Chapter 12 A Guide to the Text and Apparatus of the UBSGNT^4/5 and NA^27/28

In this chapter we provide an introductory guide to using the two standard manual editions for NT study and translation: UBSGNT^4/5 and NA^27/28. The aim is to introduce the reader to the basic conventions needed to understand and use the text and apparatus of these two editions. It is not exhaustive, but it does endeavor to cover all of the commonly employed conventions. Abbreviations for the classes of manuscripts (e.g., papyri [𝔓], majuscules [capital letters and/or numbers beginning with 0]) and most significant manuscripts in those classes (e.g., 𝔓⁴⁶, א) have already been introduced (see ch. 4). A comprehensive list of conventions and abbreviations used in UBSGNT^4/5 and NA^27/28 is found in the introductions of the respective editions. In this chapter we will also seek to highlight the distinctive features of each edition. Unique features reflect the purpose and intended functions of the two editions. UBSGNT^4/5 purports to be primarily intended for translators, whereas NA^27/28 is said to be intended for exegetical scholars and specialists in textual criticism. However, the differences in terms of actual content between the two turns out to be quite insignificant, and NA^27/28 is really more of a manual edition, best for all-around use, not for specialized text-critical work. For the latter purpose, Tischendorf’s 8th edition is still the best choice. The International Greek New Testament Project (IGNTP) attempts a comprehensive apparatus for each NT book, but so far only one NT book has been produced (Luke’s Gospel). NA²⁸ incorporates the Editio Critica Maior for the Catholic letters, along with making some changes in the apparatus for these books (including the elimination of bracketed readings). Since the textual changes in the Catholic Letters are surprisingly minimal (only about 30 in all), students need not rush out and buy this updated edition, if they already have the 27th edition, as in some ways the 27th edition is more consistent than the 28th (see below). The same applies to the UBSGNT⁵ in relation to the UBSGNT⁴.

1. Distinctive Features of NA^27/28

Distinctive features of NA^27/28 include the use of inner and outer margins, its own unique textual apparatus, and a number of distinct characteristics pertaining to issues of format.1

a. Inner Margins

In NA^27/28 the user will find a set of numbers in the inner margins in the Gospels. These are Eusebian section and canon numbers. Eusebius, the fourth-century church historian, developed an excellent system for classifying Gospel parallels in which he divided the Gospels up into ten canon tables or collections of parallel material. These canons are recorded in many of the traditional Greek manuscripts and editions since they would have been useful for scribes and readers. They provide, in effect, an early synopsis of the Gospels, as they indicate where the individual Gospels have parallel passages in the others. NA^27/28 continues this tradition. Canon I includes the parallel pericopes/paragraphs that are represented in all four Gospels. Canons II-IV contain parallel pericopes found in three Gospels. Canons V-IX contain parallel pericopes found in two Gospels, and canon X contains pericopes that are unique to one Gospel. In NA^27/28 these canons (and where they occur) are marked in the inner margins. The Arabic number above the line refers to the section number of a particular canon and the Roman numeral below the line refers to the canon number. This information will be of historical interest to the student, but is intended by the editors primarily for the use of specialists in the study of the text and history of early Christianity.

Figure 12.1. Explanation of NA²⁸ Text, Margins, and Apparatus

b. Outer Margins

In addition to an apparatus at the bottom of the page, NA^27/28 uses its outer margins to make note of parallel expressions and citations of the OT and NT. This also includes information about specific parallels in Greek translations of the OT (e.g., Aquila or the OT portion of Codex Sinaiticus). NA^27/28 provides a far more extensive selection of parallel passages than UBSGNT^4/5. The following conventions are used in NA^27/28 outer margins in this way:2

p)	Refers to parallel passages in the Gospels, which are listed in the margin at the beginning of the pericopes.
(L 2,7) (22,3) (12)	Notice the use of shorter German abbreviations for biblical books and the different way of referring to biblical books with a comma rather than a colon (e.g., L 2,7 rather than Luke 2:7). A parenthetical reference to a passage standing before a variant reading refers to a parallel passage in another NT book (cf. the reference to Luke 2:7 at Matt 1:25). If the parenthetical reference does not name a book (e.g., Luke 22:3), the parallel is found within the same book (cf. the reference to Acts 22:3 at Acts 21:39), or the same chapter (cf. the reference to v. 12 at Matt 2:13).
(19 v.l.)	A parenthetical reference to a verse with v.l. standing before a reading suggests that the reading derives from a variant reading in the verse indicated (cf. Matt 2:13, which refers to the same transposition at 2:19).
(Jr 38,15)	A reference to a passage in the LXX standing before a variant suggests a parallel expression in the LXX text (cf. the reference to Jer 38,15 at Matt 2:18).

c. Text and Critical Apparatus

The critical apparatus is the section of notes that occurs at the bottom of each page of the Greek NT. The verse numbers that the notes are associated with are in bold. NA^27/28 uses a selection of symbols to indicate how much text is being commented upon. The introduction to NA^27/28 should be consulted for a comprehensive list of these symbols and their meanings, although many of them are covered below by virtue of summarizing, expanding, and commenting on the explanations found in the introduction. Some manuscripts are of greater significance than others. NA^27/28 includes significant as well as less significant manuscripts since these latter manuscripts can often give the interpreter insight into the history of the text. In order to distinguish these two classes of evidence, NA^27/28 contains both a positive and negative apparatus. The positive apparatus lists all of the variants in the external evidence that are substantial for establishing the original text. The positive apparatus contains readings for and against the reading found in the text. The negative apparatus lists variants that are significant only for understanding the history of the text (e.g., how and for what reasons the text might have been altered). The negative apparatus only lists readings against the text. Therefore, when manuscripts are listed in support of a given reading, but the evidence in support of the text is not mentioned (indicated by the sign txt; see below), you know that the variants are not important for establishing the original text, but may give insight into its history. The txt abbreviation, then, is an indicator that one is dealing with the positive apparatus. This can admittedly be confusing for students or those first introduced to the edition.

In order to provide the maximum amount of information within the apparatus, modern editions use abbreviations and symbols in order to facilitate the representation of a wide range of data into a small amount of space. The abbreviations and symbols used in NA^27/28 are as follows:

NA^27/28 uses both double and single brackets in the following way (apart from the elemination of square breackets in the Catholic Letters in NA²⁸):

[ ]

Square brackets ([ ]) signify that the enclosed reading is one that the committee could not reach a certain decision on so they include the text in brackets to indicate doubt. For example, in Phil 1:24, we find [ἐν] τῇ σαρκὶ, where the brackets indicate that ἐν is an uncertain reading. In the NA²⁸, however, this correction is used everywhere with the exception of the Catholic Letters (see explanation below on the diamond ♦).

