Breaking the Rules: Lectio Brevior Potior and New Testament Textual Criticism. Issue 1 (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Jeff
• Is Part Of: Bible translator. Volume 70:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: shorter reading -- lectio brevior potior -- textual criticism -- Greek New Testament -- scribes -- manuscripts; 220.405
• DOI: 10.1177/2051677018823038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-6770

Abstract

Though the principle regarding a preference for the shorter reading is often still included in descriptions of text-critical method, it has fallen out of use. The maxim lectio brevior potior ("prefer the shorter reading") should not be, and in fact is not, a factor in the modern practice of New Testament textual criticism. This article briefly states reasons for the maxim's inapplicability and then surveys a large amount of contemporary text-critical and exegetical literature to demonstrate the maxim's demise.