Greek Textual Criticism: Master the Art of Evaluating Greek Texts

Question 1

Identify the key textual differences between the Alexandrian and Western textual families of the New Testament.

Accepted Answer

The Alexandrian family is generally deemed more reliable due to its earlier manuscripts and alignment with the original autographs.

Accepted Answer

The Western family often includes unique and more extensive readings, indicating the influence of oral tradition.

Answer

Both families possess comparable reliability and textual consistency.

Answer

There is no significant distinction between the two families, and they are interchangeable for textual criticism purposes.

Question 2

Which statement best describes the relationship between textual criticism methods and textual problems?

Accepted Answer

Different textual criticism methods are appropriate for different types of textual problems.

Answer

The stemmatic method is the most reliable method for all textual problems.

Answer

The eclectic method is the only method that should be used to resolve textual problems.

Answer

Textual criticism is an exact science with one correct answer for every textual problem.

Question 3

Consider the ethical and theological implications of Greek textual criticism. How do textual critics' decisions shape our comprehension and interpretation of the biblical text?

Accepted Answer

Textual criticism aids in understanding the biblical text's development and transmission, offering insights into its historical and cultural context.

Answer

Textual criticism is purely technical, lacking ethical or theological significance.

Answer

Textual critics should always prioritize preserving the original text, even if it compromises readability or coherence.

Answer

Textual critics' decisions are entirely subjective and based on personal preferences.

Question 4

How should textual critics approach religious texts to respect the beliefs and values of diverse faith communities?

Accepted Answer

Collaborate with religious leaders and scholars to comprehend the significance and implications of the work.

Answer

Limit work to secular texts, as religious texts fall outside a textual critic's expertise.

Answer

Avoid engaging with religious texts entirely due to their sensitive nature.

Answer

Prioritize the historical accuracy of the text, even if it contradicts the beliefs of faith communities.

Question 5

Which of these is NOT a recognized type of textual variant?

Accepted Answer

Translation

Answer

Addition

Answer

Deletion

Answer

Substitution

Question 6

Why is the Codex Vaticanus particularly significant?

Accepted Answer

It is the earliest surviving New Testament manuscript.

Answer

It is the most accurate New Testament manuscript.

Answer

It is the most comprehensive New Testament manuscript.

Answer

It is the only New Testament manuscript containing all Pauline epistles.

Question 7

Eclectic textual criticism is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Combining the best readings from different manuscripts.

Answer

Selecting the reading supported by the oldest manuscript

Answer

Choosing the reading that best fits the context and style of the author

Answer

Preferring the reading most widely attested in the manuscripts

Question 8

A substantive variant differs from an orthographic variant in that it:

Accepted Answer

Affects the meaning of the text

Answer

Does not affect the meaning of the text

Answer

Is more common in ancient manuscripts

Answer

Is less common in modern editions

Question 9

In Greek New Testament studies, what is the name of the specialized section that records and documents textual variations?

Accepted Answer

Apparatulus Criticus

Answer

Variant Readings

Answer

Critical Text

Answer

Textual Notes

Question 10

Stemmatics, as used in the context of textual criticism, primarily endeavors to achieve which of the following objectives?

Accepted Answer

Establish the relationships among different manuscripts.

Answer

Reconstruct the text of a document in its original form.

Answer

Determine the precise date and geographical origin of a manuscript.

Answer

Assess the trustworthiness of various sources.

Question 11

In textual criticism, external evidence plays a significant role. What is the primary purpose of this type of evidence?

Accepted Answer

Provides insights into the date and origins of a manuscript.

Answer

Provides data on the textual tradition of a specific document.

Answer

Assesses the reliability of different sources or witnesses.

Answer

Provides direct access to the original text of a document.

Question 12

In the field of textual criticism, which method is primarily employed to identify instances of interpolation?

Accepted Answer

Lower criticism

Answer

Higher criticism

Answer

Conjectural emendation

Answer

Comparative philology

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a typical component of a textual critical apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Glossary

Answer

Critical notes

Answer

Variant readings

Answer

Emendations

Question 14

Which of the following is the primary tool used for the external evaluation of a Greek manuscript?