We find this rather bizarre. If the UBS committee is editing the text, and they cannot decide, they are in effect deferring judgment by including these points of indecision in bracketed text. We think that editors should make a decision, but indicate that the evidence is what it is in the apparatus without introducing confusion or uncertainty into the main text. We think this current bracketing method is not helpful, especially to a student, and also to many scholars who are not specialists in textual criticism. Nevertheless, this is the convention that is used, so the student should be familiar with it.

♦

The ♦ (diamond) indicates passages where the guiding line is split in the second edition of the ECM, because there are two variants which in the editors’ judgment could equally well be adopted in the reconstructed initial text. In the ECM apparatus the alternative variant is marked with ♦ as well. In the NA²⁸ edition the diamond precedes the reference sign of the respective variant passage and the variant text in the apparatus. This does not mean that the editors regard the text as definitively established in all other passages. However, square brackets and other signs are no longer seen as suitable for expressing different degrees of reliability in the reconstructed initial text.

⟦ ⟧

Double brackets are perhaps even more problematic. They indicate that the text (⟦ ⟧) within the enclosed words (often long portions of text) is definitely not part of the original. These include passages like Mark 16:9-20 and John 7:53-8:11 that played an important role in the development of the (esp. KJV) English Bible, but which have very little manuscript support.

We do not believe it is helpful to include this material in the main text at all; but, again, this is the convention and those using this edition should be familiar with it.

The following critical signs are used most frequently in the text and are correlated to the notes below within the text-critical apparatus:

Figure 12.2. Symbols in NA^27/28 for Linking the Text to the Apparatus

Abbrev.	Meaning	NT Example
⸰	The word following in the text is omitted by the witnesses cited.	⸰καὶ (Titus 1:16)
⸋ ⸌	The words, clauses or sentences following in the text are omitted by the witnesses cited. The sign ⸋ marks the beginning and the sign ⸌ marks the end of the omitted text.	⸋τῆς δόξης⸌ (2 Cor 4:6)
⸢	The word following in the text is replaced with one or more words by the witnesses cited.	⸢κρίνει (Rom 2:16)
	The words following in the text are replaced with other words by the witnesses cited. The sign marks the beginning and marks the end of the replaced text. Frequently this involves the transposition of words. To the extent the words are identical with those in the text, they are indicated by italic numerals in the apparatus corresponding to their position in the printed text.	οἱ ἀκούοντες (Rev 1:3)
⸆	This sign marks the location where one or more words, sometimes a whole verse, are inserted by the witnesses cited.	⸆πᾶσιν (Gal 3:10)
	The words following in the text are transposed (a different order) by the witnesses cited. The sign marks the beginning and the sign marks the end of the portion of text transposed (change of order).	μόνον ἀκροαταὶ (Jas 1:22)

There are a few other notations that students may want to familiarize themselves with. Centered dots (see first example below) and superscript numerals distinguish between multiple occurrences of the same kind of variant within a single unit of the apparatus. A raised colon ( ˸ ) indicates a variation in punctuation.

The following conventions are employed in organizing the text:

•	A large dot followed by a bold verse number opens each new section of the apparatus. Critical signs do not occur twice within a single section; their repetitions are distinguished by the addition of centered dots or italic numerals. Apparatus sections usually span a single verse; when variants extend over several verses, this is made explicit by the reference following the large dot (cf. Luke 22:17-20).
\|	A solid vertical line separates the instances of variation from each other within a single verse or section of the apparatus.
¦	A broken vertical line separates the various alternative readings from each other within a single instance of variation. These readings taken together make up a group of readings, or a variant-unit.
txt	This sign (= textus) introduces the list of witnesses supporting the text of this edition. It always occurs as the last member of a group of readings, or variant-unit. This can be rather confusing since the txt comes after the variants, a convention not followed in the UBSGNT^4/5 text.

NA^27/28 usually spells out the variant within the apparatus. However, in certain cases, it is more space efficient to use abbreviations when variants only relate to word order or minor issues of variation (e.g., spelling). (Users of the NA are also referred to Appendix II, which lists minor variant readings.) In these cases, the following symbols are used:

	Only the distinctive element of a variant form may be given, whether it is the first part of a word (cf. Luke 19:43) or the last (cf. Luke 19:37; Matt 2:23 –ρεθ). No symbol is used other than the abbreviated form of the word.
…	Three periods (…) represent the text of the edition where the variant form cited is in agreement with it (cf. Luke 20:25).
2 3 1 4 5	Variants of word order are represented by italic numerals that correspond to the order of the words in the text (1 = the first word in the text, etc.), a feature not found in NA²⁸ (see below).
( )	Witnesses that show only minor differences are noted in parentheses ( ), along with the witnesses for the main variant.
[ ]	Brackets [ ] enclose conjectures with regard to both the text and its punctuation.

The witnesses are always presented in the same order: Greek manuscripts (papyri, majuscules, minuscules, lectionaries), versions, patristic citations. Patristic citations are separated by semicolons (;). It is sometimes necessary to qualify the listing of a witness, often because of a correction, in which case the following superscripts are used (e.g., א*):

*	identifies the original reading when a correction has been made.
^c	identifies a correction made by a later hand, but sometimes also by the first hand.
D^1.2.3	Superscript numeral identifies a correction made by the first, second, or third corrector.
^v.l.	(= varia lectio) indicates a reading recorded in a manuscript as an alternative reading (^v.l. is coordinated with the superscript sign ^txt).
^txt	(= textus) as a superscript sign indicates the reading in the text of a manuscript that also records an alternative reading (^txt is coordinated with the superscript sign ^v.l.).
^mg	(= in margine) indicates a reading in the margin of a manuscript without being identified as either a correction or an alternative reading.
^s	(= supplementum) indicates a reading derived from a later addition to a manuscript, usually replacing a lost folio or section of a manuscript.
^vid	(= ut videtur) indicates that the reading attested by a witness cannot be determined with absolute certainty. So, for example, if a papyrus has been damaged and the reading is reconstructed to the best of the editor’s ability, this abbreviation will be used by the manuscript notation.

The symbol 𝔐 represents the Majority text reading. Manuscripts from the Syrian text-type (often referred to as the Byzantine text-type) that make up the Majority text are not cited in NA^27/28 independently unless they are distinct from the collective testimony of the Majority text. When the Majority text is equally or near equally divided, the sign pm is used to introduce both sets of witnesses for the Majority text. Of course, it will only occur once in cases where the negative apparatus is presented.

