Aaron Shaw

Aaron J. Shaw (b. 1993) is a PhD candidate in Divinity at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, UK. His dissertation, supervised by Prof Dr William A. Tooman, explores the wide-ranging techniques of composition used in Qohelet, including variances in repetition of literary devices, the (a)symmetry of the analogical correspondences, and the use of narratological strategies within wisdom texts. He aims to elucidate aspects of text production and historical reading competencies implied in ancient Jewish literature.

Aaron's research interests are focused primarily on an inductive and comparative reconstruction of the historical compositional poetics of Second Temple Jewish literature. Additional interests include intertextuality, the formation and reception of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, scribal culture, Early Jewish Apocalypticism, and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Aaron is interested in continuing his research into wisdom literature and select Dead Sea Scrolls texts, especially by reevaluating their Jewish context and literary strategies. He's broadly interested in the Former Prophets, specifically Jeremiah, and their intertextual (re)use of biblical Law. Aaron's interest in biblical law aims to trace the development of Deuteronomy's use of the Covenant Code. Moreover, Aaron's interest in (Proto-)Apocalypticism and Esoterism flows into a desire to inventory emergent Messianism through an Apocalyptic lens.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) from the University of Minnesota, specialising in cardiovascular pathology and physiology, neurodegenerative diseases within geriatric populations, and applied pharmacology. He completed a Master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies (MABTS) at Western Seminary, graduating with Highest Honours, and began his Master of Theology (ThM) in Old Testament, with a concentration in biblical Hebrew poetry. He then undertook advanced postgraduate studies in Biblical Hebrew at Harvard University (Harvard Divinity School) before accepting an offer at the University of St Andrews.

From 2022 to 2024, Aaron assisted in teaching the full Biblical Hebrew curriculum (covering grammar, syntax, advanced reading, exegesis, and text criticism) across Biblical Hebrew 1–4. During this period, he also delivered comprehensive survey modules on both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, including Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Genesis–Song of Songs, Prophets & Gospels, and Paul–Revelation. In parallel, he taught a suite of Applied Theology courses spanning the same canonical divisions, as well as Research Methods. Since 2025, his teaching has included The Art of Biblical Literature: Introducing the Hebrew Bible and Christ, Paul, and the Origins of Christianity B (Greek Texts).