To determine an approximate date, scholars compare the texts with other works, including ancient non - Biblical documents for which dates are known, drawing inferences from handwriting, punctuation, abbreviations, and so on.
Ligikaudse aja kindlaksmääramiseks võrdlevad õpetlased neid tekste muude kirjutistega, kaasa arvatud iidsete mittepiibliliste dokumentidega, mille daatum on teada.