"INTRODUCTION TO OLD TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM" serves as an in-depth exploration of the fascinating field of textual criticism and its vital role in the understanding of the Old Testament. This comprehensive guide elucidates the rich history, rigorous methodology, and intricate processes of textual criticism applied to the Hebrew Bible. The book begins by setting the foundation with a meticulous examination of the Hebrew language, its scripts, writing materials, and the transition from scrolls to codices. This context provides readers with an essential backdrop against which to consider the complexities of the Masoretic Text, the Qumran Scrolls, and the Samaritan Text. As readers delve further into this critical text, they will encounter detailed analysis of the Septuagint and other significant ancient translations such as the Aramaic Targums, the Syriac Peshitta, and Jerome's Latin Vulgate. Through this exploration, the book demonstrates how these ancient translations serve as crucial witnesses to the text of the Old Testament. Finally, the book delves into the heart of textual criticism, presenting its goals, the types of textual corruption and changes, and the scholarly methodologies employed to reconstruct the most plausible original text. It explores the complexities and challenges of textual criticism, from reading the apparatus of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, understanding and applying external and internal textual criticism, to the importance and implications of making textual decisions. "INTRODUCTION TO OLD TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM" is a masterful work that bridges the gap between academic scholarship and those churchgoers with a deep interest in the integrity and transmission of the Hebrew Bible. It stands as a crucial resource for scholars, students, pastors, and any reader intent on gaining a more nuanced understanding of the Old Testament. With its accessible language, well-structured format, and rich bibliographic references, this book is invaluable in studying the world's most enduring religious texts.

A Readable, Updated Introduction to Textual Criticism This accessibly written, practical introduction to Old Testament textual criticism helps students understand the discipline and begin thinking through complex issues for themselves. The authors combine proven expertise in the classroom with cutting-edge work in Hebrew textual studies. This successful classic (nearly 25,000 copies sold) has been thoroughly expanded and updated to account for the many changes in the field over the past twenty years. It includes examples, illustrations, an updated bibliography, and a textual commentary on the book of Ruth.

In plain language and with ample illustration, Paul D. Wegner presents an overview of the history and methods, aims and results of textual criticism of the whole Bible--the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. You will gain an appreciation for the vast work that has been accomplished in preserving the text of Scripture and find a renewed confidence in its reliability.

Textual Criticism of the Bible provides a starting point for the study of both Old and New Testament textual criticism. In this book, you will be introduced to the world of biblical manuscripts and learn how scholars analyze and evaluate all of that textual data to bring us copies of the Bible in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that can be used for translating the Bible into modern languages. Textual Criticism of the Bible surveys the field, explains technical terminology, and demonstrates in numerous examples how various textual questions are evaluated. Complicated concepts are clearly explained and illustrated to prepare readers for further study with either more advanced texts on textual criticism or scholarly commentaries with detailed discussions of textual issues. You may not become a textual critic after reading this book, but you will be well prepared to make use of a wide variety of text--critical resources.

Eldon Jay Epp’s second volume of collected essays consists of articles previously published during 2006-2017. All treat aspects of the New Testament textual criticism, but focus on historical and methodological issues relevant to constructing the earliest attainable text of New Testament writings. More specific emphasis falls upon the nature of textual transmission and the text-critical process, and heavily on the criteria employed in establishing that earliest available text. Moreover, textual grouping is examined at length, and prominent is the current approach to textual variants not approved for the constructed text, for they have stories to tell regarding theological, ethical, and real-life issues as the early Christian churches sought to work out their own status, practices, and destiny.

This is a PDF based on the contents of a web site I’ve been working on for decades. I do not believe I will ever entirely finish it. But I wanted to make it available. Textual criticism is the process of recovering an ancient document from late and corrupt manuscript copies; New Testament Textual Criticism consists of trying to figure out what the New Testament originally said before scribes messed it up. Dedicated to Dr. Sally Amundson and Dr. Carol Elizabeth Anway and Lily. This version, from July 20, 2013, will probably be the last; the file is almost too large to edit.

This collection of frequently cited articles and chapters published from 1962 to 2004 provides perspective on the history and development of New Testament textual criticism, with descriptions and critique of the major text-critical theories and methods. Specific manuscripts and text-types, such as the Codex Bezae and the D-text are discussed, as well as issues such as anti-Judaic tendencies, the ascension narratives, and the relationship of text and canon. Many of the essays from the last fifteen years emphasize the earliest period and papyrus manuscripts, particularly those found at Oxyrhynchus, and assess their socio-cultural and intellectual contexts, while articles from the last five years advocate or engage the more controversial aspects of current New Testament textual criticism, especially the issue of 'original text'.

Before the 1960s, the goal of New Testament Textual Criticism was singular: to retrieve the “original text” of the New Testament. Since then, the goalpost has incrementally shifted away from the “original text” to retrieving “any text” or “many texts” of the NT. Some scholars have even concluded that the “original text” is hopelessly lost and cannot be retrieved with any confidence or accuracy. Other scholars have gone a step further to claim that the idea of an “original text” itself is a misconception that needs to be abandoned. If this new approach in NTTC is correct, then the authority of Scripture is weakened or no longer valid. It will be shown in this book that such is not the case. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on the need to return to the traditional goalpost of NTTC, i.e., to retrieve the original text. Without a generally definitive text, the door will be left wide open to recreate any desired text of the NT. An unsettled original text will result in an unsettled biblical theology due to a lack of any authoritative and standard text. Consequently, it will lead to an unsettled Christian faith and practice.

The fruit of more than three decades of research This collection of fourteen essays by Eberhard W. Güting covers important aspects of editorial science with a particular focus on New Testament textual criticism. Essays cover textual emendation, text-critical procedures, literary criticism, history of scholarship, advantages and disadvantages of online manuscripts, and text-critical studies of words and phrases. The addition of a substantial introduction to text criticism makes this a valuable resource for students and teachers. Features Essays concerned with establishing the original text of New Testament writings Nine essays published in English for the first tim Two previously unpublished essays

A collection of 57 essays by J.K. Elliott on aspects of New Testament textual criticism including examinations of textual variation and important Greek manuscripts and analyses of printed editions of the New Testament text, all making the case for thoroughgoing textual criticism.