This thoroughly revised edition of Bruce M. Metzger's classic work is the most up-to-date manual available for the textual criticism of the New Testament. The Text of the New Testament, Fourth Edition, has been invigorated by the addition of Bart D. Ehrman--author of numerous best-selling books on the New Testament--as a coauthor. This revision brings the discussion of such important matters as the early Greek manuscripts and methods of textual criticism up to date, integrating recent research findings and approaches into the body of the text (as opposed to previous revisions, which compiled new material and notes into appendices). The authors also examine new areas of interest, including the use of computers in the collection and evaluation of manuscript evidence and the effects that social and ideological influences had upon the work of scribes. The standard text for courses in biblical studies and the history of Christianity since its first publication in 1964, The Text of the New Testament is poised to become a definitive resource for a whole new generation of students.
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Editorial Reviews
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Praise for the previous edition: "Professor Bruce M. Metzger. . . remains the dean of New Testament textual criticism. For more than thirty years his encyclopedic knowledge and prolific pen have kept New Testament scholars current in manuscript studies. . . . Other manuals in textual criticism are now available, but none is more serviceable than Metzger's."--Southwestern Journal of Theology
"The fourth edition may be declared an unqualified success. The authors have evidently gone over every line of text with great care, [and] those paragraphs that have been rewritten seem to be genuine improvements. The appearance of this revised edition is a delight, and it assures that The Text of the New Testament will continue to serve students and scholars for a long time to come."--Westminster Theological Journal
"Well-researched and expressed, with that rare elegance of style that graces the English language. It is a model for scholarly endeavor, as well as the definitive text in English on the subject."--Louis I. Hodges, Columbia Bible College and Seminary
"The best in its field. Indispensable!"--Jarl Fossum, University of Michigan
About the Author
Bruce M. Metzger is at Princeton Theological Seminary (Emeritus). Bart D. Ehrman is at University of North Carolina.
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As one of the world's best-known scholars on the text of the New Testament, Bruce M. Metzger has taught for many years at Princeton Theological Seminary.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
133 of 136 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Dr. Metzger has given the reader an invaluable resource for the study of the text of the New Testament. The book is divided into three major parts. Part one begins with a detailed description of the ancient method of bookmaking. Next, Metzger lists the major Greek manuscripts and codices as well as a basic description of each. He also lists the major non-Greek witnesses (e.g. Syriac, Coptic, Latin, etc.) and discusses the role of quotations from the early church Fathers. Part two is devoted to the history of the printed editions of the Greek New Testament from the time of the Complutensian Polyglot and the Textus Receptus (the text used for the KJV) through Westcott and Hort until the present day. Part three is an instruction manual for textual criticism, including the many theories of criticism and the method of conjectural emendation. In this section, Metzger also discusses the many types of errors and deliberate changes made by the scribes. He then gives an analysis of several textually difficult passages (e.g. Mark 16 and Acts 20:28). The book also includes 16 photo plates that show selected manuscripts. A working knowledge of Greek is helpful because Metzger often cites Greek words in the text and footnotes without an English translation. If one wishes to learn the basics (and more) about textual criticism, then this is the book to buy.
86 of 98 people found the following review helpful
By Vincent Bost
Format:Paperback
This book is a vital tool to use in rebutting the Ex Cathedra heresies of the King James Onlyists. Virtually every page contains important information that the KJOs would rather not discuss. (Or discuss out of context, if they acknowledge it at all.) And while this book isn't devoted to KJVOism per se, it is a great resource for the anyone who actually wants to examine the evidence for himself, rather than relying on the words of Ruckman, Riplinger, Cloud, Waite, Grady, etc...
For example, while Westcott-Hort are condemned by the KJVO crowd, Erasmus is practically placed on a throne and his own heresies are ignored. His tampering with the text is overlooked while Westcott-Hort are branded as every sort of apostate and heretic imaginable. One standard is applied to Westcott-Hort, another is applied to Erasmus.
Was the text perserved? Of course it was. Just not in the manner that some would have you believe. There was no additional "moving" of the Spirit over Erasmus, the KJV translators, or Benjamin Blayney to prevent them from making errors. Let Rome have it's Ex Cathedra doctrine.
A word of warning: This book is deep. It goes into a lot of detail regarding various Greek and Latin manuscripts, as well as early versions and Patristic quotations. It takes time to absorb everything this book contains. But don't give up! To truly understand the implications and details of the whole Bible version controversy, one needs a working knowledge of just how the Bible itself was transmitted down through history.
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful
By Calvin Davis
Format:Paperback
If you are interested in learning how the New Testament we read today came to be -- read this book. It is a tremendous overview of the sources that have been relied on that, taken together, make up the New Testament as we now understand it. It is fascinating to read about the divergences between different versions of the scriptures and the reasons for these differences, i.e., inattentive scriveners, etc. For those who may feel uncomfortable with this I should point out that Metzger is not seeking to undermine belief in the scriptures, in fact, he is the editor of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. However, he at no point allows his beliefs to interfere with his objective examination of the evidence. Obviously, he believes that such an examination should not undermine belief. As he states, no fundamental tenet of Christianity is impacted by the sometimes divergent readings in ancient manuscripts. Highly recommended.