Accepted Answer

Paleography

Answer

Codicology

Answer

Philology

Answer

Textual criticism

Question 15

What is the term used to describe a variant reading that has strong support from external evidence but is not found in the majority of manuscripts?

Accepted Answer

Unique reading

Answer

Western reading

Answer

Alexandrian reading

Answer

Byzantine reading

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a type of textual error?

Accepted Answer

Anachronism

Answer

Haplography

Answer

Dittography

Answer

Metathesis

Question 17

Which of the following is a key principle of modern textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

The majority of manuscripts are more likely to be correct than a minority.

Answer

The original text is always the best text.

Answer

External evidence is more reliable than internal evidence.

Answer

The most difficult reading is usually the correct one.

Question 18

Which of the following is a major textual variant in the Gospel of John?

Accepted Answer

The story of the woman taken in adultery

Answer

The story of the raising of Lazarus

Answer

The story of the Good Samaritan

Answer

The story of the Transfiguration

Question 19

What is the term used to describe the diagrammatic representation of the relationships between manuscripts?

Accepted Answer

Stemma codicum

Answer

Apparatus criticus

Answer

Variorum edition

Answer

Critical edition

Question 20

What is the primary purpose of an apparatus criticus?

Accepted Answer

To provide evidence supporting the preferred reading

Answer

To enumerate all known variants in a manuscript

Answer

To indicate the origin of a manuscript

Answer

To assess the quality of a manuscript

Question 21

What is the defining difference between a critical edition and a variorum edition?

Accepted Answer

A critical edition presents a single, preferred text, while a variorum edition includes all known variants

Answer

A variorum edition is intended for scholarly use, while a critical edition is more accessible

Answer

A critical edition is less reliable than a variorum edition

Answer

There is no difference between a critical edition and a variorum edition

Question 22

What is the significance of papyri in Greek textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

They provide evidence for early readings of the New Testament

Answer

They can help determine the date of a manuscript

Answer

They can be used to reconstruct the original order of New Testament books

Answer

They are not relevant to Greek textual criticism

Question 23

Which of the following accurately defines a critical apparatus?

Accepted Answer

A set of notes that details variant readings in a text

Answer

A collection of manuscripts used to establish a text's authenticity

Answer

A commentary that provides interpretations of the text

Answer

A glossary that defines terms used in the text

Question 24

What is the primary objective of stemmatics in textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

Determining the relationships between different manuscripts

Answer

Establishing the original composition of a document

Answer

Identifying errors and alterations in a text

Answer

Translating a text from one language to another

Question 25

Which of the listed options is a recognized type of textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

Lower criticism

Answer

Higher criticism

Answer

Literary criticism

Answer

Historical criticism

Question 26

What is the key distinction between an autograph and an apograph?

Accepted Answer

An autograph represents the original manuscript, while an apograph is a copy of that manuscript.

Answer

An autograph is a copy of an original manuscript, while an apograph represents the original manuscript.

Answer

An autograph is a commentary on an original manuscript, while an apograph is a copy of the commentary.

Answer

There is no distinction between an autograph and an apograph.

Question 27

What is the reason for the significance of the Codex Sinaiticus?

Accepted Answer

It is the oldest complete manuscript of the New Testament in existence.

Answer

It contains the earliest known version of the Septuagint.

Answer

It was discovered in the 19th century.

Answer

It is named after the monastery where it was discovered.

Question 28

What is the ultimate goal of textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

Establishing the original composition of a document as closely as possible

Answer

Determining the intended meaning of a text

Answer

Evaluating the overall quality of a text

Answer

Translating a text from one language to another

Question 29

What is the term for organizing manuscripts based on their shared ancestral relationships?

Accepted Answer

Stemmatics

Answer

Codicology

Answer

Palaeography

Answer

Diplomatics

Question 30

What is the primary function of a critical apparatus?

