1. There are many, many different manuscripts of varying size and length
2. Erasmus (1517) developed a basic manuscript from eight to nine cursive manuscripts that he had.
3. Stephanus (Robert Estienne) made verse divisions (on horseback)
4. Elzevir Brothers also did a number of Greek texts. All of these were basically from Erasmus, called TR (Textus Receptus) in 1533. Used for KJV.
5. More manuscripts were being discovered and there were differences. Between 1830-1880AD, these were studied, leading to Westcott-Hort. They settled on older, fewer manuscripts rather than the majority texts. In 1881-1885AD, they printed a text which they claimed to be the original text.
6. Principles
a. Transcriptural Evidence - what kind of errors would be made by scribes?
b. Intrinsic Probability - Look at the mind of the scribe to understand what he was trying to write.
1) Circular Reasoning - trying to prove something from something else (i.e. "we have best readings in some manuscripts" => "the best manuscripts are ones with the best readings"). Westcott-Hort said that few manuscripts were older (closer to the original) were the best source. Textus Receptus said that the newer majority texts were better.
2) Earlier manuscripts are better (Westcott-Hort => their principle may not be valid)
a) Take readings that give rise to others
b) Generally accept the reading with fewest words. Some say that scribes tried to add words, but Dr. Borland did not agree.
c) Generally prefer more difficult reading. Westcott-Hort settled on two popular uncials over others. They identified four types of texts (neutral, western (d, IT, VG), Syrian (originated in Antioch), Alexandrian (similar to neutral))
7. Principles of Full Consideration (antiquity, number, variety, weight or responsibility, continuity, context - John W. Berger)
a. Look at antiquity or primitiveness (papyri and uncials, not cursives)
b. Look at Church Fathers
c. Look at number and consent of witnesses for agreement of readings
d. Respectability of witnesses and weight. You have to compare it with a standard on an individual basis.
e. Continuity - have other manuscripts through the centuries used the original? Is there an unbroken continuity? There is reason to suspect other.
f. Entire context consulting
g. Reasonableness - Is there any reading which does not make sense?
8. The earlier and better manuscripts have mistakes
Tom of Bethany "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 14 - How To Solve Textual Problems
Send email to: tlee6040@aol.com