Christian Frevel

Prof. Dr. Christian Frevel is Professor of Old Testament at the Faculty of Catholic Theology, Ruhr University Bochum. He has held academic positions at the University of Bonn and the University of Cologne before joining Ruhr University in 2004. He has served as Dean of the Faculty since 2011 and is a principal investigator at CERES (Central Institute for Research on Religion and Society) in Bochum.

His primary research areas include Biblical Anthropology, the Pentateuch—especially the Book of Numbers—the religious history of Israel and Judah, and the formation of post-exilic Judaism. His work often bridges textual exegesis, historical reconstruction, and material culture, with particular attention to ritual, identity, and theological development.

Frevel’s scholarly output is extensive, with over two decades of publications in major journals and reference works. His recent articles explore themes such as ritual density in Numbers, the emergence of Yahwism, textual seams in the Pentateuch, and the interplay between archaeology and biblical narrative. He frequently edits and contributes to academic volumes on topics like purity, intermarriage, and religious transformation.

His research demonstrates a consistent focus on the literary composition and theological function of biblical texts, often challenging established scholarly paradigms. He engages deeply with both classical and contemporary debates in Old Testament studies, including the Deuteronomistic History, the Hexateuch, and the role of material culture in religious identity.

Prof. Frevel has no listed scientific awards in the provided text, but his sustained scholarly leadership and editorial roles reflect significant academic recognition. He has been active in multiple research networks and has held leadership positions in academic societies, including the German Society for the Exploration of Palestine.

He has advised numerous academic projects and collaborative research initiatives, particularly in the context of CERES and KHK Bochum. While specific student names are not listed, his role as a full professor and doctoral supervisor implies mentorship of graduate students in theology and biblical studies.

He is involved in several research labs and teams, notably as a principal investigator at CERES and a member of the enhanced board of the KHK Bochum. His collaborative work with scholars like Thomas Söding, Katharina Pyschny, and Christophe Nihan highlights his engagement with interdisciplinary and team-based research in theology and religious studies.