49 of 56 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the classic work on New Testament textual criticism. It is thorough, clear, and actually entertaining. However, it does need rewriting. The text of the book has not been changed since 1968. The author has just added appendices as new evidence comes to light. This makes the book a little cumbersome at times to read. Rewriting the appendices into the body of the text would make this book even more useful.
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UPDATE: This review was written about the 1992 edition. The 2005 edition addresses my criticisms.
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UPDATE: This review was written about the 1992 edition. The 2005 edition addresses my criticisms.
29 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This 4th edition updates a classic by Metzger. The new co-author that joins the aging Metzger is from the liberal end of the spectrum, and a few of the new views expressed in the 4th edition put a lot of weight on a very few manuscripts that agree with a liberal interpretation. There is thus a section on the "Oppression of Women", for example. Although Metzger's well-balanced approach is thus in jeopardy, the book is on the whole a useful update to the 3rd edition.
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Dr. Metzger's landmark encompasses a lifetime of scholarly work in the field of textual criticism and represents one of the best fundamental texts on the subject. While some have critized his method (Alexandrian and throughly influenced by Westcott and Hort), his research is impeccable and writing style emminently readable. A must for those who are being introduced to this complex and broad field of study.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best book on the subject!
I have read widely on the topic of TC and this book has proved to be the easiest to read while being comprehensive enough at the same time. Well done
Published 26 days ago by Pst Sc Wheeler
3.0 out of 5 stars
the Text of the New Testament
I had hoped this would give me a reference to passages that have known interpolations or errors. It did not meet my expectations and I paid way too much for it.
Published 1 month ago by C. L. Ray
4.0 out of 5 stars
Still a readable classic in the field
I first read Metzger's "The Text of the New Testament" thirty years ago. At the time it was in its Second Edition. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Douglas K. Erlandson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A readable, scholarly book on a controversial subject, done with an...
A clear, organized, and eminently readable description (it's more than an introduction on the topic) of the history of the New Testament texts. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Roger E. Lau
4.0 out of 5 stars
Extremely useful
If it already is not required in many seminary/religious studies classes, this book should be required reading. Read more
Published 11 months ago by JohnnyCrash
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Text of the New Testament
Book was received in perfect condition and in great timing. It's a great resource regarding textual criticism- thank you! This is the ideal source for my Greek class.
Published 16 months ago by jonna
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not worth much
I could just say that this is a bad book, but it seems better to present some evidence of why, so I took some time to create this review. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Veritas
3.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewer Has Reservations
OPENING REMARKS
Before trading in this book for Kindle credits, the reviewer thought he'd post his marginalia for posterity (or, more likely, just for his own... Read more
Before trading in this book for Kindle credits, the reviewer thought he'd post his marginalia for posterity (or, more likely, just for his own... Read more
Published 20 months ago by David M. Hodges
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Well-Researched Book
Even though Bart Ehrman is by no means a traditional conservative christian (as witnessed by his other books), he and his co-author know their manuscripts. Read more
Published on March 26, 2010 by Jonathan Grotefendt
1.0 out of 5 stars
3rd decade of lower criticism...
I have been formally engaged in lower criticism of the Greek text for over 3 decades, have published 5 large volumes on the Syriac New Testament and Greek New Testament and still... Read more
Published on March 16, 2010 by M. Williams
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 83
books:
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75
books
cite this book:
See all 75 books citing this book
- The Greek New Testament (Includes Dictionary) (Greek and English Edition) by B. Aland on 11 pages
- A Plain Introduction to the Criticism of the New Testament (2 volumes) by Frederick H. Scrivener on 5 pages
- The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings by Bart D. Ehrman on 5 pages
- Children's Illustrated Bible Stories from The New Testament by Victoria Parker in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- The Text of the Greek Bible (Studies in Theology (London).) by Frederic G. Kenyon on page 162, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
See all 83 books this book cites
- Die Fruheste Uberlieferung Des Matthausevangeliums (Bis Zum 3./4. Jh.): Edition Und Untersuchung (Arbeiten Zur Neutestamentlichen Textforschung) (German Edition) by Shik Min Kyoung on 4 pages
- One Bible Only?: Examining Exclusive Claims for the King James Bible by Roy E. Beacham on page 98, page 99, and Back Matter
- John the Baptist: Prophet of Purity for a New Age (Interfaces series) by Catherine M. Murphy on page 7, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors(3rd Edition) by Gordon D. Fee on page 60, and page 161
- Reinventing Jesus by J. Ed Komoszewski in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
See all 75 books citing this book
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