Matthew 15:14 most likely read “they are blind guides,” with “of the blind” added later to harmonize the first clause with the second.
Blind Guides and Scribal Harmonization in Matthew 15:14
The New Testament in the Light of Textual Criticism: The Gospel of Matthew
A documentary reading of Matthew shows that early manuscripts preserve a concise, stable text while later scribes often harmonized, clarified, and expanded it.
Matthew 15:4—New Testament Text and Translation Commentary
Matthew 15:4 turns on whether Matthew wrote “God said” or the expanded “God commanded, saying,” an assimilation likely triggered by “commandment” in 15:3.
Dissecting the Synoptic Problem through the Lens of Textual Criticism
A textual-critical approach reshapes the Synoptic discussion by prioritizing manuscripts, scribal habits, and early testimony over conjectured sources.
Scribal Tendencies Toward Assimilation: Effect on Textual Trustworthiness
Scribal harmonization is real but mainly occurs in non-Masoretic traditions, highlighting rather than undermining the trustworthiness of the Masoretic Text.
Textual Variants in Matthew 15: A Detailed Analysis of the Manuscript Evidence
A comprehensive textual analysis of Matthew 15 reveals early manuscript support for the original readings and common scribal expansions or harmonizations.
Evaluating the Textual Variation in Matthew 1:25: A Consideration of Manuscript Evidence and Theological Implications
We explore the differing manuscript readings and their theological implications. This article examines whether the original verse stated "she gave birth to a son" or "she gave birth to her firstborn son." Delving into early manuscript evidence and considering the role of scribal practices, we seek to understand how these variations impact our interpretation of Mary's virginity and broader Christian theology.
