https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11811/948 2026-04-11T19:55:20Z 2026-04-11T19:55:20Z Schäfers, Kirsten M. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11811/13889 2026-02-10T12:45:43Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

4QNum^b LXX vs. MT SP: Evidence for Non-Linear Processes in the Textual Development of the Book of Numbers from a Neglected Variant Pattern Schäfers, Kirsten M. Rey, Frédérique Michèle; Schorch, Stefan; Robert-Hayek, Sophie This article presents a close study of a special group of text pluses in 4QNum^b: 4QNum^b LXX vs. MT SP. Other than the large-scale expansions shared by SP and 4QNum^b and the general counting of readings with and against MT LXX SP, these cases have been mostly neglected in reconstructing the textual history of the Book of Numbers. They give reason for assuming a less straight and linear development of the versions than that conventionally proposed. A close analysis of this variant pattern reveals that the stemmatic integration of 4QNum^b into the textual history of the Book of Numbers as proposed by Jastram, Lange, and Tov exhibits certain blind spots where this pattern cannot be integrated. Rather, the results of this study indicate a multi-staged and non-linear process of textual transmission, which at some point even does not allow unequivocal reconstruction. Thus, the analysis of the variant pattern 4QNum^b LXX vs. MT SP presented in this paper adds to a deeper understanding of the textual character of 4QNum^b in particular and the textual history of the Book of Numbers in general. It also contributes to methodological and text-historical issues that have proven crucial in recent research: how to integrate textual criticism with literary criticism and redaction history; the "Urtext" question; the text historical significance of harmonizing readings; how to improve categories for text groups or text types among the Dead Sea Scrolls and esp. the textual character of the so-called Pre-Samaritan Scrolls.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Schäfers, Kirsten M. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11811/13844 2026-01-23T13:07:48Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Zur Eigenart der LXX-Manuskripte der <em>b</em>-Gruppe in der Genesis Schäfers, Kirsten M. In the Greek textual history of Genesis, the so-called <em>b</em>-group stands out with unique readings. These readings received little attention in the last thirty years after John W. Wevers had concluded that the Lucianic text of Genesis cannot be found in this group and most likely never existed at all. This pre-study does not intend to reopen the quest for the Lucianic text. Rather, it opens up new perspectives on the age and relevance of <em>b</em>'s textual tradition against the background of more recent text-historical research. The article argues that not all unique readings in the <em>b</em>-group should be rejected as late and text-historically worthless. First, the current state of research is summarized briefly. Second, the text-historical significance of the <em>b</em>-group is examined by starting from the notoriously difficult Hebrew and Greek text in Gen 21:14. The subsequent analysis focuses on exegetical text pluses as well as conspicuous text minuses and a significant agreement with the Samaritan text tradition. Significant evidence allows for the conclusion that the exegetical text pluses and some conspicuous text minuses of the group have characteristics similar to the early harmonization phenomena attested by SP, LXX and some Qumran-MSS, more broadly also to those attested in the Antiochene Text of other books. For at least one manuscript (Ra 108) there are indications of contact with a Samareitikon tradition. Based on this evidence, an ancient age of many special readings in the <em>b</em>-group can be assumed with good reason. Thus, the text-historical value of this group of manuscripts potentially increases and should be investigated further.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z