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Nash Papyrus

Manuscript

Cambridge University Library

Fayyum, Egypt

Judaism

Second half of the second century BCE

Before the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nash papyrus was the oldest known biblical text.

What does it look like?

The Nash papyrus consists of four fragments of papyrus. When joined together, the four fragments measure about 14cm by 6cm. There are twenty-four lines of Hebrew text and the traces of a further line. The text is barely readable, but consists of the Ten Commandments, (which can be read in the Hebrew Bible: Exodus 20), and the ‘Hear O Israel’ prayer, (which can be read in Hebrew Bible: Deuteronomy 6:4–5).

The text is barely readable, but consists of the Ten Commandments, (which can be read in Hebrew Bible: Exodus 20), and the ‘Hear O Israel’ prayer, (which can be read in Hebrew Bible: Deuteronomy 6:4–5).

Who, what and where?

It probably belonged to an Egyptian Jew. It may have come from a phylactery and would have been used in prayer.

Phylacteries are protective amulets, containing scriptures, which are worn on the left hand and forehead by observant Jews during prayer. Modern phylacteries include the text of the ‘Hear O Israel’ prayer, but not the Ten Commandments. Phylacteries containing the Ten Commandments were found amongst the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Are there links to current religious practices or a modern equivalent?

Modern phylacteries include the text of the ‘Hear O Israel’ prayer, but not the Ten Commandments. Phylacteries containing the Ten Commandments were found amongst the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Why is it significant to the study of religion?

Before the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Nash papyrus was the oldest known biblical text. The Nash papyrus is an important example of the Hebrew text of the Ten Commandments and the ‘Hear O Israel’ prayer.

The text is closer to that of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Pentateuch, that originated in Egypt than the Hebrew version. Interestingly, the version of the Ten Commandments in the Nash papyrus appears to avoid calling Egypt a ‘house of bondage’ [the Jewish people were slaves to the Egyptian state – see Exodus 20:2]. This might reflect the fact that the papyrus originated in Egypt.