Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum: Locis Parallelis Evangeliorum Apocryphorum Et Patrum Adhibitis Edidit (Bible Students) [Hardcover]

Kurt Aland (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: Greek, English, German, Latin

Product Details

• Hardcover: 606 pages
• Publisher: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft; 15th edition (January 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3438051303
• ISBN-13: 978-3438051301
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #745,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Scholarly Standard for Gospels Studies, October 14, 2003

By 

Clinton Wahlen (Silang, Cavite, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum: Locis Parallelis Evangeliorum Apocryphorum Et Patrum Adhibitis Edidit (Bible Students) (Hardcover)

As with all scholarly reference works, it is important to buy the latest edition. The 15th edition of Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum, published in 1996, not only contains an up-to-date edition of the Greek New Testament (based on the 26th ed. of Nestle-Aland) but includes as an appendix the complete text of the Gospel of Thomas (in Coptic, paralleled with English and German translations) as well as retroverted translations into Greek (supplemented with extant Greek fragments) supplied in the footnotes. As with earlier editions, the parallels are given according to the order in each of the four Gospels (resulting in some duplication), an apparatus supplies the important variants found among the Greek manuscripts, and references to relevant Biblical parallels are provided. Of course, if a Synopsis of the Gospels in English is needed, then the 2nd edition of Aland's Synopsis of the Four Gospels (with Greek and English on facing pages) is the best (but it also costs twice as much).

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Book For Textual Criticism of the Gospels, March 10, 2008

By 

William Steinburger "Love Everyone" (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum: Locis Parallelis Evangeliorum Apocryphorum Et Patrum Adhibitis Edidit (Bible Students) (Hardcover)

This has all Gospels in parallel columns. Including John. It is the only Synopsis that includes John. And it's inclusion is extremely beneficial.

The wording in each column follows a pattern, where the words are orientated in the column to correspond to those same words used in the other Gospels (gaps are required in the text, for Gospel accounts with less text). This allows for one to easily see where the text is exactly the same in each Gospel. And where words, letters, or passages differ, or are entirely absent.

The Gospels stories are arranged, generally in order as in the Gospels, but organised into 367 separate pericopes. With some doubling of passages, due to the parallel text.

At the bottom of the page is the NA26's Apparatus Critcus.

Between the text and the aparatus, are quotes from all relavant Scripture. From Acts, Paul's Epistles, the Catholic Epistles, and Revelation. From Ralph's Septuaginta, the Apocrypha, all the Patristic writings, and non-canonical and Gnostic Gospels. Along with citations to "the 5th Gospel", that is, the Gospel of Thomas, which is included in this manual. Anything that correlates to the passage in question is listed. Not just the location, but the entire quote. You don't need to pick up anyother text to get the deepest understanding of the Synoptic Gospels and their textual origins. It is simply ALL included.

Idioms and figures of speech, or similar phrases from other locations are also cited and compared after the text to get the deepest understanding of the Biblical Greek language usage.

There are tons of appendices. One lists all the pericopes, in categories and page number. Another is an entire list of all the other Scripture cited in the manual, organized by text type, and where it is referenced.

Yet, another appendix includes all the Patristic writings relavant to the Gospals. Mostly in Greek. Some in Latin.

Still another appendix is the entire Gospel of Thomas, in the Coptic, German, a new English translation, and a Greek back translation. This Gospel is often refered to in the Synopsis for parallels with "the big 4", and can easily be referenced. The Greek back translation is quite helpful for one not entirely fluent in Coptic, and assists in comparison for the Coptic, to help one learn the language easier.

As with all books from the Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, It is of course of highest quality craftsmanship. Fine quality acid-free paper, stitched binding, and a cloth cover. A promise to be kind to the eyes, a work to appreciate, and sure to endure many years of use.

This is THE book for the deepest study of the Gospels, and of Jesus' life and teachings. The ultimate core of Christianity. It is easy reading, yet in minutes, one can learn a world of knowledge. It is truly amazing. This is by far the greatest book I own, or ever will.

Other versions are available. Greek-German, Greek-English, just English. However, other languages can be distracting, and are irrelavant to Textual Criticism. I recommend just Greek.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing like it in my library, October 9, 2005

By 

David A. Bielby "Ev Xpistw" (Normal, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum: Locis Parallelis Evangeliorum Apocryphorum Et Patrum Adhibitis Edidit (Bible Students) (Hardcover)

If you are somewhat familiar with Greek, then this tool will fascinate you. Sitting down and looking at the columns of Greek text for the four gospels side by side is a rare delight.

For textual criticism and comparative gospel studies in the synoptics or with John, this book is unlike anything else in my library. The binding and paper quality are superior as well and it's a great value in my opinion.

As a preaching pastor, I plan to use this extensively the next time I do a sermon series from the gospels. For scholars it is recommended by Gordon Fee in his New Testament Exegesis 3rd edition, which is why I bought it. Fee says you need this resource for gospel exegetical work. I can see why he says that after going through several portions of this great tool.

If you can-buy it!