Pietro Della Valle (1586–1652) was an Italian traveler and scholar whose journey through the Middle East in the early 17th century led to one of the most significant discoveries in biblical studies. While the existence of the Samaritan Pentateuch was not entirely unknown, Della Valle’s acquisition of a manuscript in Nablus introduced this ancient text to European scholars, expanding the field of biblical textual criticism. His efforts provided key insights into the textual history of the Pentateuch, highlighting differences between the Samaritan, Masoretic, and Septuagint traditions.
Pietro Della Valle’s Journey and Encounter with the Samaritans
Born into a noble Roman family, Della Valle embarked on extensive travels across the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and the Holy Land, meticulously documenting his observations. In 1616, during his time in Nablus—then the religious center of the Samaritan community—he encountered a group that had preserved a distinct version of the Torah. Recognizing its significance, he acquired a manuscript, though the exact details of the transaction remain unclear.
By sending this manuscript to Europe, Della Valle sparked renewed scholarly interest in Samaritan traditions and biblical textual variations. His discovery allowed for direct textual comparisons, shaping the study of Semitic manuscripts and influencing future research on biblical transmission.
The Samaritan Pentateuch: A Unique Biblical Tradition
The Samaritan Pentateuch consists of the five books of Moses—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy—but differs from the Masoretic Text, the authoritative Hebrew Bible in Judaism. It is written in the Samaritan alphabet, which evolved from the Paleo-Hebrew script, preserving a distinct textual tradition.
The origins of the Samaritan Pentateuch date back at least two millennia, though scholars debate its precise historical development. It represents an independent Israelite textual tradition, offering a valuable perspective on how the biblical text evolved across different communities.
Key Differences Between the Samaritan Pentateuch and the Masoretic Text
1. Theological Distinctions – The Samaritan Pentateuch designates Mount Gerizim as the central place of worship, aligning with Samaritan religious beliefs, whereas the Masoretic Text emphasizes Jerusalem.
2. Textual Variations – There are approximately 6,000 differences between the Samaritan and Masoretic versions. Many involve spelling and grammar, but others reflect substantial theological and interpretive divergences.
3. Alignment with the Septuagint – In certain passages, the Samaritan Pentateuch aligns more closely with the Greek Septuagint than with the Masoretic Text, suggesting multiple textual traditions coexisted in antiquity.
4. Chronological Discrepancies – Genealogies and numerical values in Genesis differ between the texts, affecting biblical chronology.
These differences make the Samaritan Pentateuch an essential resource in textual criticism, helping scholars reconstruct the history of the biblical text and its transmission.
Impact of Della Valle’s Discovery
While knowledge of the Samaritan Pentateuch predated Della Valle, his acquisition of a manuscript played a crucial role in bringing it into European scholarship. His work led to greater awareness of the Samaritan tradition, challenging the previously dominant assumption that the Masoretic Text was the sole authoritative Hebrew Bible.
The discovery inspired Jean Morin, a French Oratorian priest, to undertake one of the earliest systematic studies of the Samaritan Pentateuch. Morin’s comparative analysis demonstrated that the Samaritan text had independent value, further legitimizing its role in biblical scholarship. This marked the beginning of a new era in comparative biblical studies, fostering interest in alternative textual traditions.
Legacy and Significance
Pietro Della Valle’s role in bringing the Samaritan Pentateuch to European attention reshaped the study of biblical textual traditions. His discovery enabled scholars to analyze an independent version of the Pentateuch, enriching the field of textual criticism and deepening the understanding of biblical transmission.
The Samaritan Pentateuch remains an invaluable resource for examining the development of the Torah, highlighting both textual diversity and historical continuity. Della Valle’s legacy endures as a pioneering figure in the exploration of ancient manuscripts, contributing to the broader understanding of biblical history and religious traditions.