Biblical Studies
Biblical Studies, also known as exegesis, involves research into biblical texts (i.e., writings included in the Jewish and Christian canons) in their original languages. In addition to the texts in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the deuterocanonical writings, a large number of related ancient texts are studied, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. A variety of theories and methods are used to illuminate different aspects of the texts, such as cultural background, origin, textual and linguistic problems, editorial history, literary form, rhetorical stylistic devices, and theological themes. The work of a biblical scholar also includes hermeneutical and translation-theoretical reflections as well as critical studies of, among other things, ideology and gender aspects in the texts. A growing field of research concerns the reception (interpretation and impact) of the biblical texts over more than two thousand years. The research subject of Biblical Studies consists of two specializations: Hebrew Bible exegesis and New Testament exegesis.
Hebrew Bible exegesis
The Hebrew Bible exegesis specialization includes the study of the texts of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, as well as relevant contemporary literature from cultures in Southwest Asia, such as texts from Ugarit or Nineveh. It also includes research on ancient translations (e.g., the Septuagint) and early Jewish interpretations (e.g., texts from Qumran). In the 21st century, the focus has shifted from religious-historical and archaeological investigations to research concerning ideological perspectives and questions of identity. Another priority area is reception studies, with two clear emphases: early Jewish reception and modern reception in fiction, film, and other media. Current research in Uppsala also covers the following areas: Hebrew poetry, Bible translation, prophetic literature, sacrifice, metaphors, children, and rabbinic scriptural interpretation.
New Testament exegesis
The New Testament exegesis program includes the study of both the texts of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (e.g., the Apostolic Fathers). It also includes research on relevant contemporary Jewish, Hellenistic, and Roman literature. Current research in Uppsala covers the following areas, among others: Greek grammar, Bible translation, the Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple Judaism, the historical Jesus and New Testament Christologies, persecution and authority in the New Testament, rhetoric and theology in the Pauline epistles, linguistic expressions of faith and faithfulness, and intertextuality in late antiquity (e.g., Second Epistle of Clement and Pistis Sophia).