Identifying sources that predate the book as we have it
Tensions, contradictions, repetitions indicate multiple authors, different sources
Two creation stories therefore two different sources
Elohim = Hebrew word for God or gods
YHWH = Hebrew letters for name of God
LORD = traditional substitute so as not to pronounce the holy name
| Called | Distinctive features | Theology | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jahwist (J) | Uses name YHWH even before revealed to Moses | Anthropomorphic God | 10th century |
| Elohist (E) | Avoids God’s name in Genesis | Transcendent God | 9th century |
| Deuteronomist (D) | Mostly equals Deuteronomy | Centralization of worship, explanation of suffering | 7th century |
| Priestly (P) | Discusses priests, temple, holiness, genealogy | Rigid social order | 6th century |