WELCOMEto DPBIB501EIntroduction to Biblical Studies

Deacon Dennis Demes, Ph.DProfessor of Biblical Studies

St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary

Icebreakers for Table Groups Go around the table; allow each person opportunity to answer

the first question before moving onto the second, then the third. Keep your answers brief so everyone has time to share.

1. Brief introduction – name and parish or religious community

2. What are you seeking to get out of the Catholic Bible Institute?

3. If you could spend a day with any biblical character, who would it be, and why?

Faith Sharing GuidelinesAs we listen to others share how God is speaking to them, God can also speak to us. We need to listen attentively, with our ears and eyes and hearts open, in order for us to hear God speaking to us through others.

1. See Jesus in every member of your group.2. Love each member just as she or he is today.3. Treat everyone as well as you want them to treat you (the “Golden Rule”).4. Share only what God is revealing to you about yourself and your life.5. Allow each person equal time to share, but don’t force anyone.6. Be courteous of one another. Allow each person to speak without interruption.7. Listening is even more important than speaking (we have two ears, one mouth).8. Do not try to solve another person’s problems. Do not teach, preach, judge,

condemn, or give advice. Just listen and offer support.9. All members of the group assume responsibility for these guidelines.

Gently remind and lovingly encourage one another if anyone forgets.

Intro to Biblical Studies

"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own

interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter1:20-21)

What is the Bible? Not just one book, but a whole library!

Greek biblia – “scrolls, books” (plural) Books not all same type, but different kinds/genres

Some Key Terms (see: A Glossary of Important Biblical Terms

Scripture Canon Bible Testament / Covenant scriptural / canonical / biblical non-scriptural / non-canonical / non-biblical

Wait! WHOSE Bible? Many different versions, with different contents!

Not just different editions or different translations Jewish Bibles vs. Christian Bibles

Jewish: ancient or modern? In Hebrew, or Greek, or English? from Masoretic Text (MT) or Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS)?

Christian: Orthodox vs. Catholic vs. Protestant Bibles? New Testament – luckily, same 27 books for most (99%) Xns Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testaments:

Sadly, different versions for different groups! Jewish? Catholic? Orthodox? Protestant? Different names, numbers, order, categories, texts…

Hebrew Bible / Jewish Scriptures Hebrew Bible / Tanak (ancient & modern Jews)

Three Main Sections: Torah = “Law”? “Teaching, Instruction” Nevi’im = “Prophets” Khetuvim = “Writings” Torah ca. 6th Cent. BCE; Full Tanak ca. 1st Cent. CE!

Septuagint (ancient Greek-speaking Jews outside Palestine)

Greek Translation of H.B. plus more books! Begun 3rd Cent. BCE; used widely by early Christians

Christian “Old Testament” “Hebrew Bible” / “First Testament” / “Old Testament”?

“Old” does NOT mean “bad, defunct, out-of-date” Differences between HB & OT:

Foundational texts are different: Modern Jewish Bibles are based on the Hebrew Bible (HB or MT) OT section of Christian Bibles are based on the Septuagint (LXX)

Total number of biblical books is different: Jews count 24, Protestants 39, Catholics 46, Orthodox up to 53

Arrangement of the categories of books is different Names/Titles of some books are different Categorization of some books is different

Summary: HB vs. LXX vs. OT Hebrew Bible (TaNaK – ca. 1000-400 BCE; canonized 90 CE)

3 sections: Torah, Nevi’im, Khetuvim (24 books)

Septuagint (LXX – compiled ca. 250-100 BCE) Greek translation, rearrangement, and expansion of HB 4 sections: Law, History, Wisdom, Prophets “Deutero-canonical” books added: T.J. McWeb

Christian Old Testament (OT – as of 1st Century AD) Law/Pentateuch, Historical, Wisdom, Prophets Catholics follow Alexandrian Canon (46 books total)

Protestants removed the “Apocrypha” (39 books left)

Christian “New Testament” Christian Scriptures? Second Testament?

Luckily the same 27 books for (almost) ALL Christians Written in last 1/3 of 1st Century AD Individual writings, all in Greek, only later collected

Four Main Sections: Gospels (Synoptics & John) Acts of the Apostles Letters/Epistles Revelation/Apocalypse

New Testament OverviewNT Content: 27 “books” (incl. many letters) All originally written in Greek Later translations: Latin, etc.

