The history of biblical manuscripts and translations is a fascinating journey that reveals much about the early Christian church, the transmission of sacred texts, and the preservation of religious heritage. This article delves into the earliest translations of the Bible, with a particular focus on the Greek Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament manuscripts.
1. The Septuagint (LXX) Manuscripts
The Septuagint, commonly referred to as the LXX, is the oldest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It holds significant importance for both Jewish and Christian traditions. The Septuagint was originally translated in the 3rd century B.C. in Alexandria, Egypt, primarily for the Jewish diaspora who spoke Greek and could no longer understand Hebrew.
The Chester Beatty Papyri
The oldest existing Greek manuscript of the Septuagint is part of the Chester Beatty Papyri. This collection contains nine Old Testament books and was once believed to date back to the end of the 2nd century. However, with ongoing research and more precise dating techniques, scholars continue to refine the estimated time of its creation.
Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus
Two of the most complete manuscripts of the Greek Septuagint are Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, both of which date to around A.D. 350. These codices are crucial for biblical scholarship as they provide nearly the entire Old Testament in Greek, along with significant portions of the New Testament.
- Codex Vaticanus has been housed in the Vatican Library since 1475. It is an almost complete version of the Greek Bible, providing scholars with a critical text for the study of early Christian scripture.
- Codex Sinaiticus was discovered in 1856 by the German scholar Constantin von Tischendorf at St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai. This codex is notable for containing the entire New Testament and almost the entire Old Testament, making it one of the most important biblical manuscripts ever found.
2. The New Testament Manuscripts
The autographs of the New Testament, or the original documents written by the apostles and their associates, are dated between approximately A.D. 45 and A.D. 95. Although none of these original texts have survived, over 5,600 early Greek manuscripts of the New Testament have been preserved, providing a wealth of material for textual critics and historians.
Oldest Surviving New Testament Manuscripts
The earliest surviving New Testament manuscripts were written on papyrus, while later manuscripts were inscribed on parchment. These manuscripts are categorized using a system where the letter “p” stands for papyrus, followed by a number indicating the specific manuscript.
p52: The John Rylands Manuscript
The oldest known New Testament manuscript is p52, also known as the John Rylands manuscript. It dates to around A.D. 125, making it the manuscript closest in time to the original New Testament writings. Discovered in Egypt, p52 contains a small portion of John 18, suggesting that the text of the New Testament was being widely disseminated within a generation of its original composition.
Significant Manuscripts by Date
- A.D. 200: Bodmer II (p66) – Discovered in 1956, this papyrus contains fourteen chapters of the Gospel of John, along with parts of the final seven chapters.
- A.D. 225: Bodmer p75 – This manuscript includes parts of the Gospels of Luke and John.
- A.D. 250-300: Chester Beatty Papyri – p45, discovered in 1931, contains the Gospels, Acts, and most of Paul’s letters, except for the pastoral epistles and the book of Revelation. p46 contains Paul’s letters and the letter to the Hebrews.
Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus
Both Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, dating to around A.D. 350, are invaluable resources for the study of the New Testament. Codex Sinaiticus, in particular, is notable for its complete New Testament text.
- Codex Sinaiticus: Provides the entire New Testament and nearly all of the Old Testament in Greek. It was discovered in 1856 at St. Catherine’s Monastery and remains a cornerstone of biblical scholarship.
- Codex Vaticanus: This manuscript has been preserved in the Vatican Library since 1475 and is another nearly complete version of the New Testament.
Changing Dates and Revised Manuscript Dates
In the last fifty years, the dates assigned to the earliest New Testament manuscripts have undergone significant revisions due to advances in dating techniques and the re-evaluation of existing evidence. These revisions have often resulted in earlier dates being assigned to many papyri, which could push some manuscripts back to the 1st or 2nd century.
- Exceptionally Early Dates: Two notable papyri, 7Q4 and 7Q5, were discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls in Cave 7. Some scholars believe these could be the earliest New Testament manuscripts ever found, potentially dating between A.D. 50-68.
3. Early New Testament Translations
The translation of the New Testament into other languages began early in the history of the Christian church, providing insights into the Greek manuscripts from which these translations were made.
A.D. 180: Early Translations
The first translations of the New Testament were into Latin, Syriac, and Coptic. These translations began around A.D. 180 and played a crucial role in spreading Christianity across different cultures and regions.
A.D. 195: Old Latin Translations
The earliest Latin translations, known as the Old Latin, were produced between A.D. 195 and A.D. 220. Parts of these translations are preserved in the writings of Tertullian, a prominent early Christian author.
A.D. 300: Old Syriac and Coptic Versions
- Old Syriac Version: This translation of the New Testament from Greek into Syriac emerged around A.D. 300. It became the standard text for Syriac-speaking Christians in the East.
- Coptic Versions: Around the same time, the New Testament was translated into the four major Coptic dialects of Egypt, reflecting the spread of Christianity in that region.
A.D. 380: Latin Vulgate
The Latin Vulgate, translated by St. Jerome in A.D. 380, became the authoritative version of the Bible for the Western Christian Church. Jerome translated the Old Testament directly from Hebrew and the New Testament from Greek, creating a standard text that would be used for centuries.
Summary
The history of the Bible’s translation and manuscript preservation is a testament to the dedication of early Christians to preserving and transmitting their sacred texts. From the Greek Septuagint to the earliest New Testament manuscripts and their subsequent translations into Latin, Syriac, and Coptic, each step in this process has contributed to the rich tapestry of biblical history. As scholars continue to refine the dates and study these ancient texts, our understanding of the early Christian world and the development of the Bible continues to grow.