Potential sectarian variants in Psalm 119 of 11Q5 : a further investigation in response to Eugene Ulrich’s “The absence of sectarian variants in the Dead Sea Scrolls”

This essay examines the portions of 11Q5 (Great Psalms Scroll) that correspond to Psalm 119 and compares them as variants from MT (as representative of Proto-MT, discussed within) with the intention to test Eugene Ulrich's absolute statement that there are no "sectarian variants" in the biblical Dead Sea Scrolls. It employs a comprehensive survey of the variants in its search for theologically motivated variation, which it then tests against theological themes as found in 1QS and more general theological themes of broader Second Temple Judaism. As a secondary endeavor, it more clearly defines Ulrich's apparent understanding of what the term "sectarian variant" signifies and seeks to draw attention to the practice of assuming against sectarian variation until proven otherwise; it argues for a more balanced approach of "no designation without scholarly evidence." The essay includes extensive charts of the variants, divided into "variant types" for ease of reference.