Accepted Answer

To provide variant readings from different manuscripts

Answer

To comment on the text

Answer

To identify the author of the text

Answer

To establish the correct text

Question 31

Which symbol is used to indicate a proposed correction in a manuscript?

Accepted Answer

<>

Answer

[]

Answer

()

Answer

*

Question 32

What is the term for a manuscript that includes both text and decorative artwork?

Accepted Answer

Illuminated manuscript

Answer

Codex

Answer

Roll

Answer

Palimpsest

Question 33

Which field of study focuses on the physical examination of manuscripts?

Accepted Answer

Palaeography

Answer

Codicology

Answer

Diplomatics

Answer

Epigraphy

Question 34

How does textual criticism enhance our understanding and interpretation of biblical texts?

Accepted Answer

It provides multiple perspectives on biblical events and teachings.

Answer

It ensures the complete accuracy of the biblical text.

Answer

It removes all textual variations from the biblical text.

Answer

It has no influence on the meaning and significance of biblical texts.

Question 35

The significance of the Alexandrian and Western text-types lies in their:

Accepted Answer

Representation of distinct traditions in transmitting Greek texts

Answer

Status as the only extant text-types of Greek texts

Answer

Equal importance in determining the original text

Answer

Relevance solely to biblical texts

Question 36

Manuscripts play a vital role in Greek textual criticism because they:

Accepted Answer

Provide the primary source material for textual analysis

Answer

Are the sole reliable sources for the original text

Answer

Can establish the composition date of a text

Answer

Are not considered credible sources for textual study

Question 37

When evaluating a variant reading, which factor is not considered relevant?

Accepted Answer

Theological bias

Answer

Manuscript evidence

Answer

Internal consistency

Answer

Historical plausibility

Question 38

The purpose of 'stemmatics' in Greek textual criticism is to:

Accepted Answer

Establish the relationships between manuscripts

Answer

Determine the original text of a text

Answer

Identify passages that have been added later

Answer

Translate Greek texts into Latin

Question 39

Identify the principle that is not a foundational principle of Greek textual criticism.

Accepted Answer

The principle of subjective judgment

Answer

The principle of multiple attestation

Answer

The principle of lectio difficilior

Answer

The principle of internal consistency

Question 40

In the Nestle-Aland edition of the Greek New Testament, what is the designation for the critical apparatus?

Accepted Answer

Apparatul Criticus

Answer

Novum Testamentum Graece

Answer

Editio Critica Maior

Answer

Textus Receptus

Question 41

Which type of textual error involves the accidental omission of letters or words?

Accepted Answer

Haplography

Answer

Dittography

Answer

Metathesis

Answer

Homoioteleuton

Question 42

How does textual criticism contribute to our understanding of the evolution of Christian doctrine and theology?

Accepted Answer

By providing evidence for doctrinal shifts over time, as reflected in textual variants

Answer

By identifying scribal errors and omissions in the original text

Answer

By establishing the socio-historical context of theological ideas

Question 43

What is the primary purpose of a critical apparatus?

Accepted Answer

To document variant readings within a text

Answer

To provide a historical commentary on the text

Answer

To translate the text into another language

Answer

To assist in identifying scribal errors

Question 44

Which of the following best defines a stemma codicum?

Accepted Answer

A diagram representing the relationships between different manuscripts of a text

Answer

A list of all known manuscripts of a text

Answer

A critical edition of a text

Answer

A commentary on a text

Question 45

What is the main distinction between an eclectic text and a diplomatic text?

Accepted Answer

An eclectic text represents the best possible reading based on various sources, while a diplomatic text faithfully presents the reading of a specific manuscript.

Answer

An eclectic text is based on a single manuscript, while a diplomatic text is based on multiple manuscripts.

Answer

An eclectic text is created by a team of scholars, while a diplomatic text is created by a single scholar.

Answer

There is no real distinction between the two.

Question 46

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of Greek textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

The best reading is the one that is most consistent with both internal and external evidence.

Answer

The earliest manuscripts always contain the most reliable readings.

Answer

The readings supported by the majority of manuscripts are always correct.

