Evidence-Based Biblical Studies (EBBS) is a research approach that focuses on analyzing linguistic, reception, and contextual data before drawing conclusions. The EBBS research perspective postulates that textual and translation decisions cannot be based on intuition, tradition, or a single argument, but should instead stem from an explicit integration and weighing of different classes of evidence. This requires simultaneous consideration of manuscript evidence, linguistic analysis, historical context, and reception data—that is, ways of understanding the text throughout its history of influence. Each of these classes provides different information and has different cognitive weight, therefore, the research process requires their ordering, comparison, and transparent juxtaposition.

EBBS assumes that no single category of evidence is absolute. The manuscript version must be assessed in light of the language, the language in light of the historical context, and reception interpretation in relation to the primary data. Research decisions should be proportional to the strength and coherence of the evidence gathered, and the degree of certainty should be clearly communicated. It is crucial to acknowledge the inherent uncertainty of communication: a historical text is never accessible in a completely direct and definitive manner.

EBBS is not a single technique or a closed set of procedures. Rather, it constitutes an epistemological framework that defines principles for reaching responsible conclusions. It defines a way of thinking about data, their hierarchy, and the limits of interpretation. From this perspective, methodology does not replace interpretation but rather structures it and requires transparency of research decisions.
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