Final answer:
The Documentary Hypothesis is a theory that proposes the Pentateuch is composed of four main sources: J, E, D, and P, identified based on inconsistencies, stylistic differences, and varying theological perspectives in the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Documentary Hypothesis is a scholarly theory about the origins of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. This hypothesis suggests that these books are a compilation of texts from four distinct sources, which are known by the following labels: the Yahwist (J), the Elohist (E), the Deuteronomist (D), and the Priestly source (P).
Three textual features that led to the development of the Documentary Hypothesis include:
- Inconsistencies and duplications within the text, which imply multiple authorship.
- Variations in language and style that are characteristic of different historical periods.
- Distinctive theological and ideological perspectives that reflect diverse origins and intents.
These features, along with other historical and literary analyses, have contributed to the formulation and acceptance of the Documentary Hypothesis among many biblical scholars.