Are There Forgeries of the Dead Sea Scrolls?
The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late 1940s revolutionized biblical studies. These ancient manuscripts, hidden for two millennia, provided remarkable insight into the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish life before and during the time of Christ. But in recent decades, another chapter has emerged in their story: the rise of forgeries of Dead Sea Scrolls fragments.
These so-called “new discoveries,” surfacing mainly since the late 1990s, have raised difficult questions about authenticity, ethics, and the modern antiquities market. As the apostle Paul warned, “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
1. A Long History of Forged Manuscripts
Forgery in biblical studies is not new. Scholars recall the case of the “Gospel of Jesus’s Wife” unveiled in 2012, a small papyrus fragment that seemed to claim Jesus was married. The sensational claim quickly unraveled when textual and scientific analysis proved it a fake.
Similarly, many forged artifacts use authentic ancient materials—such as blank papyrus or leather—but apply modern ink and clumsy handwriting. This creates the illusion of authenticity while concealing a falsehood. Scripture warns us that deception is not surprising, since “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).
2. Three Tests of Authenticity
Scholars evaluating possible Dead Sea Scrolls forgeries use three primary criteria:
Provenience: Was the item found in its original place through a supervised archaeological dig? Items without secure discovery sites are automatically suspect.
Authenticity: Does the ink, handwriting, and textual content align with what is known from genuine Qumran manuscripts? Testing must go beyond carbon-dating.
Chain of Custody (Provenance): Can the item’s ownership and transfer history be verified, free from fabricated stories or redacted documents?
Each of these criteria echoes biblical wisdom: “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). Careful testing protects truth.
3. The Problem of Modern Collections
Since the late 1990s, several private and institutional collections have purchased alleged Dead Sea Scrolls fragments. Among them are:
Museum of the Bible (Washington, D.C.)
Azusa Pacific University (California)
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Texas)
Lanier Theological Library (Houston)
The Schøyen Collection (Norway)
At first, these acquisitions generated excitement. Institutions claimed they had secured pieces of sacred history. But as testing advanced, most of these fragments were exposed as modern fakes. By 2020, the Museum of the Bible admitted publicly that all its Dead Sea Scrolls fragments were forgeries.
This sobering realization reinforces Jeremiah’s words: “Do not trust in these deceptive words” (Jeremiah 7:4).
4. Five Red Flags of Fake Fragments
Careful analysis has revealed patterns that signal forgery:
Too much Bible – Unlike the authentic Qumran finds (only about 23% biblical), private collections had a suspiciously high concentration of biblical texts.
Theologically loaded passages – Many forgeries highlight controversial or high-value verses such as Psalm 22 (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
Groundbreaking new readings – Some fragments seemed to restore “lost words” of Scripture too conveniently, suggesting deliberate fabrication.
Shaky origins and vague purchase histories – Many fragments lack clear documentation or come with stories involving anonymous priests, Swiss vaults, or pre-1970 claims designed to skirt UNESCO conventions.
Forgeries meeting demand – The surge of fragments for sale after 2002 reflects a market driven by collectors, not archaeology.
These patterns parallel the warning of 2 Peter 2:3: “In their greed they will exploit you with false words.”
5. The Case of Daniel Fragments
The book of Daniel provides a striking example. Authentic Dead Sea Scrolls included several Daniel manuscripts, but in modern collections, Daniel fragments reappeared with suspicious frequency.
At the Museum of the Bible, one Daniel fragment (10:18–20) was declared a forgery after ink analysis showed it had been written on damaged ancient leather with modern tools.
In contrast, some Daniel fragments in the Schøyen Collection appear authentic, likely connected to Cave 1. Their value lies not in sensational new readings but in confirming that Daniel manuscripts were part of the original Qumran finds.
This distinction reminds us that truth may be less dramatic but far more enduring. “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psalm 119:160).
6. Why Do Forgeries Matter?
The presence of Dead Sea Scrolls forgeries raises more than academic concerns. They challenge us to reflect on:
Integrity – Forgeries exploit faith, scholarship, and money.
Greed and deception – Some sellers saw only profit, not the preservation of truth.
Faith and discernment – Believers must avoid sensationalism and cling to tested truth.
Even amid forgery, the authentic scrolls remain an unparalleled witness to God’s word. They confirm the reliability of Scripture and remind us that God’s truth is never lost. Jesus promised, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
Conclusion
Yes, there are forgeries of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The rush to acquire “new fragments” since the 1990s produced a flood of fakes that deceived scholars, institutions, and collectors. But this does not diminish the authentic discoveries of Qumran. Instead, it underscores the need for caution, humility, and discernment.
The genuine Dead Sea Scrolls remain a treasure of biblical archaeology, faithfully preserved through time. The forgeries, by contrast, warn us against confusing profit with truth. As Proverbs 12:19 declares, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”