Composition History: Jesus’ Life/Death/Resurr. (ca. 30) Apostolic Preaching: Oral Traditions Early Written Sources (30’s? 50’s?) Letters/Epistles (50’s – 110’s?) Full Gospels (late 60’s – 90’s?) Collections (1st – 3rd Cent.) Canonization (late 4th Cent.)

NT Structure & GenresFour “Gospels” (Euangelion, lit. “good news”) Canonical Order: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (but Mark is oldest)

One “Acts” of the Apostles Vol. 2 of Luke’s work (traveling companion of Paul?)

Twenty-One “Letters” or “Epistles” “Pauline Letters” – attributed to Paul of Tarsus

Named after Communities & Individuals TO WHOM written 7 “Undisputed” & 6 “Disputed”

Hebrews – vaguely Pauline; not really a “letter” but a sermon “Catholic/General Epistles” – attribute to other apostles

James; 1 Peter; 2 Peter; 1 John; 2 John; 3 John; Jude

One “Apocalypse” = Book of Revelation (singular!)

Ancient Writing MaterialsPapyrus (reed plant) Cut in strips, flattened Less expensive, durable www.earlham.edu/~seidti/iam/papyrus.html

Vellum / Parchment Animal skins, prepared More expensive, durable www.earlham.edu/~seidti/iam/parchment.html

Other Materials: Stone, Clay, Wood, etc.

Ancient Writing Format

Scroll Rolled, sealed on outside Written on one side only Papyrus or Vellum www.earlham.edu/~seidti/iam/roll.html

Codex Sheets stacked, bound Written on both sides Papyrus or Vellum www.earlham.edu/~seidti/iam/codex.html

Ancient Scrolls

Pompeii: Wall Painting Prior to AD 79 (when

Pompeii was buried by lava from Mt. Vesuvius)

Girl reading a scroll (a letter or short book).

Seated woman with a scroll in her left hand.

Ancient Writing

Ancient Wall Painting Woman holding a book

and a writing stylus

Biblical TextsPre-Constantine Era (1st – 3rd Cent.) Christians were poor, persecuted, minority NT texts: only few papyrus scraps survive

Emperor Constantine Edict of Milan (312 C.E.)

Imperial support of Christianity Construction of Churches Full Bible Codices on Vellum

some survive from 4th / 5th Cent.: Codex Sinaiticus Codex Vaticanus Codex Alexandrinus, etc.

Writing StylesManuscripts Lit. “hand-written” Majuscule (ALLCAPSNOSPACES) Minuscule (lower case, punctuation)

Printing First: carved wood blocks Moveable type: ~1453

Johannes Gutenberg

P52 - Oldest NT fragment

Ca. 125 – 150 C.E. (now in John Rylands Library, Manchester) kchanson.com/ANCDOCS/greek/johnpap.html

front: John 18:31-33 back: John 18:37-38

P75

Papyrus Bodmer XV Ca. 175 – 225 C.E. End of Luke & Start of John;

both on same page!(so Luke/Acts separated)

P46

Oldest manuscript of the Pauline letters.Originally part of the

Chester Beatty Papyri

Written ca. AD 200

Total of 104 pages, but several are now missing

Included at least ten of the Pauline letters

This image shows the text of 2 Cor 11:33–12:9

Bible Versions & Bible Versions & TranslationsTranslations

Ancient “Versions”Ancient “Versions” (Languages)(Languages):: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, Coptic, Syriac, Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, Coptic, Syriac,

etc.etc. Modern Translations:Modern Translations:

German, English, Spanish, etc.German, English, Spanish, etc. Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, EcumenicalCatholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Ecumenical

English TranslationsEnglish Translations (sometimes also called (sometimes also called

“Versions”)“Versions”):: older: KJV, Douay-Rheims, etc.older: KJV, Douay-Rheims, etc. newer: JB , RSV, NEB, NAB, NIV, etc.newer: JB , RSV, NEB, NAB, NIV, etc. newest: NJB, NRSV, REV, NAB-rev, NIV-rev, etc.newest: NJB, NRSV, REV, NAB-rev, NIV-rev, etc.

