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JEDP Theory

The JEDP theory proposes that the Pentateuch was written by four main sources (J, E, D, and P) rather than primarily by Moses as traditionally believed. J and E were the earliest sources dating to around 850-750 BC, followed by D around 621 BC and P around 500 BC. Each source is associated with using different names for God (Yahweh or Elohim) and portions of the text. Proponents of JEDP question Moses' role in writing the Pentateuch, though some scholars believe he developed the core ideas that the other sources built upon.

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795 views1 page

JEDP Theory

The JEDP theory proposes that the Pentateuch was written by four main sources (J, E, D, and P) rather than primarily by Moses as traditionally believed. J and E were the earliest sources dating to around 850-750 BC, followed by D around 621 BC and P around 500 BC. Each source is associated with using different names for God (Yahweh or Elohim) and portions of the text. Proponents of JEDP question Moses' role in writing the Pentateuch, though some scholars believe he developed the core ideas that the other sources built upon.

Uploaded by

Lena Chandra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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JEDP theory

The JEDP theory seeks to understand the authorship of the Pentateuch in light of the
Documentary Hypothesis. This view believes that the Pentateuch represents the conflation of
four different sources rather than the work of primarily one author, traditionally Moses. The
results of Source Criticism first proposed two authors (or sources) for the Pentateuch
supposedly distinguishable by the use of the terms Yahweh and Elohim. Two additional sources
were later proposed as P for Priestly, and D for Deuteronomic resulting in the JEDP theory of
authorship, most notably associated with German scholar Julius Wellhausen (1844-1918).

JEDP are initials representing the four hypothetical sources as follows:

 Jawist (or Yahwist, from Yahweh) - describes God as Yahweh, starting in Gen 2:4, it
includes much of Genesis and parts of Exodus and Numbers. It is dated around 850 B.C.

 Elohist (from Elohim) - primarily describes God as El or Elohim. Starting with Gen 15, it
covers material similar to "J". It is dated around 750 B.C. (J and E are said to be difficult
to distinguish).

 Deuteronomy - a different source (or author) is associated with Deuteronomy alone,


and is usually dated around 621 B.C.

 Priestly - this encompasses writings scattered from Gen 1 through the notice of Moses'
death at the end of Deuteronomy. It is supposedly dated around 500 B.C.

Traditionally, Moses is viewed as the author of the Pentateuch, and this has caused proponents
of the JEDP theory to question: what role did Moses play? Some have suggested that his role
was minimal, with the majority of the Pentateuch having been written after his death. On the
other hand, it has been put forth that Moses developed the core of the Pentateuch, or in other
words, the basis for which all other material would follow. There are examples in the
Pentateuch of other known sources, for instance, "the Book of the Wars of the LORD" (Num
21:14) that may have been used. So although a different writing style or varying language-use
may be found, scholars still believe that Moses composed the more essential and theological
portions of the Pentateuch.

http://www.theopedia.com/JEDP_theory

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