4QMMT was found in Qumran Cave 4 on six fragmentary manuscripts, which were 4Q394-399. There were continuous tries to reconstruct the six insufficient fragments by some Qumran scholars since 1984 when the existence of 4QMMT was disclosed by Elisha Qimron. It was so hard work to make it because of lots of missing parts. In spite of its toughness, E. Qimron and John Strugnell accomplished the reconstruction of 4QMMT in 1994, and published their studies on 4QMMT, which was Qumran Cave 4, V, MIQSAT MA ASE HA-TORAH, DJD X (Oxford: Clarencon Press, 1994). In that book, 4QMMT was analyzed thoroughly on the basis of an abundant knowledge of linguistics, phonetics and jewish texts. In result, it was found that 4QMMT is in the form of a letter having a sender and an addressee, which is consist of three parts. Originally it must have had four parts, but now the first part is completely missing. The rest of it remains a calender, more than 20 halakhot and an epilogue. It was also found that it is a 'polemical document' being full of a characteristics which Qumran community had. Especially, their view of halakha is offered enough.
In this Ariticle, I will comment the composite text and interpret it line by line. Then it will lead us to understand the halakhic framework of Qumran community. With this understanding, we could see the first century more widely and more deeply. Above all, study on 4QMMT which this article attempts will be helpful in understanding the context of the New Testament, especially Galatians. There is so close relationship between 4QMMT and Galatians. First, the phrase $$ founded in 4QMMT has a same meaning as εpγa vóμou in Galatians. So we can find some connection point between them. In the light of $$ in 4QMMT, we can see the explicit conception of εpγa vóμou which Paul intended. Second, we are also able to find the phrase $$ in 4QMMT which is parallel to ελoγiσθn εiç δlkaloσuvnv in Galatians. It will lead us to the doctrine of justification that was predominant in the Second Temple Judaism. Now we are ready to meet the most important antithesis between εpγa vóμou and πiστlç X plστoũ in Galatians. In contrast to legalistic Judaism descripted by 4QMMT, Paul presents the very new way to justification, πiστlç Xplστoũ is this.
In conclusion, a study on the text of 4QMMT will be enough to shed light on the New Testament, which is the object point this article have to reach.
I would like to give my all respect to Prof. Choi Soon-Bong. He gave me plenty of knowledge and inspiration, and also showed me what I have to be. And I would like to give my special thanks to my wife and my son. Without them I couldn't be what I am. More than anything else, I praise my Lord. He leads me here with his merciful hand.
$$ : 원문참조