A researcher has collected evidence for the existence of 53 figures mentioned in the Bible through ancient historical records, adding fresh insight to the ongoing conversation about the Bible’s connection to real-world events.
Lawrence Mykytiuk, an emeritus professor of library science from Purdue University, has spent more than two decades comparing archaeological inscriptions with names and titles found in the Bible. His work focuses on verifying whether specific biblical figures actually existed by using physical evidence, not assumptions.
Evidence-based method links Bible figures to historical records
The people he identified range from powerful rulers to lesser-known aides and scribes. Their names appear in ancient records from several prominent civilizations, including Egypt, Babylon, Persia, and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
Among the more recognizable names are King David of Israel and Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. Others include figures such as Jehucal, a royal official from the era of King Zedekiah, and Pharaoh Sheshonq I, also known in biblical texts as Shishak.
Mykytiuk’s approach does not rely solely on names. He cross-references multiple details — such as the person’s role, family background, the time period they lived in, and where they were based — before confirming a match. His method ensures that the connection is not based on coincidence but on strong historical indicators.
His work recently gained attention through a feature in Bible History Daily, where he shared insights into how he verifies these links. He describes himself as a “scorekeeper,” emphasizing that his job is not to conduct field excavations, but to study and confirm existing discoveries.
This project began in the 1990s when he encountered a clay seal that bore the name of a biblical king. That artifact sparked a decades-long effort to search through thousands of inscriptions and compare them with the names and roles mentioned in Scripture.
One of the most compelling findings includes references to the “House of David” in inscriptions from three different regions — Egypt, Moab, and Aram — all dating to the 9th century BCE. These separate sources provide early, non-biblical evidence of David’s royal line.
Mykytiuk also points to the case of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian king known for his role in the destruction of Jerusalem. His name appears on several cuneiform tablets believed to be written during his reign, offering further historical backing.
Historic confirmations cross religious and cultural boundaries
The confirmed individuals come from a wide range of backgrounds and time periods. Some, like Persian King Cyrus the Great, are recognized across multiple faith traditions. Others, such as King Hezekiah of Judah, are supported by both inscriptions and archaeological structures, including a well-known water tunnel found in Jerusalem.
While Mykytiuk acknowledges that not every biblical figure can be verified due to a lack of surviving evidence — especially earlier figures like Abraham or Moses — he argues that the evidence already available strengthens the historical credibility of the Bible.
He is clear that his work is not about theology but about historical investigation. Still, he notes that these findings hold meaning for scholars and believers alike, especially those from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions who share an interest in the people of the Bible.