Subject history

Biblical studies (or exegesis) has a long history at Uppsala University, even though the formal designations have changed. The structure with two professorships, for the study of the Old Testament and the New Testament respectively, dates back to Duke Karl’s decree in 1593. Since 2020, Biblical Studies has been a research subject with two specializations: Hebrew Bible exegesis and New Testament exegesis.

The subject has a long tradition of language- and text-oriented research. In the 21st century, this has resulted in a number of studies, dissertations, commentaries, and translations. However, the subject has also conducted more historically oriented research. In the mid-20th century, the internationally renowned “Uppsala School” took an interest in comparative religious history. Around the year 2000, several dissertations based on excavations in the Syrian-Palestinian area were published. Subsequently, the focus shifted to Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The first decades of the 21st century have also been marked by a growing interest in reception studies.