The Methodology Of Textual Criticism

THE METHODOLOGY OF TEXTUAL CRITICISM
The following general criteria seem to be used by those engaging in the science of textual criticism: The Early Text is to be Preferred: The earlier the generation of manuscript, the less time it would have to become corrupted by errors. The Shorter/Longer Text is to be Preferred: There is some debate about this point. It is thought by some that it is easier to unintentionally leave out a passage than it is to add one. If this were true, then it would be the longer text that would be preferred. This seems to be especially true when we compare the Septuagint with the Massoretic Text.

Diverse Geographical Reading is to be Preferred: If a manuscript is attested within several different families of texts which originated at different areas within the ancient world, then it would generally seem more trustworthy. The More Difficult Reading is to be Preferred: Because scribes sometimes sought to correct what they perceived to be difficulties, readings which contain “problem passages” are usually thought to be the more trustworthy.