Since NA^27/28 does not provide a comprehensive apparatus of textual witnesses, NA²⁷ employs a set of abbreviations that helps to give the interpreter an idea of the amount and quality of the uncited evidence — a feature not employed in NA²⁸. These occur after the Greek witnesses have been cited:

pc	= pauci: a few manuscripts, other than those explicitly mentioned for a given reading, that differ from the Majority text. This convention is abandoned in NA²⁸.
al	= alii: some manuscripts (more than represented by pc), other than those explicitly mentioned for a given reading, that differ from the Majority text.
pm	= permulti: a large number of manuscripts, when the Majority text is divided (see above).
rell	= reliqui: the rest of the manuscript tradition (including 𝔐) supporting txt (cf. Luke 5:39); a few especially authoritative witnesses may precede rell (cf. John 8:16).

In NA²⁷ but not in NA²⁸ a cross (†) introduces a reading in the apparatus; it “marks a change in the text from the 25th edition…. These passages always represent very difficult textual decisions.”3

The citation of the church fathers follows a set of conventions as well. In addition to the abbreviations for the names of the fathers (e.g., Ambrosiaster is abbreviated Ambr), the following conventions are observed:

( )	The quotation supports the given reading, but with some slight variation.
^ms,mss	The father indicates knowledge of one or more NT manuscripts supporting the given reading.
^txt-com	In citing patristic commentaries the distinction is drawn between the text commented on (txt), called the lemma, and the text of the father ascertained from the commentary proper (com).
^lem	The reading represents the lemma, i.e., the running biblical text of a commentary. This sign is used when the text of a father cannot be reconstructed from the commentary proper, and advises a degree of caution.
^pt/pt	(partim/partim) The father cites the particular passage more than once and in more than one form. This sign comprises a complementary pair, and both elements are always shown whenever possible. When one is not shown, this is either because the evidence for the reading in the text is not cited in the apparatus, or because the father is witness to a further reading that is not cited in the apparatus.
^vid	(videtur) The witness of a father for the reading given is probable, but not completely certain. Note the same ^vid abbreviation above when listing manuscripts. This is a distinct ^vid abbreviation for church father witnesses.
v.l.	(varia lectio) In the manuscript tradition of the father, one or more manuscripts support the reading given.
1739^mg	Patristic evidence noted in the margin of the Greek manuscript 1739 (e.g., Eph 3:18).

When a church father is known only indirectly through another church father, the abbreviation for the church father through whom we know the church father is placed in superscript with the abbreviation of the church father responsible for the citation. For example, if we know of a citation by Marcion through Tertullian, the abbreviation Mcion^T is used.

It should be noted that lectionaries are often summarized in NA^27/28 due to the belief of the editors that lectionaries often reflect the late Syrian tradition. The following conventions are used to summarize the data from lectionaries (with the last four based on important letters in the Greek words they abbreviate):

l^a	a lectionary with the text of the Apostolos (Acts, Catholic Letters, and Pauline Letters)
l^+a	a lectionary with the text of the Apostolos and the Gospels
U-l	an uncial lectionary
le	a lectionary with readings for the weekdays
lesk	a lectionary with readings for the weekdays from Easter to Pentecost, and for the Saturdays and Sundays of the other weeks
lsk	a lectionary with readings only for Saturdays and Sundays
lsel (Jerus.)	a lectionary with readings for select days (selectae) according to the Jerusalem order

There is also a helpful set of abbreviations that aids in weighing certain internal considerations and factors that may have contributed to the development of the history of the text. The following symbols are employed for these purposes as well as others:

(!)	= sic! indicates an accurate transcription of an apparently absurd reading.
h.t.	(= homoioteleuton) indicates an omission due to the similar endings of successive words, phrases, or sentences (a visual error: the scribe’s eye skips from the first to the second, in effect omitting the text between them).
add.	= addit/-unt, add(s)
om.	= omittit/-unt, omit(s)
pon.	= ponit, place(s), transpose(s)
a.	= ante, before
p.	= post, after
id./ead.	= idem/eadem, the same wording
ex err.	= ex errore, erroneously, by scribal error
ex itac.	= ex itacismo, by itacism, the substitution of letters with the same phonetic value
ex lat?	= ex versione latina? apparently derived from a Latin reading
bis	(= twice) immediately following a critical sign refers to two similar words in the text and their variant(s) that are exceptionally identified by the same critical sign.
?	indicates that the reading found in this manuscript should be checked or verified against the original source.

A number of other abbreviations are used for the purposes of reference as well. These abbreviations are usually based on their Latin equivalents, not English, so that they are not always obvious to the English language user:

a	before
acc	accent or breathing marks
apud	in, according to
Aqu	Aquila
c	with
cf	compare
cj/cjj	infer/infers
cod/codd	manuscripts
del	removes, deletes
dist	separates/differentiates
ex lect	influenced by lectionary use
glossa	explanatory note
hab	has/have
hic	here, at this place
huc	here, to this place
i.e.	namely, that is
illeg	unreadable
incert	uncertain
interp	punctuation
it	likewise
κτλ	etc.
lac	gap/hiatus
loco	in place of
mut	damaged
nihil	nothing
obel	critical sign used in manuscripts for additions
ord inv	inverted order
pon	put/transpose
pro	in place of
rectius	more correctly
sec	according to
sed	but
sim	like/similar
sine	without
s/ss	following
sq/sqq	sequences following
Symm	Symmachus’s Greek translation of the OT
tantum	only
ter	three times
test	witness(es)
Theod	Theodotion’s Greek translation of the OT
totaliter	completely
usque (ad)	as far as, up to
v	see
v(e)l	or
verss	early versions
vs/vss	verse/verses

We may now turn to the apparatus itself and illustrate how the various symbols work together with the text of NA^27/28 and its apparatus. Luke 6:26 appears as follows in NA^27/28:

26 οὐαὶ ⸆ ὅταν ὑμᾶς καλῶς εἴπωσιν πάντες οἱ ἄνθρωποι· κατὰ τὰ αὐτὰ γὰρ ἐποίουν τοῖς ψευδοπροφήταις ⸋οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν⸌.

