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Introduction to P34

Papyrus 34, designated by the Gregory-Aland number P34, is a 7th century C.E. Greek manuscript containing portions of the Pauline Epistles. It is preserved at the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek in Vienna under the catalog number P. Vindob. G. 39784. Specifically, 𝔓34 includes texts from 1 Corinthians 16:4-7, 10 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, 10:13-14, 11:2, 4, 6-7.

This papyrus manuscript provides straightforward textual evidence from the specified passages of Paul’s letters, reflecting the scriptural text as transcribed in the 7th century C.E. Its content is critical for analyzing the textual history of these New Testament writings without suggesting broader implications about textual traditions or doctrinal insights.

Date of P34

7th Century C.E.

Content of P34

It contains 1 Corinthians 16:4-7.10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; 10:13-14; 11:2.4.6-7.

Physical Features of P34

Papyrus 34, catalogued as P34, is a Greek manuscript of the New Testament on papyrus. It primarily contains fragments of the Pauline Epistles. The manuscript is dated to the 7th century C.E. and is housed at the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek in Vienna, under the catalog number P. Vindob. G. 39784.

The physical condition of P34 is fragmentary, typical of many papyrus manuscripts that have survived from this period. The fragments include texts from 1 Corinthians 16:4-7, 10 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, 10:13-14, 11:2, 4, 6-7, offering partial yet significant glimpses into the textual tradition of these epistles.

The script used in P34 is a Greek uncial, characterized by its majuscule letters which are typical of manuscripts from the late antique and early medieval periods. The handwriting suggests a professional scribe who was trained in a scriptorium, reflecting the practices of manuscript production during this era. The text is laid out in a single column per page, which was a common format for books in the early Christian period.

Textual Character of P34

Papyrus 34, designated as P34, is classified as a representative of the Alexandrian text-type. This text-type is known for its careful transcription practices that aim to stay closely aligned with the original texts, making it one of the more respected families in New Testament textual criticism due to its antiquity and textual integrity.

Kurt Aland placed P34 in Category II. Manuscripts in this category are valuable for their historical insights but contain more textual variations compared to those in Category I. Category II manuscripts are considered to have a text that, while not purely Alexandrian, has a significant degree of affinity with this text-type and is important for corroborative studies of the New Testament text.

P34 offers scholars insights into the Alexandrian text-type through its preservation of specific passages from the Pauline Epistles. While it is not among the most critical manuscripts like 𝔓75 or 𝔓66, its contributions are still valued in the field of textual criticism for the study of textual variants and the history of the New Testament text’s transmission.

Textual Variants in Papyrus 34 (P34)

2 Corinthians 5:19

Standard Text (TR, WH, NU):
ὅτι θεὸς ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself”

Variant in P34:
ὅτι θεὸς ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων
“God [was] in Christ reconciling the world”
1 Corinthians 16:5-7

Standard Text (TR, WH, NU):
ἐλεύσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς ὅταν Μακεδονίαν διέλθω, καὶ ἐκ Μακεδονίας ἔρχομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, καὶ ὑπὸ ὑμῶν προπεμφθήσομαι εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν.
“I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia, and you will send me on my way from there to Judea.”

Variant in P34:
ἐλεύσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ὅταν Μακεδονίαν διέλθω. καὶ ἐκ Μακεδονίας ἔρχομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἔπειτα ὑμῶν προπεμφθήσομαι.
“I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia, and from Macedonia I come to you, then I will be sent on by you.”

These examples illustrate the specific nature of the textual variations in P34, comparing them directly to the standard text recognized in major critical editions. This format provides a clear and direct comparison for understanding the textual differences and their potential impact on interpretation.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).