The Harklean Syriac and the Development of the Byzantine Text

A Historical Test for the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (cbgm)

In: Novum Testamentum
Author: Peter J. Gurry 1
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  • 1 Phoenix Seminary, az, USA
Online Publication Date:
13 Mar 2018
Volume/Issue:
Volume 60: Issue 2
Article Type:
Research Article
Page Count:
183–200
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/15685365-12341595
Keywords:
textual criticism; Harklean Syriac; Byzantine text; stemmatics; coherence-based genealogical method; NA28; UBS5; Catholic Epistles

Abstract

The Syriac translation of the New Testament produced by Thomas of Harkel in ad 616 provides a rich source for studying the transmission of the Greek New Testament. In this case, its relationship to the Byzantine text in the Catholic Epistles is used to test the results of the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (cbgm), a new computerized tool being used to edit the standard editions of the Greek New Testament (NA28/UBS5). Against claims that the cbgm is not useful for understanding textual history, this study shows that, when used carefully, it can provide valuable clarity to our understanding. The results of this test have implications for the cbgm, for the textual worth of the Byzantine text, and for how all “texts” are related and evaluated.

In:
Novum Testamentum
E-ISSN:
1568-5365
Print ISSN:
0048-1009
Publisher:
Brill
Cover Novum Testamentum
Subjects:
New Testament & Early Christian Writings, Biblical Studies

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