Peter M. Head, «The Habits of New Testament Copyists. Singular Readings in the Early Fragmentary Papyri of John», Vol. 85 (2004) 399-408
After an introduction that discusses the role that singular readings have played in the analysis of scribal habits, including an earlier study of synoptic gospel manuscripts by the same author, this study examines singular readings in the early fragmentary papyri of John’s Gospel. The study confirms earlier research showing that the most common singular readings concern spelling and that word order variations, word substitutions and harmonisations to context are also not uncommon. Omission of words is more common than addition.
408 Peter M. Head
gospel, if not simply the limited evidence surveyed here. Once again it seems
that the evidence suggests that most early scribes are more likely to omit than
to add material.
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SUMMARY
After an introduction that discusses the role that singular readings have played in
the analysis of scribal habits, including an earlier study of synoptic gospel
manuscripts by the same author, this study examines singular readings in the
early fragmentary papyri of John’s Gospel. The study confirms earlier research
showing that the most common singular readings concern spelling and that word
order variations, word substitutions and harmonisations to context are also not
uncommon. Omission of words is more common than addition.