Theory of Textual Criticism

The discussion of the practical aspects of textual criticism depends upon an analysis of its essence and aims.

The textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible differs from textual criticism of other compositions that are usually reconstructed in their original form, for there have been relatively few attempts to reconstruct the original text of a biblical book, for theoretical as well as practical reasons. Most of the existing critical editions are editions of MT that record variant readings in an accompanying critical apparatus (diplomatic editions).

The problems with which the textual critic is confronted regarding the growth of the books through complex stages of editorial revision and textual transmission, are not confined to biblical research, since other literatures, especially Akkadian compositions, developed in a similar way. Likewise, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey went through several stages of textual manipulation. At the same time, it seems that the textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible raises unusually difficult problems, partly because these two literatures are preserved better in early witnesses.

In light of this description, it is now possible to formulate the aims and method of the textual criticism of the Bible. The study of the biblical text involves an investigation of its development, copying and transmission, and of the creation of readings over the centuries. In the course of this procedure, textual critics collect from Hebrew and translated texts all the details (readings) in which these texts differ from one another. Some of these readings were created during the textual transmission, while others derive from an earlier stage—that of literary growth.