Introduction to Metzger’s Textual Critical Approach

Bruce Metzger, a leading figure in New Testament textual criticism, profoundly influenced the way scholars evaluate textual variants. Metzger’s approach involves categorizing manuscripts into four main text-types: Alexandrian, Western, Caesarean, and Byzantine. By understanding the characteristics of each text-type, textual critics can make more informed decisions about which variant readings are likely to be original.

The Alexandrian Text-Type

Characteristics and Significance

The Alexandrian text-type is known for its precision and accuracy. Manuscripts in this category were produced by scribes trained in the rigorous Alexandrian scriptoral tradition. These scribes were dedicated to creating faithful copies of the New Testament texts, minimizing their creative interaction with the text.

Example Manuscripts:

• Proto-Alexandrian: 𝔓45 (Acts), 𝔓46, 𝔓66, 𝔓75, Codex Sinaiticus (א), Codex Vaticanus (B), and certain Sahidic translations.
• Later Alexandrian: Manuscripts such as Codex C, Codex L, Codex T, Codex W (in parts of Luke and John), and minuscule 33.

Psalm 119:140 declares, “Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it.” The Alexandrian manuscripts embody this purity through their meticulous transmission, striving to preserve the original text’s integrity.

Textual Relationship and Evidence

One significant textual relationship is between 𝔓75 and Codex Vaticanus (B). The high degree of agreement between these manuscripts supports the theory that Codex Vaticanus traces back to an early, reliable text. This consistency exemplifies the careful preservation characteristic of the Alexandrian tradition.

Romans 3:2 states, “They have been entrusted with the very words of God.” The Alexandrian scribes, through their disciplined efforts, acted as faithful custodians of these divine words.

The Western Text-Type

Characteristics and Scope

The Western text-type is known for its paraphrastic tendencies, including expansions, harmonizations, and stylistic improvements. These manuscripts often reflect a more interpretive approach to the text, likely aimed at making it more accessible to readers.

Example Manuscripts:

• Gospels: Codex Bezae (D), Codex Washingtonianus (W, in parts of Mark), and certain Old Latin and Syriac manuscripts.
• Acts: 𝔓29, 𝔓38, 𝔓48, and Codex Bezae (D).
• Paul’s Epistles: Greek-Latin diglots such as D, E, F, G, and early Latin Fathers.

Influence and Variants

The Western text-type often shows significant differences from the Alexandrian and Byzantine texts. For example, the Western manuscripts frequently exhibit longer readings and additional phrases not found in other text-types. These additions often aim to clarify or enhance the narrative.

Jeremiah 23:28 says, “Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully.” The Western text-type, despite its expansions, reflects the earnest attempts of early Christian communities to preserve and understand God’s word.

The Caesarean Text-Type

Origin and Development

The Caesarean text-type is a smaller, more eclectic group of manuscripts that emerged from Origen’s relocation of a text from Alexandria to Caesarea. This text-type combines elements of both the Alexandrian and Western readings.

Example Manuscripts:

• Gospels: 𝔓45, Codex Washingtonianus (W, in parts of Mark), family 1 (f1), family 13 (f13), Codex Koridethi (Θ), and minuscule 565.

Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily. The Caesarean text, through its blend of readings, represents a diligent effort to study and harmonize diverse textual traditions.

Textual Characteristics

The Caesarean manuscripts are known for their mixed readings, which sometimes align with the Alexandrian tradition and at other times with the Western. This hybrid nature makes the Caesarean text-type valuable for understanding the textual history and the interplay between different manuscript traditions.

The Byzantine Text-Type

Characteristics and Prevalence

The Byzantine text-type is the most abundant and was the predominant text in the Greek-speaking church from the 9th century onward. These manuscripts often contain longer, smoother readings, indicative of later editorial activities aimed at clarifying and standardizing the text.

Example Manuscripts:

• Gospels: Codex Alexandrinus (A), Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (C), Codex Athous Lavrensis (Ψ), and most minuscules.
• Acts: Codex Athous Lavrensis (Ψ) and many minuscules.
• Epistles: Codex Porphyrianus (P) and numerous minuscules.
• Revelation: Codex Alexandrinus (A), 046, 051, 052, and various minuscules.

Matthew 24:35 asserts, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” The Byzantine text-type, through its widespread use and preservation, reflects the enduring nature of Scripture.

Textual Considerations

The Byzantine manuscripts are often further removed from the original text compared to Alexandrian manuscripts. However, in some instances, such as in the book of Revelation, Byzantine manuscripts can preserve purer readings. This demonstrates the necessity of careful evaluation of each variant within its manuscript context.

Metzger’s Evaluation of Text-Types

Principles and Practices

Metzger’s textual commentary emphasizes the importance of combining readings from different text-types to ascertain the original text. He argues that a variant supported by both Alexandrian and Western witnesses is generally superior to other readings. This principle helps mitigate the biases inherent in any single text-type.

Proverbs 11:14 advises, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Similarly, Metzger’s method benefits from the counsel of multiple textual traditions.

Intrinsic and Transcriptional Probabilities

Metzger also highlights the need to evaluate intrinsic probabilities (how well a reading fits the context and style of the author) and transcriptional probabilities (the likelihood of scribal alterations). This dual focus ensures a balanced approach to textual criticism.

Examples of Metzger’s Textual Decisions

Matthew 8:21

In Matthew 8:21, Metzger and the UBS committee favored the reading that includes “αυτου” (“his”) after “μαθητων” (“disciples”), despite strong support for the shorter reading. The decision was based on internal evidence suggesting that scribes might have omitted “αυτου” to clarify the distinction between the scribe in verse 19 and the disciples.

2 Timothy 2:15 encourages believers to “rightly handle the word of truth.” Metzger’s decision exemplifies the careful handling required in textual criticism.

John 9:4

In John 9:4, the UBS text reads “ημας δει” (“it is necessary for us”), reflecting the testimony of early papyri and major codices. However, the latter part of the verse follows a different set of witnesses, illustrating the eclectic nature of Metzger’s approach.

Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Metzger’s careful consideration of each variant helps illuminate the original text of the New Testament.

The approaches to New Testament textual criticism, as exemplified by Bruce Metzger, involve a detailed and systematic evaluation of manuscript evidence. By understanding the characteristics of different text-types and applying principles of internal and external evidence, textual critics strive to reconstruct the most accurate text of the New Testament. Metzger’s work underscores the importance of thorough, balanced analysis in preserving the integrity of Scripture.

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