The corresponding apparatus for this passage reads (the apparatus for this passage in NA²⁸ is expressed slightly differently, but contains essentially the same information):

• 26 ⸆ υμιν D W* Δ 1424 pc b r¹ sy^s.p co; Ir^lat | † 2 1 3 (D) Q W Θ Ξ f ^1.13 𝔐 ¦ 2 3 1 א A L Ψ 33. 579. 892. (2542) al ¦ txt 𝔓⁷⁵ B | 2 3 1 א ¦ 2 3 D L Γ Δ 892* pm vg^cl sy^s.p. bo^mss; Mcion^T | ταυτα v. vs 23 | ⸋ 𝔓^75vid B 700*. 1241 pc sy ^s sa

The first variant-unit (marked by ⸆) involves the insertion of ὑμῖν between οὐαὶ and ὅταν in D W* Δ 1424 pc b r¹ sy^s.p co; Ir^lat. Recall that the capital Greek and Roman letters (plus one Hebrew letter for Sinaiticus [א]) are used to denote majuscules, numbered manuscripts not beginning with 0 are used for minuscules, and pc indicates that there are a few other Greek manuscripts besides those explicitly cited that differ from the Majority text but that also support this reading. In the introduction of NA^27/28 the user will discover that “a,b,c, etc.” stands for individual Old Latin manuscripts. Manuscript r¹ is the siglum for the Latin codex Usserianus 1. The semicolon separates the versional evidence from citations in the church fathers, in this case a Latin translation (thus the superscript ^lat) of Irenaeus. The solid vertical line ( | ) marks the end of this section of the apparatus. This is an example of the negative apparatus since the txt abbreviation is not present. As one can see, the evidence for this reading is quite minimal, being supported by primarily Western witnesses.

The second variant-unit spans three words: ὑμᾶς καλῶς εἴπωσιν. The symbols used here ( ) indicate a transposition or change of ordering. This change of order is indicated by the italicized numbers. Therefore, (D) Q W Θ Ξ f 𝔐 read καλῶς ὑμᾶς εἴπωσιν and א A L Ψ 33. 579. 892. (2542) al read καλῶς εἴπωσιν ὑμᾶς. The cross (†) denotes that this reading was changed from the text of the 25th edition, and thus indicates a difficult textual decision for the committee. D is in parentheses, which means that D is different in some minor way, but generally agrees with the reading that is marked in the text. The broken vertical (¦) line separates alternative readings for a single instance of variation. So here another possible reading is being offered to the one found in the text, and this is set apart from the previous alternative with the broken line. The manuscript 2542 is in parentheses, denoting a slightly different reading. The abbreviation al follows the list of Greek manuscripts, indicating that some other manuscripts from the Majority text support this reading. This set of variants is part of the positive apparatus since the txt symbol introduces 𝔓⁷⁵ and B in support of the reading found within the text. The use of the positive apparatus indicates that the variants listed here may have some bearing on establishing the original text.

The third variant unit also spans three words: πάντες οἱ ἄνθρωποι. The signs used ( ) indicate that the text is replaced by other words in certain manuscripts. Again, the italicized numbers indicate a transposition so that א reads οἱ πάντες ἄνθρωποι and D L Γ Δ 892* pm vg^cl sy^s.p. bo^mss; Mcion^T only read οἱ ἄνθρωποι. The minuscule 829 has an asterisk superscript (*), marking the original hand of the manuscript. After the Greek manuscripts are listed, pm is used to indicate that “some” other manuscripts support this reading from the Majority text. Then three versions supporting this reading are listed (vg^cl sy^s.p. bo^mss) followed by a citation from Marcion according to Tertullian, separated by a semicolon. Again, since the txt abbreviation is not used, we are dealing with the negative apparatus.

The fourth variant unit covers two words: τὰ αὐτὰ. The superscripted dot inside the symbol that indicates that the words are replaced by other words ( ) just indicates that this sign has already been used in this verse. In other words, this is the second unit of variation in this verse in which words are replaced. The v. stands for Latin vide, “see,” and vs stands for “verse.” So the apparatus refers the reader to verse 23 of Luke 6, where the same variant occurs.

The final variant-unit, again separated by the unbroken vertical line ( | ), has the sign for the deletion of words, clauses, or sentences, and here spans three words: ⸋ οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν ⸌. The square ( ⸋ ) indicates deletion and the inverted line (⸌) marks the end of the text marked for deletion. Therefore, 𝔓^75vid B 700*. 1241 pc sy^s sa delete the word group οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν. The superscript ^vid (attached to 𝔓⁷⁵ above) indicates that this reading cannot be confirmed with certainty, possibly because the papyrus has broken away or is unreadable at this particular place. We have another asterisk on the minuscule manuscript 700 above, noting the original hand, and pc following the list of Greek manuscripts indicating a few other manuscripts from the Majority text.

There are a few differences between NA²⁷ (the basis for the example we have just utilized) and NA²⁸ (fig. 1, at the beginning of this section) that should be noted—we use both in this chapter to illustrate similarities and differences. First, in the example from Luke 6:26 above, we notice that NA²⁷ utilizes pc (a few manuscripts that differ from the Majority text but are not cited) and other abbreviations to indicate the existence of other witnesses not cited (see above) whereas NA²⁸ (pictured in fig. 1) does not. The list of manuscripts is now a bit more comprehensive (see below), which may seem like an improvement; however, the abbreviation system of NA²⁷ is still preferable, we think, since it indicates, and consistently reminds the reader, that a comprehensive list is not provided while also providing some indication of what witnesses have not been included. The NA²⁸ means of indicating the evidence may leave the impression that a comprehensive list has been provided when it has not. NA²⁸ has also removed use of the cross (†) to indicate a change from the 25th edition. This is a helpful update as space can now be used for something other than tracking the history of the editions. Gone from the NA²⁸ is also the numbering system for indicating differences in order (transposition) with the different word order being indicated now with the Greek wording itself.

In the above example, for the variant ὑμᾶς καλῶς εἴπωσιν in Luke 6:26, 2 1 3 (D) in NA²⁷ becomes καλως υμας (υμιν D) ειπωσιν in NA²⁸ (see below on why accents are not used in the apparatus), and this format (as can be observed in the picture in fig. 1) is followed throughout the apparatus. We like this format change since it allows readers to see the Greek text rather than numerical representations. A few more later manuscripts are listed in NA²⁸ as well. Again, drawing from the example above, support for καλως υμας (υμιν D) ειπωσιν in NA²⁷ Q W Θ Ξ f ^1.13 𝔐 becomes D K P Q W Γ Δ Θ Ξ f ^1.13 565. 700. 1241. 1424 𝔐 in NA²⁸. Having the additional evidence is good, but could give the misconception that all the evidence is cited without the abbreviation system that NA²⁷ employed. So we see pros and cons between NA²⁷ and NA²⁸. The student may, then — at least in some ways — still be best served by NA²⁷ (see n. 1 above).

d. Citation, Orthography, Punctuation, and Font

The convention of NA^27/28 for citing the OT is to put the citation in italics. It also uses capital and lower-case Greek letters in a distinct way. To mark direct speech, it has a colon followed by a lower-case letter. In previous editions, the punctuation differed between UBSGNT and NA versions, with NA following what is intended to represent Greek punctuation and UBSGNT following English conventions. The punctuation in UBSGNT⁴ was brought into conformity with NA²⁷ and remains the same in UBSGNT⁵ and NA²⁸. It should be noted, however, that the accenting in the apparatus still differs, since NA^27/28 does not use accents and UBSGNT^4/5 does. In this respect, NA^27/28 supposedly leaves more discretion to the interpreter since accents are a later convention not found in the earlier manuscripts. However, there are accents in many early manuscripts, and these are not indicated, so the problem is not really solved. Many modern text-critical articles and monographs follow this same convention: they do not include accents when discussing variant readings in hopes of not artificially prejudging the issue. Last of all, NA^27/28 uses a bold or upright square Greek font.

