Old Testament Textual Criticism: A Practical Introduction

This accessibly written, practical introduction to Old Testament textual criticism helps students understand the discipline and begin thinking through complex issues for themselves. The authors combine proven expertise in the classroom with cutting-edge work in Hebrew textual studies. The book includes clear discussions of how biblical manuscripts were copied, how manuscripts relate to each other historically, how translators have affected the text, and the impact of different readings on our interpretation.
This successful classic has been thoroughly expanded and updated to account for the many changes in the field over the past twenty years. It includes examples, illustrations, an updated bibliography, and a textual commentary on the book of Ruth.
Contents
Introduction
1. Writing in the Ancient Near East
2. A Brief Overview of the Transmission of the Old Testament Text
3. Hebrew Texts of the Old Testament
4. Ancient Translations of the Old Testament
5. Critical Editions of the Old Testament Text
6. Scribal Changes in the Old Testament Text
7. Principles and Practice of Textual Criticism
8. Textual Commentary on the Book of Ruth
Conclusion
Appendix A: An English Key to BHS
Appendix B: What Text(s) Are We Attempting to Reconstruct?
Glossary
Indexes