Biblical Studies at ELTE – Vision and Mission

Since antiquity, the Bible has served as a foundational text for the Jewish and Christian worlds. Nearly every aspect of Western culture is, in some way, influenced by the motifs, stories, characters, principles, or perspectives found within its pages. In this regard, the Bible stands as a distinguished and symbolic pillar of our civilization and cultural heritage. Through its study, we can explore the origins, layers, and transformations of our shared identity. The formation of the Bible traces back to ancient times, yet its impact and interpretations have permeated various historical eras, extending to the present day. Consequently, biblical studies provide valuable insights across numerous disciplines and are deeply enriched by fields such as history, religious studies, archaeology, linguistics, literary theory, philosophy, folklore, music, and art history.

The Bible’s significance is inseparable from the religious contexts in which it emerged and was transmitted across generations. As such, the study of the Bible inevitably engages with religion and theology, and for many scholars, faith and religious identity remain central. At the same time, the Bible has been embraced by diverse religious communities since its inception, often resulting in conflicting and, at times, antagonistic relationships throughout history. These tensions are imprinted within the biblical text itself and are even more evident in the varied interpretations across denominations.

The Biblical Studies Program, co-founded by the Department of Religious Studies and the Department of Assyriology and Hebrew Studies, seeks to approach biblical scholarship with an open-minded, interdisciplinary, and inclusive perspective. Continuing in the tradition of past practices, we aim to transcend denominational boundaries while maintaining deep respect for religious and philosophical convictions. We view these differing perspectives as testament to the Bible’s enduring relevance and dynamic nature.

It is also important to acknowledge that the concept of the “Bible” varies across denominations and traditions. Different biblical canons recognize different collections of sacred books, and even within the same books, there are multiple ancient versions (such as Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, and Latin). Modern translations likewise exhibit notable differences.

Our program’s objective is to explore biblical literature in the broadest sense. This includes not only canonical texts but also non-canonical writings (such as the apocryphal and pseudepigraphal texts), which are essential for a deeper understanding of canonical works, as well as later literature focused on biblical interpretation. In doing so, we aim to engage with the rich traditions that have quietly but persistently shaped the Faculty’s teaching and research.