David A. Lambert

David A. Lambert is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in the Hebrew Bible and its history of interpretation. His scholarship bridges historical-critical approaches with attention to how interpretive frameworks shape our reading of ancient texts, particularly focusing on the Hebrew Bible within its Ancient Near Eastern context.

Lambert received his academic training at Harvard University, earning his A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. His doctoral work culminated in the Harry and Cecile Starr Dissertation Prize in 2004, reflecting the significance of his early scholarly contributions to biblical studies.

Professor Lambert's research centers on the Hebrew Bible in its Ancient Near Eastern environment, hermeneutics and the history of biblical interpretation, Late Second Temple Judaism, the history of Jewish thought, the history of the self, and translation studies. His work challenges conventional interpretive frameworks, particularly questioning how modern notions of subjectivity and repentance have shaped biblical interpretation. He argues that many concepts readers project onto ancient texts actually emerged later in religious history, revealing more about contemporary interpretive tendencies than ancient realities.

Lambert's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on how interpretive frameworks shape biblical understanding. His work examines the relationship between ancient texts and their reception history, with particular attention to how modern Western notions of the subject have influenced biblical translation and interpretation. He has made significant contributions to understanding the formation of biblical concepts like repentance and honor within their proper historical contexts.

Among his notable recognitions are the prestigious AAR Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion (2016), the Schwab Academic Excellence Award (2019), and fellowships at the Israel Institute for Advanced Studies (2017-2018). His scholarly achievements also include:

• EURIAS Fellowship (2017-2018)
• Peter Thacher Grauer Fellow at UNC Chapel Hill (2010-2014)
• Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Post-doctoral Fellowship at Yale University (2004-2007)
• Harry and Cecile Starr Dissertation Prize from Harvard University (2004)
• Institute for the Arts and Humanities Faculty Fellow (Spring 2023)
• Senior Faculty Research and Scholarly Leave (Fall 2022)

Professor Lambert mentors graduate students in religious studies and biblical scholarship, guiding research on Hebrew Bible interpretation, ancient Jewish thought, and textual criticism. His current projects include a monograph titled "Is Bible Scripture? Assembling the Biblical in Ancient Judaism and Beyond" for Yale University Press, which explores the formation of the Hebrew Bible as Scripture. He has received multiple research grants supporting his work on the history of biblical interpretation and the concept of the self in antiquity.

Through his participation in research groups like "The Subject of Antiquity: Contours and Expressions of the Self in Ancient Mediterranean Culture" at the Israel Institute for Advanced Studies, Lambert collaborates with international scholars to advance understanding of ancient subjectivity. His work bridges traditional biblical scholarship with innovative approaches from history of religions, contributing to broader conversations about how ancient texts continue to shape contemporary religious and cultural frameworks.