Textual variants in the New Testament

Textual variants arise when copyists deliberately or inadvertently make changes to the text they copy. Some common changes are the deletion or repetition of words, when the eyes of the writer to return to a similar word in the wrong place in the original text. If it reaches an earlier word, so there is a repetition ( dittography ). In a later word, he creates a gap or omission. Sometimes a copyist adds a text from his memory a similar location or parallel passage of another place. Sometimes changing the pronunciations or synonyms to be replaced. A pronoun is changed to the appropriate noun. Thus, from " he said " later " Jesus said ."

Although the scope would fill entire volumes of textual variants, yet the changes in meaning are very low. Translations of different text families, one can easily read side by side.

Origen was one of the first who remarked the differences between the manuscripts of the New Testament, and made ​​known his preference among the readings. In Matthew 27.16-17 he preferred " Barabbas " against "Jesus Barabbas " ( In Matt. Comm. Ser. 121). In John 1:28 he preferred " Bethabara " instead of " Bethany " as a place of baptism of John ( Commentary on John VI.40 ( 24) ). He also held " Gergeza " more appropriate than " Geraza " or " Gadara " ( Commentary on John VI.40 ( 24) ). Origen recorded two different readings in Hebrews 2:9 " separated from God " and " by the grace of God."

Mill estimated the number of variations of the New Testament to 30,000. Eberhard Nestle expects a number by 150,000 to 200,000. In recent times, Ehrman speaks of 400,000 variations.

Example, the Gospel of Matthew

Matthew 1.24

Matthew 1:25

Matthew 5.47