Evidences of Biblical Manuscript

 

In biblical manuscript studies, "majority evidence" refers to the collection of Greek New Testament manuscripts that make up the majority of known copies, often called the "Byzantine text-type" or "Majority Text." Here’s a brief overview:

1. Byzantine Text-Type (Majority Text): This is the predominant group of manuscripts that dates back to the 4th century and became widely used in the Byzantine Empire. The Majority Text aligns closely with later Greek manuscripts that were the foundation of the King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV). It is called the "majority" because it represents around 80-90% of all existing Greek New Testament manuscripts.

2. Alexandrian Text-Type: This smaller but earlier group includes the Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, dating to the 4th century. These manuscripts are considered by many scholars to be closer to the original writings due to their age, though they differ in some respects from the Byzantine text-type. They form the basis for most modern New Testament translations.

3. Western Text-Type: Known for paraphrasing and expanded readings, this text-type includes manuscripts such as Codex Bezae. While it has historical value, it's less commonly referenced in the development of modern translations.

In summary, the Byzantine or Majority Text has the largest number of existing manuscripts but is often weighted differently in translation, with modern translations generally relying more on the Alexandrian text-type due to its perceived proximity to the original texts.

To be continued.....