Wellhausen hypothesis

The Wellhausen hypothesis, also known as the Documentary Hypothesis, suggests that the Hebrew Bible was written by multiple sources over time. These sources reflect different authors, traditions, and perspectives, which were later combined into one text. Wellhausen identified distinct writings, such as the Jahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, and Priestly sources, each contributing unique insights. This theory helps explain inconsistencies and repetitions within the Bible, and shows how religious texts evolve from diverse origins before being compiled into the book we have today.