative research to push boundaries.” As the team continues to explore the potential applications of their findings, they hope to shed light on other ancient manuscripts, further bridging the gap between modern technology and historical scholarship.