2. Distinctive Features of UBSGNT^4/5

The UBSGNT^4/5 also has a set of distinct features that the student should be aware of, including three levels of apparatus and a system of gradation that indicates the committee’s level of certainty for the reading found within the text. Like NA²⁸, UBSGNT⁵ also uses the Editio Critica Maior for the Catholic Letters, with similar changes to the apparatus.

a. Differences in Abbreviations

The UBSGNT^4/5 generally follows the same system of abbreviations that NA^27/28 does in its apparatus. Both follow the Gregory-Aland numbering system for manuscripts. The following differences, however, should be noted. UBSGNT^4/5 uses v.r. to indicate “variant reading” instead of v.l. as in NA^27/28. UBSGNT^4/5 also uses supp instead of ^s to indicate a “supplement” or later addition to a manuscript, but one which is not of significant value. In UBSGNT⁴ the question mark (?) also has a different meaning. It indicates the uncertainty of a reading, not just that a manuscript should be verified against its original source. The Syrian (or Byzantine) tradition is represented by 𝔐, pc, and pm in the NA^27/28, but UBSGNT^4/5 uses Byz for the majority of the Byzantine tradition and Byz^pt for part of the manuscripts in the Byzantine tradition. So, to summarize, in addition to the lists of abbreviations mentioned above for NA^27/28, one should make note of the following abbreviations for UBSGNT^4/5:4

v.r.	variant reading
supp	supplement added by a later hand that is not of much value for determining the original
?	the citation of the edition is uncertain and does not clearly support the reading
Byz	the majority of the Byzantine tradition
Byz^pt	part of the Byzantine tradition

Figure 12.3. Explanation of UBSGNT⁴ Text, Margins, and Apparatus

The citation of church fathers in UBSGNT^4/5 is different in certain ways. To begin with, UBSGNT^4/5 spells out the name of the church father, whereas NA^27/28 uses (often) quite condensed abbreviations for the names of the fathers. The following conventions are unique to UBSGNT^4/5 and should be observed as well:

^supp	a portion of a church father’s text supplied by a later hand where the original is missing (e.g., Origen’s Commentary on John).
^ms,mss	manuscript(s) of a church father’s text when differing from the edited text.
mss^{acc. to Origen}	variant readings of manuscripts according to a church father’s witness.
^{1/2, 2/3, 5/7} etc.	Superscript fractions indicate the statistics for variant readings in multiple instances of a passage. The second number of the fraction indicates the number of times the passage occurs in the church father’s writings; the first number indicates how many times the reading attested is supported.
^pap	a reading from the papyrus stage of the tradition of a church father’s text when it differs from an edition (usually now dated) of the father.
^ed	the reading from an edition of a church father when it differs from a reading in the papyrus tradition of his text.
^gr	a citation from a Greek fragment of the work of a Greek church father that is preserved complete only in a translation.
^{lat,syr,arm,slav,arab}	a Latin, Syriac, Armenian, Slavonic, or Arabic translation of a work by a Greek church father that has not survived in its original form.
^{acc. to}	according to: indicates the source of a citation by a church father which is preserved only indirectly, i.e., through quotation by another church father.
^dub	a citation from the work of a church father, to whom its attribution is dubious.

Lectionaries are also represented differently in UBSGNT^4/5. UBSGNT^4/5 is able, with its system, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the evidence here. The following conventions are employed for citing lectionaries:

Lect	the majority of the selected lectionaries together with the lectionary text of the Greek Church (i.e., the text of the edition published by Apostoliki Diakonia, Athens).
l 68, etc.	individual lectionary manuscripts when they differ from the reading of the majority.
Lect^pt	a part of the lectionary manuscript tradition (at least ten manuscripts) that differs from the rest (also designated Lectpt). This symbol always appears in pairs in the critical apparatus.
Lect^pt,AD	a part of the lectionary manuscript tradition in agreement with the lectionary text of the Greek Church (i.e., the text of the edition published by Apostoliki Diakonia, Athens).
l^AD	a reading of the lectionary text of the Greek Church (i.e., the text of the edition published by Apostoliki Diakonia, Athens).
l 866^½	The superscript fraction after the symbol for a lectionary manuscript shows the relative frequency of a reading in the multiple occurrence of the same passage in a single lectionary manuscript. The second number of the fraction indicates the number of times the passage occurs in the manuscript; the first number indicates how many times it supports the reading attested.

In addition to a knowledge of the value, date, and abbreviations for the most significant classes of manuscripts (e.g., papyri [𝔓]) and most significant manuscripts in those classes (e.g., 𝔓⁴⁶, א; see ch. 4), becoming familiar with the NA^27/28 conventional symbols and abbreviations and then noting these major differences should provide one with facility in using both editions.

b. Critical Apparatus

The first level of apparatus in UBSGNT^4/5 is the critical apparatus, where units of textual variation are noted. Instead of summarizing the tradition in the broadest way possible, as with NA^27/28, the UBSGNT^4/5 apparatus contains a very limited number of what are considered to be important variants for translators and then goes into more detail on the manuscript support for these variants even if it is not always clear how this practice helps translators. Besides this major methodological and functional difference, an important distinctive feature of the UBSGNT^4/5 apparatus is the system of gradation that is given to the readings regarding the committee’s level of certainty that the reading in the text reflects the original. The grades are based on a four-letter system progressing from an A rating (certain) to a B rating (almost certain) to a C rating (the committee had difficulty determining which variant should be in the text) to a D rating (the committee is uncertain as to which variant should be in the text), progressing from most to least certain.5 In the Catholic Letters the ♦ (diamond) is used where no ranking can be determined due to textual uncertainty. This is the least certain rating. These letters are enclosed in the following style of brackets {} (e.g., {A}) and introduce the first reading (the reading found in the text) and its support. This system will be discussed in greater detail below. The alternative readings for a single unit of variation are separated by double diagonal lines // in the apparatus instead of a broken vertical line, as with NA^27/28, and instead of using an unbroken vertical line to separate variant-units for the same verse, these are divided by separate footnotes. A final important difference worth highlighting is the way in which the text is linked to the critical apparatus in UBSGNT^4/5. Instead of employing a series of symbols that mark off units of text, as with NA^27/28, UBSGNT^4/5 uses a system of footnotes. Numbers are used for the text-critical apparatus and lower case letters are used for the punctuation apparatus (see below).

