Establishing the Text
Objective: Identify and evaluate textual and translational differences in order to establish the most reliable wording of the passage and recognize any textual issues that may affect interpretation or teaching.
Guiding Questions:
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Do different Bible versions translate key words or phrases differently? Why?
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Are there any significant textual variants in the original manuscripts?
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Which variant or reading is most likely original and why?
Primary Level
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Compare and note important differences from at least three different versions in your preferred language (e.g., NKJV, NASB, NIV, etc.). Specifically, identify and note where there are translation differences in keywords that might require further study (which will be done in step 5: lexical research). Ask questions.
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Search within Bible notes and record any significant information pertinent to the translation and its meaning. Ask questions.
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Continue searching in Bible notes (cf. NET, ESV, NRSV, NJB) for critical comments on possible textual variants in the Greek manuscript tradition. If present, list these with references to the verses and consider to what extent these changes impact the meaning.
Secondary Level
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Verify if there are significant textual variants for the NT in UBS3/4/5 and record them (if not, and if time allows, then verify in NA27/28 to record them). For the OT, consult the BHS.
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If variants are present, consult textual commentaries (e.g., Metzger’s A Textual Commentary on the GNT or BHQ for the OT) for their analysis of the variants.
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Consult and summarize the discussion of the textual variants (if any) from two or three academic commentaries (e.g., WBC, ICC, Hermeneia)
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Conclude with a decision on one primary variant over another and whether they are significant enough to mention in a preaching or teaching context.
Additional Library Resources
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BIBLIA HEBRAICA STUTTGARTENSIA. VERKLEINERTE AUSGABE
Call Number: Reference BS715 1990ISBN: 3438052199Publication Date: 2000-10-01 -
Biblia Hebraica Quinta (Bhq)
Call Number: BS715 2004ISBN: 3438052806Publication Date: 2006-10-055. Deuteronomy = Eleh ha-Devarim / prepared by Carmel McCarthy -- 7. Judges = Shofṭim / perpared by Natalio Fernández Marcos -- 13. The Twelve Minor Prophets = Tere ʻaśar / prepared by Anthony Gelston -- 17. Proverbs = Mishle / prepared by Jan de Waard -- 18. General introduction and Megilloth. Ruth = Megilot. Rut / [edited by] J. de Waard. Canticles = Shir ha-shirim / [edited by] P.B. Dirksen. Qotheleth = Ḳohelet / [edited by] Y.A.P. Goldman. Lamentations = Ekhah / [edited by] R. Schäfer. Esther = Ester / [edited by] M. Saebø -- 20. Ezra and Nehemiah = ʻEzra ṿe-Neḥemyah / prepared by David Marcus.
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Hermeneia: A Critical and Historical Commentary
The Hermeneia series is designed to be a critical and historical commentary to the Bible without arbitrary limits in size or scope. It will utilize the full range of philological and historical tools, including textual criticism (often slighted in modern commentaries), the methods of the history of tradition (including genre and prosodic analysis), and the history of religion. -
International Critical Commentary
The International Critical Commentary (ICC), published by T&T Clark International, has long held a special place among works on the Bible. It brings together all the relevant aids to exegesis: linguistic and textual, archaeological, historical, literary, and theological, with a comprehensiveness and quality of scholarship unmatched by any other series.
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The Text of the New Testament
by
Call Number: BS2325 .M4 2005ISBN: 0195166671Publication Date: 2005-04-28This thoroughly revised edition of Bruce M. Metzger's classic work is the most up-to-date manual available for the textual criticism of the New Testament. The Text of the New Testament, Fourth Edition, has been invigorated by the addition of Bart D. Ehrman--author of numerous best-selling books on the New Testament--as a coauthor. This revision brings the discussion of such important matters as the early Greek manuscripts and methods of textual criticism up to date, integrating recent research findings and approaches into the body of the text (as opposed to previous revisions, which compiled new material and notes into appendices). The authors also examine new areas of interest, including the use of computers in the collection and evaluation of manuscript evidence and the effects that social and ideological influences had upon the work of scribes. The standard text for courses in biblical studies and the history of Christianity since its first publication in 1964, The Text of the New Testament is poised to become a definitive resource for a whole new generation of students. -
A Textual Guide to the Greek New Testament: An Adaptation of Bruce M. Metzger's Textual Commentary for the Needs of Translators
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Call Number: Reference & General: BS2325 .O43 2006ISBN: 3438060442Publication Date: 2006
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World Biblical Commentary
The Word Biblical Commentary (WBC) delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence.
Text Comparison
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Bible GatewayBible Gateway has over 150 versions/translations of the Bible.
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Bible HubBible Hub Online Parallel Bible, search and study tools including parallel texts, cross references, Treasury of Scripture, and commentaries. This site provides quick access to topical studies, interlinears, sermons, Strong's and many more resources.
Textual Criticism
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Center for NT Textual Studies (CNTTS)The H. Milton Haggard Center for New Testament Textual Studies, founded in 1998, is a research center devoted to the study of the New Testament text in the Greek manuscripts.
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The International Greek New Testament ProjectThe International Greek New Testament Project exists to produce critical editions of books of the New Testament.
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Leuven Database of Ancient BooksThe LDAB database attempts to collect the basic information on all ancient literary texts, as opposed to documents, not only in Latin and Greek, but in all ancient languages.
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Online Encyclopedia of New Testament Textual CriticismThe Encyclopedia attempts to cover all aspects of New Testament Textual Criticism in an orderly and fair fashion.
"A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Exegesis" Recommendations & Categories
Nonessential and Advanced Beyond the Beginning Stage
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Between Faith and Criticism
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Call Number: Storage ; BS500 .N64 1986ISBN: 0060663022Publication Date: 1987-01-01
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Hearing the New Testament: Srategies for Inerpretation
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Call Number: BS2331 .H43 2004ISBN: 1592445551Publication Date: 2004-02-01Exciting approaches to biblical interpretation are introduced here by contributors who have already distinguished themselves as leaders in the field of New Testament studies. Each chapter introduces a particular approach to New Testament interpretation and demonstrates that - through the use of five sample texts from different parts of the New Testament - that approach can be used by students and pastors in fruitful work with the New Testament. -
The Two Horizons: New Testament Hermenuetics and Philosophical Description with Specifal Reference to Heidegger, Bultmann, Gadamer, and Wittgenstein
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Call Number: Storage ; BS476 .T46 1980ISBN: 0802835201Publication Date: 1980-01-01