Bible Formats & EditionsBible Formats & Editions

Ancient Writing Materials & Formats:Ancient Writing Materials & Formats: Papyrus Papyrus (plant)(plant) & Vellum & Vellum (skins)(skins)

Scroll Scroll (rolled)(rolled) vs. Codex vs. Codex (bound)(bound)

Majuscule Majuscule (ALL CAPS) (ALL CAPS) vs. Minusculevs. Minuscule (small letters) (small letters)

Manuscripts Manuscripts (hand-written)(hand-written) vs. Print Editions vs. Print Editions (since (since 1453)1453)

Modern Editions & Publications:Modern Editions & Publications: Reader’s Editions: text onlyReader’s Editions: text only Study Editions: intros, footnotes, maps, etc.Study Editions: intros, footnotes, maps, etc. Same Same translation translation might be used in different might be used in different

editionseditions

Manuscripts vs. Print Manuscripts vs. Print EditionsEditions

Manuscripts = “written by hand” Manuscripts = “written by hand” (ancient or modern)(ancient or modern) Copying introduces differences (intentional or accidental)Copying introduces differences (intentional or accidental)

Many small differences in spelling, grammar, word choiceMany small differences in spelling, grammar, word choice Some large differences in content, placement, omission of whole books!Some large differences in content, placement, omission of whole books!

Printing invented in 1540’s (Gutenberg Bible) – standardizationPrinting invented in 1540’s (Gutenberg Bible) – standardization We have no original MSS, only “copies of copies”We have no original MSS, only “copies of copies”

First MSS written long after events; surviving copies even laterFirst MSS written long after events; surviving copies even later Oldest HB texts before 1940’s: "Masoretic text" (9Oldest HB texts before 1940’s: "Masoretic text" (9thth -10 -10thth CE) CE)

HB books in DSS (discovered 1940’s): written in/before 1HB books in DSS (discovered 1940’s): written in/before 1stst Cent. CE Cent. CE Oldest NT texts: a few fragments from 2Oldest NT texts: a few fragments from 2ndnd -3 -3rdrd Cent. CE Cent. CE

Whole NT Manuscripts from 4Whole NT Manuscripts from 4thth - 5 - 5thth Cent. CE Cent. CE ““Textual Criticism” tries to determine best/original readingsTextual Criticism” tries to determine best/original readings

Why So Many Why So Many Translations?Translations?

No original manuscript of any biblical book has survived!No original manuscript of any biblical book has survived! Extant manuscripts contain numerous textual variations!Extant manuscripts contain numerous textual variations! Important old manuscripts were found in last 200 years!Important old manuscripts were found in last 200 years! Meanings of some biblical texts are unknown/uncertain!Meanings of some biblical texts are unknown/uncertain! Ancient languages are very different from modern ones!Ancient languages are very different from modern ones! Every "translation" is already an "interpretation"!Every "translation" is already an "interpretation"! All living languages continually All living languages continually

change & develop over time!change & develop over time! Cultural developments require Cultural developments require

new sensitivities in language!new sensitivities in language! (See English Translations for more detail)(See English Translations for more detail)

Two Main Types of Two Main Types of TranslationTranslation

““Formal Correspondence” TranslationsFormal Correspondence” Translations Preserve original wording & word-order of Hebrew & Preserve original wording & word-order of Hebrew &

Greek Greek  Require explanations (footnotes) to avoid Require explanations (footnotes) to avoid

misinterpretations misinterpretations Good for in-depth academic study of the BibleGood for in-depth academic study of the Bible Difficult to understand when heard or read aloudDifficult to understand when heard or read aloud Ex: Douay-Rheims, KJV/NKJV, RSV/NRSV, NAB, NIVEx: Douay-Rheims, KJV/NKJV, RSV/NRSV, NAB, NIV

““Dynamic Equivalence” TranslationsDynamic Equivalence” Translations Focus on meaning & ideas, not “word for word” Focus on meaning & ideas, not “word for word”

translationtranslation better for public proclamation or liturgical usebetter for public proclamation or liturgical use Ex: NEB/REB, TEV/CEV, JB/NJBEx: NEB/REB, TEV/CEV, JB/NJB

Alternative VersionsAlternative Versions

““Biblical Paraphrases”Biblical Paraphrases” NotNot accurate translations  (don’t even claim to accurate translations  (don’t even claim to

be) be) Often intended for children or teenagersOften intended for children or teenagers Condense and/or omit much of the biblical Condense and/or omit much of the biblical

materialmaterial Freely change the wording of the original textsFreely change the wording of the original texts

““Amplified Bible”Amplified Bible” ““Amplifies” the text, adding many extra words & Amplifies” the text, adding many extra words &

phrases to explain the meaningphrases to explain the meaning (but whose opinion?) (but whose opinion?)

