How We Got the Bible

1. The Bible's journey through time: From ancient manuscripts to modern translations

No one translation is infallible. With the advance of time, it was inevitable that revisions would have to be made of the classic King James Version.

Ancient writing materials. The Bible's transmission depended on various writing materials throughout history:

• Leather: Primarily used for Old Testament writings
• Papyrus: The initial medium for New Testament books
• Parchment/vellum: Replaced papyrus around the 4th century A.D.

Manuscript classification. New Testament manuscripts fall into two categories:

• Uncials: Written in large capital letters, earlier and more important
• Cursives/Minuscules: Written in small letters, later and more numerous

Key manuscripts. Three famous uncial manuscripts form the foundation of modern Biblical scholarship:

• Vatican Manuscript
• Sinaitic Manuscript
• Alexandrian Manuscript

2. The crucial role of textual criticism in preserving the Bible's integrity

The task of textual criticism is to detect these mistakes and mark them off from the pure text. With a wealth of information at hand and following rather exact principles, the textual critic is able to do this with a high degree of precision.

Textual criticism defined. Textual criticism is the science of reconstructing the original text of the Bible by comparing and analyzing various manuscripts and versions.

Types of textual variants:

• Unintentional errors: Mistakes of hand, eye, or ear
• Intentional changes: Well-meaning alterations by scribes to "improve" the text

Principles of textual criticism:

• The more difficult reading is often preferred
• The reading that explains other variants is likely original
• The reading supported by the earliest and best manuscripts is given priority
• Consideration of the author's style and context

3. Uncovering the Bible's original languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek

The Bible was originally written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The New Testament was written in Greek, the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, with some sections in Aramaic.

Hebrew: The primary language of the Old Testament

• Used for most of the Old Testament books
• Written without vowels in ancient times

Aramaic: A language related to Hebrew

• Used in small portions of the Old Testament (e.g., parts of Daniel and Ezra)
• The spoken language of Jesus and his contemporaries

Greek: The language of the New Testament

• Specifically Koine Greek, the common language of the Mediterranean world
• Allowed for widespread dissemination of the Christian message

Impact on translation: Understanding these original languages is crucial for accurate Bible translation and interpretation.

4. The significance of ancient versions in understanding the Biblical text

Ancient versions of the New Testament add welcomed information on the text. Three versions are very early and are especially noteworthy: the Syriac, the Latin, and the Coptic (Egyptian).

Key ancient versions:

• Syriac: Important for Eastern Christianity
• Latin Vulgate: Became the standard Bible in Western Europe
• Coptic: Represents early Egyptian Christianity

Value of ancient versions:

• Provide insight into early interpretations of the text
• Help in reconstructing the original text when manuscripts differ
• Offer historical context for the spread of Christianity

The Septuagint: The Greek translation of the Old Testament

• Used by early Christians and quoted in the New Testament
• Influential in shaping Christian vocabulary and thought

5. The pivotal impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls on Old Testament scholarship

The recently discovered Dead Sea Scrolls, especially the two Isaiah scrolls, give unquestioned support to the reliability of our accepted Old Testament text.

Discovery and significance:

• Found between 1947 and 1956 near the Dead Sea
• Include the oldest known manuscripts of the Old Testament

Key findings:

• Confirmed the accuracy of the Masoretic Text
• Provided insights into textual variations
• Shed light on Second Temple Judaism

Impact on Biblical scholarship:

• Increased confidence in the transmission of the Old Testament text
• Offered new perspectives on the development of Biblical books
• Enhanced understanding of ancient Jewish beliefs and practices

6. From Wycliffe to King James: The evolution of English Bible translations

William Tyndale is the true father of the English Bible. He was the first to translate the New Testament in English based on a Greek text.

Key figures and translations:

• John Wycliffe (1380s): First complete English translation from Latin Vulgate
• William Tyndale (1526): First printed English New Testament from Greek
• Miles Coverdale (1535): First complete printed English Bible
• Geneva Bible (1560): Popular among Protestants, with study aids
• King James Version (1611): Authorized version that became the standard

Tyndale's lasting impact:

• Established the tone and style of English Bible translation
• Coined many familiar Biblical phrases
• Influenced subsequent translations, including the King James Version

Challenges faced:

• Opposition from church authorities
• Limited access to original language texts
• Persecution and martyrdom of translators

7. Modern translations: Balancing accuracy, readability, and tradition

Besides their readability, the most important advantage of recent translations is that they are based on early manuscripts and thus stand closer to the original inspired message.

Key modern translations:

• Revised Standard Version (1952)
• New International Version (1978)
• New Revised Standard Version (1989)

Translation approaches:

• Formal equivalence: Word-for-word translation (e.g., NASB)
• Dynamic equivalence: Thought-for-thought translation (e.g., NIV)
• Paraphrase: Free rendering of the text (e.g., The Message)

Advantages of modern translations:

• Based on earlier and more reliable manuscripts
• Reflect advances in linguistic and historical knowledge
• Use contemporary language for better understanding

Challenges:

• Balancing accuracy with readability
• Addressing gender-inclusive language
• Overcoming attachment to traditional renderings

8. The canon of Scripture: Determining which books belong in the Bible

Much clear-cut and indisputable evidence exists as to which books were and were not counted as Scripture.

Canon defined: The list of books recognized as authoritative Scripture

Old Testament canon:

• Recognized by Jesus and early Christians
• Corresponds to the Hebrew Bible (39 books in Protestant tradition)

New Testament canon:

• Developed gradually in the early church
• Criteria included apostolic authority, orthodoxy, and widespread acceptance

Key factors in canon formation:

• Use in worship and teaching
• Consistency with accepted doctrine
• Historical reliability and spiritual impact

Significance: The canon defines the boundaries of inspired Scripture, guiding interpretation and application.

9. The Apocrypha: Understanding its place in Biblical literature

The "Apocrypha" usually refers to a group of about fifteen books not included in our Old Testament.

Definition: Books accepted as Scripture by some traditions but not included in the Protestant canon

Categories of Apocryphal literature:

1. Historical (e.g., 1 Maccabees)
2. Legendary (e.g., Tobit, Judith)
3. Prophetic (e.g., Baruch)
4. Ethical/Devotional (e.g., Wisdom of Solomon)

Reasons for exclusion from Protestant canon:

• Not part of the Hebrew Bible
• Not quoted as Scripture in the New Testament
• Contain historical and theological inconsistencies

Significance: While not considered canonical by Protestants, the Apocrypha provides historical and cultural context for the intertestamental period.

10. Divine inspiration and preservation: The Bible's unique claim and endurance

The Bible claims to be from God. This claim comes from honest, straight-thinking men and deserves consideration. The claim does not authenticate the truthfulness of the claim, but the contents of the Bible, with its theme of salvation and its strong moral fiber, support it.

Biblical claims of inspiration:

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is inspired by God..."
• 2 Peter 1:20-21: "...men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God"

Evidence of preservation:

• Vast quantity of textual materials (over 5,300 New Testament manuscripts)
• High quality of early manuscripts
• Consistency across diverse sources

Unique features:

• Internal unity despite diverse authorship and time span
• Historical and archaeological corroboration
• Enduring impact on individuals and societies

Implications: The Bible's claim of divine origin, coupled with its remarkable preservation and impact, invites serious consideration of its message and authority.

Last updated: August 19, 2024