Matthew Phillip Monger

Matthew Phillip Monger is an Associate Professor of Near Eastern Languages and Literatures at MF, specializing in the languages and texts of the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean. His research focuses on textual transmission, reception history, and material philology, with particular attention to Akkadian, Hebrew, Syriac/Aramaic, Ethiopic, Greek, and Latin texts. He teaches courses such as Akkadian 1, Classical Syriac, and Biblical Exegesis.

Education:

• Ph.D. (2018): MF, thesis on 4Q216 and Jubilees in the First Century BCE
• MA in Semitic Philology (2012): University of Oslo
• BA in Linguistics (2009): University of Oslo
• M.Th. (2008): MF Norwegian School of Theology
• B.Th. (2006): MF Norwegian School of Theology

Research Interests: Dr. Monger’s work bridges philology and historical context, emphasizing the interplay between ancient texts and their transmission across cultures and eras. His current projects include a book on the reception history of pre-Abrahamic patriarchs’ wives in antiquity and a publication of biblical riddles in Syriac manuscripts spanning the 9th to 20th centuries.

Publications: His recent work explores Jubilees manuscripts from Qumran, the Gelasian Decree, and the Delphic maxim in early Christian texts. Themes include material philology, textual criticism, and the intersection of ancient religious traditions. His analyses often integrate paleographical, codicological, and historical approaches.

Teaching and Service: Responsible for foundational courses in ancient languages and biblical studies, Monger bridges textual scholarship with pedagogical rigor. His academic service includes editorial roles and peer review in journals like Revue de Qumran and Semitica.