For example, in UBSGNT^4/5, 1 Cor 11:24 is represented as follows:

24 καὶ εὐχαριστήσας ἔκλασεν καὶ εἶπεν, Τοῦτό³ μού ἐστιν τὸ σῶμα τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν⁴· τοῦτο ποιεῖτε εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν.

The corresponding apparatus in UBSGNT⁴ (similar in UBSGNT⁵) connected by the footnotes is displayed as follows:

³24 {A} τοῦτο 𝔓⁴⁶ א A B C* D F G 0199 6 33 81* 104 424^c 1175 1241 1739 1881 1962 2127 2200 2464 l 599 it^{ar, b, d, f, g, o} vg^ww,st syr ^pal cop^sa,bo geo¹ Cyril Nestorius Theodoret; Cyprian, Ambrosiaster Pelagius//λάβετε φάγετε, τοῦτο (see Mt 26.26) C³ Ψ 0150 81^c 256 263 365 424* 436 459 1319 1573 1852 1881 1912 1962 2127 2200 2464 Byz [K L P] Lect vg^cl syr^p,h arm eth geo² slav Basil Cyril-Jerusalem^dub Chrysostom

⁴24 {A} ὑμῶν 𝔓⁴⁶ א* A B C* 6 33 424^c 1739* vg^st syr^pal (Cyril) Theodoret^1/3; Cyprian Pelagius Fulgentius//ὑμῶν κλώμενον א² C³ D² F G Ψ 0150 81 104 256 (263 ἡμῶν) 365 424* 436 459 1175 1241 1319 1573 1739^c 1852 1881 1912 1962 2127 2200 2464 Byz [K L P] Lect (l 591 l 597 l 809 l 1154^AD ἡμῶν) it^{b, d, f2, g, o} syr ^{p, h} (arm) geo slav Basil Chrysostom Nestorius Theodoret^1/3; Ambrosiaster//ὑμῶν διδόμενον (see Lk 22.19) it^{(ar), f*, o} vg^{cl, ww} cop^{sa, bo} eth

Footnote 3 is attached to 1 Cor 11:24 displayed above from UBSGNT⁴. The text itself is different from NA^27/28 in a number of ways. The first difference worth mentioning is the capitalization of τοῦτο since it introduces direct speech. The note system rather than the symbol system for connecting the text to apparatus is also distinct. Numbered footnotes in UBSGNT^4/5, instead of a dot as in NA^27/28, are used for each variant-unit in the apparatus, as in 11:24. The letter {A} is the rating that the UBS committee assigned to their choice to include the reading found within the text, another unique feature of the UBSGNT^4/5 apparatus. And instead of the txt abbreviation, the UBS apparatus spells out the reading found in the text. Unlike NA^27/28, the reading of the text is first instead of last. The list of variants included in UBSGNT^4/5 is far more extensive than those found in NA^27/28. The list of later manuscripts and those representing the Byzantine (Syrian) tradition receives much more detailed treatment in UBSGNT^4/5. Instead of treating this information by listing specific manuscripts, NA²⁷ uses abbreviations to summarize this tradition. The abbreviation Byz is also employed above to represent that the majority of other Byzantine manuscripts supports the given reading. The critical apparatus for UBSGNT^4/5 only includes a positive apparatus. This is consistent with its purpose to comment only on variants meaningful for establishing the original text.

The first variant-unit involves a decision regarding whether λάβετε φάγετε introduces the demonstrative pronoun (τοῦτο). The committee is certain that the additional words did not appear in the original and therefore give τοῦτο alone an A rating. That is why the reading is introduced by an A and followed by the manuscripts that support this reading, starting with Greek manuscripts: papyri first, then majuscules, then minuscules, and finally lectionaries. The minuscules are not separated by periods as they are in NA^27/28. Next, the versions are listed, and finally the church fathers. As discussed above, the double diagonal lines // mark the introduction of an alternative reading not found in the text, in this case λάβετε φάγετε. It becomes immediately obvious why the UBSGNT^4/5 committee gave the reading found in the text an A rating. Most of the support for the alternative reading comes from later manuscripts, and the support for the reading found in the text has extremely early testimony (esp. 𝔓⁴⁶ א B).6

The second unit of variation connected with verse 24 is introduced by footnote 4 corresponding to the reading ὑμῶν found within the text. A few observations can be made here that help highlight the difference in conventions between NA^27/28 and UBSGNT⁴ (and UBSGNT⁵). Notice that Theodoret has a ^1/3 fraction superscript beside his name. In UBSGNT^4/5 when a fraction such as this is used with the name of a church father, it indicates how many times this citation occurs in that father (in this case 3) and how many times it supports the attested reading (in this case once). The reading found in the text is supported by א*, but the first alternative reading (ὑμῶν κλώμενον) is supported by א². א² indicates that this is the reading of the second corrector’s hand. א* signifies the presence of a corrector, but the original reading of the manuscript. Therefore, א* is the older reading. Also notice the way that the parentheses are used to indicate slightly different readings. For example, we find the lectionary reading Lect (l 591 l 597 l 809 l 1154^AD ἡμῶν). This means that these lectionary manuscripts have ἡμῶν κλώμενον instead of ὑμῶν κλώμενον. The slight difference then is the change from a second person plural pronoun to a first person plural pronoun. The last of these manuscripts has the ^AD superscript, indicating a lectionary of the Greek Church.

The UBSGNT⁵ includes an additional feature in the apparatus of citation from a selected group of modern Bible translations in English, German, French, and Spanish to indicate where major translations vary from the UBS Greek text.

c. Discourse Segmentation Apparatus

The second level of apparatus in UBSGNT^4/5, the discourse segmentation apparatus, is designed specifically for translators. The discourse segmentation apparatus, therefore, contains variations on punctuation in a number of Greek editions of the NT (e.g., Textus Receptus, Westcott and Hort) as well as several modern translations (e.g., Luther’s German Translation, ASV, RSV). Since this tool is created for translators, not textual specialists, it is not included in NA^27/28; but most Bible scholars are translators at some level or another and so should be concerned with this discourse segmenting as well, in our opinion. In any case, this is the convention for UBSGNT^4/5 and it is important to be familiar with it. The discourse segmentation apparatus has been revised in UBSGNT⁵. The major structural abbreviations are as follows:

P or NO P	The letter P indicates that a paragraph break occurs in the editions or translations cited, and NO P indicates that no paragraph break occurs in the editions or translations cited.
SP	The letters SP indicate that a subparagraph break occurs in the editions or translations cited. (This segmentation marker is not used in UBSGNT⁵.)
S or NO S	The letter S indicates that a section heading or section break occurs in which several paragraphs are grouped together to form a larger segment of discourse. NO S indicates that the editions and translations cited do not segment the text into a new section of discourse. (The segmentation marker NO S is not used in UBSGNT⁵.)
MS	The letters MS indicate that a major section heading or break occurs in which a number of separate sections are grouped together to form a larger segment of discourse, e.g., the breaks at the end of Romans 8 and Romans 11 in some translations. (This segmentation marker is not used in UBSGNT⁵.)
C or NO C	The letter C indicates a break that occurs between clauses or words in the editions or translations cited. Such differences in segmentation result in different words and clauses being grouped together with a change of meaning from that in the UBS text. NO C indicates that no break between clauses or words occurs in the editions or translations cited.

