At the Seminar for the Old Testament at Goethe University Frankfurt, our scholars focus on the communication and research of Old Testament writings. The Old Testament, as the first part of the Bible, is also the Holy Scripture of Judaism and forms the shared root of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Our research approaches are threefold: theological, historical, and cultural. We examine the conditions under which these texts were created and their relevance today, with knowledge of Old Testament languages such as Hebrew and Aramaic playing a central role.
From a cultural perspective, we view the Old Testament as part of a diverse world. Our teaching and research highlight the interactions between the cultures of the ancient Near East and the enduring influence of Old Testament traditions on European culture, literature, art, and politics. We warmly invite all students to join us on the fascinating journey through the Old Testament.