معرفی
Christophe Nihan is a University Professor of Old Testament Studies at the Faculty of Protestant Theology, University of Münster, where he has served since April 2021. Previously, he was Associate Professor at the University of Lausanne (2009-2021), and held academic positions at the University of Geneva and University of Lausanne. His scholarly profile centers on Pentateuchal research, particularly priestly traditions, biblical rituals, the religious history of Israel in its Near Eastern context, and prophetic literature, with special focus on the book of Ezekiel.
Nihan completed doctoral studies at the University of Lausanne (2000-2005), following studies in Protestant Theology (1994-1999) and philology and philosophy (1991-1998), all at Lausanne. His academic trajectory demonstrates consistent specialization in biblical scholarship with growing institutional responsibilities.
His research portfolio reveals deep engagement with priestly literature, particularly in Leviticus and related texts. Nihan examines ritual practices, legal traditions, and theological frameworks within their historical contexts, employing sophisticated textual criticism and composition history methods. His work frequently addresses the relationship between different biblical traditions, especially the interplay between priestly, Deuteronomistic, and prophetic materials. The interdisciplinary nature of his scholarship connects textual analysis with historical, archaeological, and comparative religious perspectives, offering nuanced interpretations of ancient religious practices and their evolution. His 2007 monograph From Priestly Torah to Pentateuch: A Study in the Composition of the Book of Leviticus represents a significant contribution to Pentateuchal studies.
Professor Nihan currently leads EXC 2060 A3-31 on 'Entstehung und Transformationen der Reinheitskonzepte im Judentum der persischen und hellenistischen Zeit im Kontext des antiken Mittelmeerraums' (Development and Transformations of Purity Concepts in Judaism during the Persian and Hellenistic Periods) and coordinates a subproject within the DFG Cluster of Excellence at the University of Münster. His editorial work includes significant volumes like Text and Ritual in the Pentateuch (2021) and Mosaics: Studies on Ancient Israel (2021).
At Münster, Nihan teaches diverse courses including 'Introduction to the Old Testament,' seminars on Israel and Transjordan, the Hexapla of Origenes, sacrifices in the Old Testament, and doctoral colloquia on current problems in Old Testament research. His teaching spans foundational topics for beginners to specialized subjects for advanced scholars, reflecting his comprehensive expertise across textual, historical, and theological dimensions of biblical studies.
