What is the JEDP Theory?

Response

In summary, the JEDP theory posits that the initial five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—were not solely authored by Moses, who passed away in the 1400s B.C., but were also composed by different writers or compilers after Moses. This theory is grounded in the usage of varying names for God across different sections of the Pentateuch, along with noticeable differences in linguistic style. The acronym JEDP represents the four alleged authors: the Jahwist/Yahwist, who employs Jehovah for God’s name; the Elohist, who uses Elohim for God’s name; the Deuteronomist (the writer of Deuteronomy); and the priestly author of Leviticus. Furthermore, the JEDP theory suggests that the diverse segments of the Pentateuch were likely assembled in the 4th century B.C., potentially by Ezra.

Hence, why do books ostensibly penned by a single author feature different names for God? For instance, Genesis chapter 1 utilizes the name Elohim, while Genesis chapter 2 employs the name YHWH. Such patterns are recurrent in the Pentateuch. The explanation is straightforward: Moses employed God’s names to convey a specific message. In Genesis chapter 1, God is portrayed as Elohim, the powerful Creator God. In Genesis chapter 2, God is depicted as Yahweh, the intimate God who fashioned and interacts with humanity. This does not indicate multiple authors but rather a singular author utilizing God’s diverse names to underscore a message and delineate various facets of His character.

As for the distinct styles, should we not anticipate an author to adopt different styles when narrating history (Genesis), delineating legal decrees (Exodus, Deuteronomy), and elucidating intricate aspects of the sacrificial system (Leviticus)? The JEDP theory seizes upon the explicable divergences in the Pentateuch and formulates an intricate theory devoid of any factual or historical foundation. No J, E, D, or P document has ever been unearthed. Neither ancient Jewish nor Christian scholars have ever intimated the existence of such documents.

Documents existed.

The most compelling argument against the JEDP theory is the Bible itself. Jesus, in Mark 12:26, said, “Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?” Therefore, Jesus plainly states that Moses wrote the account of the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-3. Luke, in Acts 3:22, references a passage in Deuteronomy 18:15 and attributes it to Moses as the author. Paul, in Romans 10:5, discusses the righteousness described by Moses in Leviticus 18:5. Paul, thus, affirms that Moses authored Leviticus. Hence, Jesus demonstrates that Moses authored Exodus, Luke (in Acts) indicates Moses as the writer of Deuteronomy, and Paul asserts Moses as the author of Leviticus. For the JEDP theory to hold true, Jesus, Luke, and Paul must all either be deceivers or mistaken in their comprehension of the Old Testament. Let us place our trust in Jesus and the human authors of Scripture rather than the unfounded and absurd JEDP theory (2 Timothy 3:16-17).