The following signs are also used:

?	indicates that the citation of a particular edition or translation is doubtful, since the evidence does not clearly support one or another alternative.
()	Parentheses indicate minor differences of detail in segmentation, while the authority supports in general the segmentation for which it is cited.
^mg	a marginal reading in one of the translations.

When punctuation like periods, commas, dashes, or colons causes segmentation, these are written out. The function of how the conjunction ὅτι is translated is also written out: Direct, Indirect, or Causal. When parentheses cause segmentation, these are abbreviated with parens. When quotation punctuation is used, the conventions Begin quotation and End quotation are employed. Poetic structure and Traditional material are noted when they are marked off in various editions or translations (consult the UBSGNT^4/5 introduction for further abbreviations).

In order to illustrate how the discourse segmentation apparatus is used, we may use an example from Rev 2:25:

25 πλὴν ὃ ἔχετε κρατήσατε ἄχρι[ς] οὗ ἂν ἥξω.^w

The corresponding section of the discourse segmentation apparatus is as follows (in UBSGNT⁴, not in UBSGNT⁵):

^w25 SP: NA//P: M Seg NIV

The footnote w at the end of verse 25 is linked to the number 25 representing the corresponding verse number in the segmentation apparatus. We know from the introduction to UBSGNT⁴ that NA stands for NA²⁶, but in UBSGNT⁵ for NA²⁸.7 Therefore, NA²⁶ has a subparagraph marker here (indicated by SP, as explained above). This verse marks the end of a subparagraph. As in the critical apparatus, the double diagonal lines // mark a separation between alternatives (in this case, alternative paragraph breaks). P indicates that the Seg (La Nouvelle Version Segond Revisée, a standard French translation) and NIV have full paragraph breaks here in their translations.

d. Reference Apparatus

The third level of apparatus in UBSGNT^4/5 is the reference apparatus, which contains a cross-reference system of parallel passages and citations from the OT and NT. It contains similar information to what is found in the outer margins of NA^27/28, but it is far less extensive. The UBSGNT^4/5 reference system, however, does contain a number of important NT parallels. It includes indices of OT quotations and allusions (two separate indices) as well.

The apparatus works by introducing the cross reference with which the verse is associated (footnotes are not used at this level of apparatus) and then spells out the parallel wording directly following the verse number and cites the NT and OT texts where relevant parallels exist. For example, in Jude 5, we read:

5 Ὑπομνῆσαι δὲ ὑμᾶς βούλομαι, εἰδότας [ὑμᾶς] πάντα ὅτι [ὁ] κύριος ἅπαξ λαὸν ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου σώσας τὸ δεύτερον τοὺς μὴ πιστεύσαντας ἀπώλεσεν,

The parallel passages for this verse are displayed in the reference apparatus at the bottom of the page in UBSGNT⁴ (UBSGNT⁵ is similar) in the following way:

5 Ὑπομνῆσαι … πάντα 2 Pet 1.12 ὁ κύριος … σώσας Ex 12.51 τοὺς … ἀπώλεσεν Nu 14.29-30, 35; 1 Cor 10.5

The parallel wording is introduced (the ellipsis points … stand for the text in between the two words) and followed by the verse(s) where the parallel is found. As with NA^27/28, UBSGNT^4/5 has a distinct way of citing biblical passages using shortened abbreviations and a period rather than a colon or a comma to separate chapters and verses.

e. The UBS Rating System and Textual Optimism

Although UBSGNT^4/5 does provide a potentially helpful letter system for rating the certainty of their readings, the rigor and consistency of this system from edition to edition has recently been called into question. Kent Clarke has demonstrated that the UBS committee’s certainty concerning their selected variants increases from edition to edition.

Commenting upon the nature of additions and omissions in the UBSGNT text and the associated letter ratings given to the status of the certainty of the text, Clarke summarizes the data as follows:

First, there are a greater number of variants with improving or upgraded letter-ratings (598) over against variants with decreasing or downgraded letter-ratings (30) in the UBSGNT⁴. Secondly, there are a greater number of new A rated variants added to the UBSGNT⁴ (168) than any of the three other letter-rating groups, or even the combined total of these three groups (B = 62, C = 55, D = 0)…. This reveals that a greater number of A rated variants, rather than C rated variants, are preserved within the UBSGNT⁴. These … factors continue to confirm … that there has been an extensive upgrade in the quality of the text presented in the UBSGNT⁴.8

Moisés Silva makes similar remarks in commenting upon the upgrades in letter-rating between UBSGNT³ and UBSGNT⁴.

[T]he rating for most passages has been raised. For Romans through Galatians, 19 passages were already given an A in the third edition and thus could not be raised. Out of the remaining 152 passages (206 minus 19 As minus 35 deletions), a full 105 are given a higher evaluation, that is, 69 percent. Specifically, 15 were raised from D to C, 41 from C to B, and 37 from B to A; and as if that were not enough, 2 passages were raised from D to B, a full 10 from C to A! Out of the 43 variation units added to the fourth edition, no fewer than 24 are given an A. How radically different is the resulting complexion of the material can be seen by comparing the third and fourth editions: Third Fourth A 20 93 B 62 63 C 99 55 D 25 2….9

This phenomenon is referred to by Clarke as textual optimism. In most cases, according to Clarke, the enhancement of the letter ratings has not been justifiable in any obvious way on the basis of the textual evidence. In other words, the textual evidence even in those instances where the grade has been raised is usually virtually the same as it was when the grade was lower. This is a valuable lesson to learn. It will not do to simply rely on the rating assigned by the UBS committee or the rationale for the specific letter rating provided in Metzger’s Textual Commentary (as has been the unfortunate tendency of many modern commentators!)—the evidence must be evaluated on its own terms. The grading system and textual commentary are potentially valuable tools, but students of textual criticism must learn to develop their own text-critical instincts in weighing and evaluating the nature of the evidence.

f. Citation, Orthography, Punctuation, and Font

In UBSGNT^4/5 the citations of the OT are in bold rather than italics, as they are in NA^27/28. In UBSGNT^4/5 a colon followed by a capital letter is used to begin direct speech, and punctuation is used in the apparatus—both of these features distinguish it from NA^27/28. The more italicized and cursive font of UBSGNT⁴ has become more upright and square in UBSGNT⁵. UBSGNT^4/5 also includes section divisions in its text, which are lacking in NA^27/28.

