In a previous post I briefly wrote about the topic of Textual Criticism and recommended a few resources to help start you on your journey. If you have already watched Dan Wallace's excellent series on TC, and/or read Dave Black's NT Textual Criticism, then let me introduce you to what is probably the most significant contribution ever to TC.
Upon opening, it is not hard to see how this textual commentary is the most helpful tool on the planet for TC. Without bogging the reader down, Bruce Metzger has chosen all of the important Textual Variants in the Greek New Testament and compiled a commentary explaining the support for and against the different readings.
One of the many benefits of this work is that it addresses the significant variants between the Alexandrian and Byzantine Manuscripts (The Alexandrian or Critical Texts were used for the NASB/ESV, whereas the Byzantine were used for the KJV/NKJV). Metzger also provides excellent research and commentary on passages such as John 7:53-8:11 (the woman caught in adultery), and the much debated Mark 16:9-20, and discusses based on evidence, whether they were originally in the New Testament or were later additions.
A few notes about using this commentary:
A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (Companion to the UBS4 Greek NT) - Bruce Metzger
The UBS Greek New Testament 4th Edition
Upon opening, it is not hard to see how this textual commentary is the most helpful tool on the planet for TC. Without bogging the reader down, Bruce Metzger has chosen all of the important Textual Variants in the Greek New Testament and compiled a commentary explaining the support for and against the different readings.
One of the many benefits of this work is that it addresses the significant variants between the Alexandrian and Byzantine Manuscripts (The Alexandrian or Critical Texts were used for the NASB/ESV, whereas the Byzantine were used for the KJV/NKJV). Metzger also provides excellent research and commentary on passages such as John 7:53-8:11 (the woman caught in adultery), and the much debated Mark 16:9-20, and discusses based on evidence, whether they were originally in the New Testament or were later additions.
A few notes about using this commentary:
- In order to fully utilize this tool, the UBS4 GNT is needed. It is linked to below.
- Also, at least one year of Greek Grammar is needed to be able to use this. In other words, you need to have a working knowledge of the language.
A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (Companion to the UBS4 Greek NT) - Bruce Metzger
The UBS Greek New Testament 4th Edition