Behold-Nå̄, Statistics is an Effective Tool, Use It-Nå̄

In recent years a debate has erupted around the possibility of using quantitative tools to date biblical texts. Our article sets forth a new methodology for discerning statistically significant traces of diachronic layers in texts from the Hebrew Bible. This is not to suggest that an irregularity in...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Rachmuth, Moshe (Author) ; Portnoy, Stephen (Author) ; Wright, Jacob L. 1973- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Oxford University Press 2022
In: Journal of Semitic studies
Year: 2022, Volume: 67, Issue: 2, Pages: 441-469
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Description
Summary:In recent years a debate has erupted around the possibility of using quantitative tools to date biblical texts. Our article sets forth a new methodology for discerning statistically significant traces of diachronic layers in texts from the Hebrew Bible. This is not to suggest that an irregularity in a book is sufficient to determine that it is made of more than one source. We are only making the argument on the negative: that there is no reason to explain phenomena that ‘seem interesting’ if there is no statistical model that shows a significant difference from random distribution. More generally, this study demonstrates the need for informed and careful application of recent statistical theory to the field of biblical studies.
ISSN:1477-8556
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of Semitic studies
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1093/jss/fgac006