Avoid either of these for Bible Study Avoid either of these for Bible Study purposespurposes

Which Is the Best Which Is the Best Translation?Translation?

Over 500 different translations in English Over 500 different translations in English today!today! More and more produced each decadeMore and more produced each decade

No “Perfect” or “Best” Translation Exists!No “Perfect” or “Best” Translation Exists! But some are better than others, for various But some are better than others, for various

purposespurposes More Recent Ones are Usually Better:More Recent Ones are Usually Better:

Based on best/oldest manuscripts Based on best/oldest manuscripts discovered in past 50-150 yearsdiscovered in past 50-150 years

New insights from biblical scholarshipNew insights from biblical scholarship So So avoidavoid KJV or Douay-Rheims ! KJV or Douay-Rheims !

Which translation do you have?Which translation do you have?

Translations vs. Translations vs. Editions?Editions?

Bible TranslationBible Translation (or Version) (or Version) An interpretation of the meaning of the Bible from its An interpretation of the meaning of the Bible from its

original languages into another (modern) languageoriginal languages into another (modern) language Ex: Ex: King James Version (KJV), New English Bible (NEB), King James Version (KJV), New English Bible (NEB),

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), Jerusalem Bible New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), Jerusalem Bible (JB), New American Bible (NAB), etc.(JB), New American Bible (NAB), etc.

Reader’s EditionReader’s Edition – translation printed w/ little extra – translation printed w/ little extra materialmaterial

Study EditionStudy Edition or Study Bible or Study Bible Printing of a certain translation by a particular Printing of a certain translation by a particular

publisher, with added introductions, study helps, publisher, with added introductions, study helps, commentary, references, etc.commentary, references, etc.

Ex: Ex: “The Catholic Study Bible: New American Bible”; “The Catholic Study Bible: New American Bible”; “New Oxford Annotated Bible: NRSV with the “New Oxford Annotated Bible: NRSV with the Apocrypha”Apocrypha”

What’s the Point?What’s the Point? What Is the Bible? That’s a complex question!What Is the Bible? That’s a complex question!

Whose Bible? Different versionsWhose Bible? Different versions (Jewish, Prot, Cath) (Jewish, Prot, Cath) Different contents, based on different manuscripts.Different contents, based on different manuscripts. Different translations, due to many factors.Different translations, due to many factors.

Not All Bibles Are Equal !Not All Bibles Are Equal ! Newer translations are often better than older ones.Newer translations are often better than older ones. Study editions provide helpful tools for learning.Study editions provide helpful tools for learning.

Which Bible should you use for LEMP?Which Bible should you use for LEMP? Your choice; there’s no “best” or “required” version.Your choice; there’s no “best” or “required” version. But a “Catholic edition” or “…with Apocrypha”But a “Catholic edition” or “…with Apocrypha”

Resources for Biblical Study See the Basic Bibliography (handout or online) for details

Study Bibles (with good intros, notes, maps, etc.)

Bible Dictionaries (alphabetical order of entries)

Bible Commentaries (canonical order of books)

Jerome/Collegeville, for example

Bible Atlases Bible Concordances Other Resources

Use of Bible in Liturgy & Prayer Lectionary Readings:

Catholic: Lectionary for Mass Protestant: Revised Common Lectionary See the Roman Catholic Lectionary website

Personal Prayer & Study: Lectio Divina Reading the Bible Daily Small Group Bible Study

Biblical References: Caution! Book Names &

Abbreviations Ex vs. Ez vs. Ezr Hb vs. Heb Jon vs. Jn Phil vs. Phlm Ti vs. Tim Jn 1 vs. 1 Jn 1 Cor vs. Cor 1 ?

Chapter & Verse Numbers John 9:12 John 9, 12 John 9:1, 12 John 9:1-12 John 9:1; 12:36 John 9:1-12, 36 John 9:1—12:36

Closing Prayer