Women's testimony at Qumran: The biblical and second temple evidence

Among the many aspects of the legal system of the Qumran community studied, and debated, by scholars is the role of women - and wives in particular - in rendering testimony. While some scholars maintain that the sect accepted the testimony of women, others categorically reject the notion. The present study reexamines all of the arguments presented to date and demonstrates that the objections against the possibility of a wife testifying are largely without foundation; indeed, there is good reason to believe that the sect allowed, indeed, required, a wife to be forthcoming with any information pertaining to her husband's illicit conduct.