What Is the Meaning of “Qumran”?

Qumran is a region in Israel, close to the Dead Sea. The dead sea scrolls were discovered in the Qumran caves, which are now a historical site. Learn what value the dead sea scrolls add to the Bible.

By Carmen Slabbert
Edited by Taj Schlebusch

Published November 22, 2021.

The definition of Qumran in the Bible means 'river bed' and is a region in Northwest Jordan in Israel, close to the Dead Sea. The Qumran caves are also a historical site where a teenage shepherd boy accidentally discovered clay pots with leather scrolls inside in 1947. While looking after his flock, he was throwing stones into some caves when he heard something shatter. Later, when he investigated the cave, he found some broken clay pots with scrolls lodged inside.

What Is the Qumran Text?

The Qumran text is another name for the Dead Sea scrolls.

Most of the texts of the Dead Sea scrolls are written in Hebrew and Aramaic, with only a few in Greek. These were later translated into English. Most of these scrolls were written on parchment, a few on papyrus, and one on copper.

What Does Qumran Mean in the Bible?

Qumran plays a vital role in the Bible because it is where the Dead Sea caves are located. Although the Dead Sea scrolls do not mention Jesus or early Christianity, it does shed some light on the type of world Jesus lived in.

There are about 981 different manuscripts found. Some of these scrolls were complete manuscripts, while others were only fragments. Most of these scrolls correlate with the Bible as we know it today. There are also some scrolls with non-canon Bible books.

Some people refer to the Qumran caves as the caves of horror, and they play an essential role in the Christian and Jewish religions. The scrolls confirm the Bible stories as we know them today.