Editing Testament of Job (section)

== Composition ==
There has been a general consensus in scholarship that the Testament of Job comes from the Jewish origins because it lacks any clear Christian features. Yet some possibly Christian features have also been noted in the text, such as the use of the Greek compound word ἀπροσωπόληπτός ("impartiality").<ref>T. Job 4:8</ref> After analysing such features in the Testament of Job, Nicholas List concludes that they may be explained as the work of a later Christian scribe or editor.<ref name="u917">{{cite journal | last=List | first=Nicholas | title=Jewish and Christian “signature features” in the Testament of Job | journal=Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha | volume=33 | issue=1 | date=2023 | issn=0951-8207 | doi=10.1177/09518207221137064 | doi-access=free | pages=51–74 | url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/09518207221137064 | access-date=2025-05-26}}</ref>

Although in early scholarship the suggestions were made that the original text was written in Hebrew or Aramaic, there has been a more recent scholarly consensus that the original language of composition of the Testament of Job was Greek.<ref>Maria Haralambakis 2012, [https://api.pageplace.de/preview/DT0400.9780567064981_A23694637/preview-9780567064981_A23694637.pdf The Testament of Job: Text, Narrative and reception History.] Bloomsbury T&T Clark. p.11</ref>

=== Parallels in Qumran literature ===
Some scholars have noted that the Testament of Job shares some thematic and ideological similarities with the [[Qumran]] community. For example, James H. Charlesworth has called attention to the numerous parallels between the Testament of Job and some of the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]]. In particular he commented upon a “striking resemblance to the Qumran concept of the fellowship of the just with the angels” as found in the Testament. This refers especially to the ability of Job’s daughters to have access to the language of the angels. Also, according to Charlesworth, “The whole of the hymn against Elihu (TJob 43:4-17), in fact, is replete with Qumran affinities.”<ref>James H. Charlesworth 2010, [https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Old_Testament_Pseudepigrapha/TNdeolWctsQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA855 The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha.] p.855, note 'd'</ref>

===Montanists===
The assertion has been made that the ''ecstatic speech'' of the [[Montanists]] (a later Christian sect), was another example of ''speaking in tongues''.  This has led some scholars, such as Spittler,<ref>The Testament of Job, as found in The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha. Translated by R. P. Spittler. J. H. Charlesworth, ed. Vol. 1. New York: Doubleday and Company. 1983. Pg. 834</ref> to suggest that the Montanists may have edited parts of the Testament of Job, adding sections such as these.<ref>Charles A. Sullivan 2020, [https://charlesasullivan.com/14354/the-testament-of-job-and-angelic-tongues/ The Testament of Job and Angelic tongues.]</ref> But Spittler also suggested that this could have been the Therapeutae who were responsible.

The letter ends with a reference to life after death; "It is written that he will rise up with those whom the Lord will reawaken. To our Lord by glory. Amen."<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.scribd.com/document/1251114/Testament-of-Job-Revised-English|title=Testament of Job (Revised English) &#124; Book of Job &#124; Satan}}</ref>

===Therapeutae===
It has been suggested that the work originated from the [[Therapeutae]].<ref>Spittler, Russel Paul (1983), 'Testament of Job', in James H. Charlesworth (ed. Old Testament Pseudepigrapha Vol I Doubleday</ref><ref>Taylor, Joan E., "Virgin Mothers: Philo on the Women Therapeutae," Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha, 12.1(2001): 37-63. doi:10.1177/095182070101200102</ref>  However, [[glossolalia|speaking in tongues]] has not been recorded as a practice of the Therapeutae.