The chart in figure 4 summarizes the important differences between these two editions that have been discussed in this chapter. This chart includes some information from chapter 11.

Figure 12.4. A Comparison of UBSGNT^4/5 and NA^27/28

Features	UBSGNT^4/5	NA^27/28
First Edition	1966	1898
Intended Use	Intended primarily for translators and students. But we believe that some of its distinct translation features would be beneficial for scholars as well.	Intended exclusively for specialists in textual criticism. However, we see it more as a manual edition and specialists will still be better served by Tischendorf’s 8th edition.
Margins	margins are unused	inner margin: Eusebian canon and chapter numbers found in traditional Greek manuscripts and editions. outer margin: Cross reference system for parallel passages
Critical Apparatus	Lists more evidence for fewer variants (1.6 per page). Evidence listed is intended to be nearly exhaustive (though why this is a feature for translators remains unknown). Does use punctuation and accents linked to text by numbers. Only positive apparatus the reading in the text is spelled out. The support for the reading in the text is introduced first. Evidence is evaluated through a letter-graded system: A, B, C, D.	Lists less evidence for more variants (20 variants per page). Evidence listed is intended to be representative and summarized. Does not use punctuation or accents (we believe the reasons for this are inconsistent). Linked to text by symbols positive and negative apparatus. The reading in the text is symbolized by txt when the positive apparatus is used, but not otherwise. The support for the reading in the text is introduced last evidence is not explicitly evaluated.
Discourse Segmentation Apparatus	Indicates section, paragraph, subsection, and various punctuation breaks in Greek editions and versions.	Not included.
Reference Apparatus	Includes parallel passages and citations.	Although a reference apparatus is not included, parallels are referenced in outer margins.
OT Citations	Cited in bold, relatively less extensive reference to parallel passages in the reference apparatus.	Cited in italics, relatively more extensive reference to parallel passages in the outer margins.
Direct Speech	Introduced with a colon and a capital letter.	Introduced with a colon and a lower-case letter.
Section Headings	Included.	Not included.
Font	Italicized, cursive (⁴), upright, square (⁵).	Bold, square (²⁷), upright, square (²⁸).

3. Summary

In this chapter we have attempted to introduce some of the distinctive features of the text and apparatus of the two standard manual editions for the study and translation of the Greek NT: NA^27/28 and UBSGNT^4/5. We have also sought to provide a guide to the conventions used in these critical editions, especially those concerned with documenting external evidence.

Key Terminology

inner margins
Eusebian section and canon numbers
outer margins
positive apparatus
negative apparatus
critical apparatus
A rating
B rating
C rating
D rating
discourse segmentation apparatus
reference apparatus
Kent Clarke
textual optimism

Bibliography

Aland, Kurt, and Barbara Aland. The Text of the New Testament: An Introduction to the Critical Editions and to the Theory and Practice of Modern Textual Criticism. Trans. Erroll F. Rhodes. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989.

Clarke, Kent D. Textual Optimism: A Critique of the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament. JSNTSup 138. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997.

Greenlee, J. Harold. The Text of the New Testament: From Manuscripts to Modern Edition. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2008.

“Introduction.” Pages 1*-40* in Novum Testamentum Graece. Ed. Barbara Aland et al. 27th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1993. Pages 46*-88* in 28th ed. 2012.

“Introduction.” Pages 1*-53* in The Greek New Testament. Ed. Barbara Aland et al. 4th rev. ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1993. Pages 1*-63* in 5th rev. ed. 2014.

Trobisch, David. A User’s Guide to the Nestle-Aland 28 Greek New Testament. SBLTCS 9. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2013.

1. We are ambivalent on whether the student should adopt either the newer NA²⁸ or the UBSGNT⁵ editions of the Greek New Testament. In some ways, the changes to both texts/apparatuses are relatively minor and only slightly updated. For example, the papyri included in the discussion now extend from P117 to P127. However, the seven so-called Catholic Letters now follow the Editio Critica Maior (ECM) and introduce over 30 changes to the prior editions. This, then, makes the two editions inconsistent, as the editors admit (UBSGNT⁵, IX and NA²⁸, Vorwort and Foreword), because of the introduction of a different set of text-critical principles. At least in this way, some might view the new editions as a step backward due to the inconsistencies now present. Further, several useful features in the NA²⁷ have been removed from the NA²⁸ (e.g. subscriptions for NT books and comparison with other editions, e.g. Tischendorf, Westcott-Hort, and others), which takes a step back in different ways. For further ways in which the NA²⁸ is potentially inferior to the NA²⁷, see David Trobisch, A User’s Guide to the Nestle-Aland 28 Greek New Testament (Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2013), 46-54. We, therefore, discuss the two most recent editions for both the NA and UBS texts of the Greek New Testament as we are not always convinced that the new editions are steps forward at this stage.

2. The definitions for signs and abbreviations given in these sections for NA^27/28 are quoted, adapted, and/or expanded from the introduction in NA²⁷, 44*-83*, and NA²⁸, 46*-88*.

3. Ibid., 14*.

4. Definitions for symbols and abbreviations in these sections on the UBSGNT^4/5 are quoted, adapted, and/or expanded from the introduction in UBSGNT⁴, 1*-52*, and UBSGNT⁵, 1*-63*.

5. The reader should know that the definitions of these ratings has changed over the years, and there has been grade inflation, so that now the A means certainty, whereas earlier it meant something somewhat less than that. Another problem involves giving an A rating to a text that is certain. What does this imply? That these parts are more or less certain than the parts that have no variant listed? We know that there are many more variants not listed, so what does this indicate? Space should be used for rating instances where the text is less certain. This system also has other shortcomings and should not be relied upon heavily, in our opinion.

6. But the bigger question is why did they spend the extra space on it at all, when there are other variants that are not A level that they left out.

7. See UBSGNT⁴, 44*; UBSGNT⁵, 50*.

8. Kent D. Clarke, Textual Optimism: A Critique of the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament (JSNTSup 138; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997), 120.

9. Moisés Silva, “Review Symposium of GNT⁴,” Bible Translator 44 (1994): 352, quoted in Clarke, Textual Optimism, 120.