Answer

The most 'sensible' reading is always the correct one.

Question 47

How can variant readings be distinguished from lections?

Accepted Answer

Variant readings involve differences in the wording of the text, while lections represent liturgical selections from the text.

Answer

Variant readings affect the meaning of the text, while lections do not.

Answer

Lections involve differences in the wording of the text, while variant readings do not.

Answer

There is no real distinction between the two.

Question 48

The genealogical method of textual criticism assumes that:

Accepted Answer

The readings of a group of manuscripts can be traced back to a common ancestor.

Answer

The earliest manuscripts are always the most accurate.

Answer

The readings of a manuscript can be traced back to a single ancestor.

Answer

The most widely attested reading is always the correct one.

Question 49

Which of the following is the primary goal of Greek textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

To establish the original text of the Greek New Testament.

Answer

To prove the superiority of one manuscript over another.

Answer

To identify errors in the transmission of the text.

Answer

To determine the theological implications of different readings.

Question 50

The Nestle-Aland critical edition of the Greek New Testament:

Accepted Answer

Is based on the eclectic method.

Answer

Is based on the Majority Text principle.

Answer

Is based on the genealogical method.

Answer

Is based on the diplomatic method.

Question 51

Which of the following is a fundamental method employed in Greek textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

Paleography

Answer

Hermeneutics

Answer

Philology

Answer

Rhetoric

Question 52

Which type of textual variant involves the rearrangement of words or phrases?

Accepted Answer

Transposition

Answer

Insertion

Answer

Omission

Answer

Substitution

Question 53

Which principle of Greek textual criticism emphasizes the role of manuscript age in determining accuracy?

Accepted Answer

The antiquity principle

Answer

The majority principle

Answer

The internal coherence principle

Answer

The subjective judgment principle

Question 54

What is the term for the critical apparatus that provides information about textual variants?

Accepted Answer

The apparatus criticus

Answer

The lemmata

Answer

The scholia

Answer

The catena

Question 55

Which type of textual variant involves the removal of text?

Accepted Answer

An omission

Answer

A substitution

Answer

An addition

Answer

A transposition

Question 56

What is the primary purpose of stemmatics in Greek textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

To determine the relationships between different manuscripts

Answer

To reconstruct the original text

Answer

To identify interpolations and corruptions

Answer

To provide a critical edition of the text

Question 57

What is the name of the critical edition of the Greek New Testament that is widely regarded as the standard text?

Accepted Answer

Nestle-Aland

Answer

Scrivener

Answer

UBS5

Answer

Textus Receptus

Question 58

What is the name of the method of textual criticism that involves comparing different readings and assessing their relative plausibility and coherence?

Accepted Answer

Eclecticism

Answer

Cladistics

Answer

Stemmatics

Answer

Synoptic criticism

Question 59

What is the purpose of a critical apparatus?

Accepted Answer

To record variant readings and provide information about their sources.

Answer

To provide a commentary on the text.

Answer

To identify the author and date of the text.

Question 60

Which of the following terms describes a manuscript that has been altered or interpolated over time?

Accepted Answer

Contaminated

Answer

Papyrus

Answer

Archetypal

Answer

Autograph

Question 61

What is the significance of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls for Greek textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

It provides new evidence for the transmission of the Old Testament.

Answer

It confirms the accuracy of the Masoretic Text.

Answer

It provides evidence for the early development of the Greek New Testament.

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT a primary source for the study of Greek textual criticism?

Accepted Answer

Latin Vulgate

Answer

Septuagint

Answer

Codex Sinaiticus

Answer

Alexandrian Codex

Question 63

The critical apparatus of a Greek New Testament edition typically includes:

Accepted Answer

Variant readings, manuscript evidence, and editorial notes

Answer

Only variant readings

Answer

Only manuscript evidence

Question 64

Which of the following textual variants is considered significant because it affects the meaning of the text?

Accepted Answer

The omission of 'the woman caught in adultery' (John 7:53-8:11)

Answer

A spelling error in a single word

Answer

A change in word order