Genesis 1:26 preserves “over all the earth” in the Masoretic tradition. The Syriac Peshitta’s “wild animals” is secondary and not original.
Old Testament Textual Commentary on Genesis 1:26
Getting to Know the Sources of Old Testament Textual Criticism: Primary Hebrew Witnesses and the Major Ancient Versions
Primary Hebrew witnesses and ancient versions show a stable Old Testament text from First Temple artifacts through the Masoretic codices.
Determining the Original Words of the Old Testament: Method, Evidence, and Tested Case Studies
How to identify the Old Testament’s original words with Masoretic primacy, disciplined use of versions, and case studies from 1 Chronicles 6:40 and Hosea 7:14.
A Brief History of Old Testament Textual Criticism: From the Dead Sea Scrolls to Modern Diplomatic Editions
A clear, evidence-driven history of Old Testament textual criticism from the Dead Sea Scrolls to BHQ and HUBP, centering the Masoretic Text’s primacy.
Transmissional Errors in the Old Testament: Unintentional and Intentional Changes, the Sopherim’s Emendations, and How the Original Text Is Recovered
A precise map of how Old Testament scribes handled accidental slips, reverential edits, and the Divine Name—and how the original Hebrew text is securely recovered.
The Goal of Old Testament Textual Criticism: Establishing the Original Words Without the Autographs
Recover the original words of the Old Testament without autographs by weighing the Masoretic Text with early Hebrew and versions that corroborate it.
The Method of Old Testament Textual Criticism: Reading BHS, Applying External and Internal Criteria, Practicing the Documentary Method, and Making Sound Decisions with Examples
Old Testament textual criticism restores the exact wording by weighing Masoretic primacy with early witnesses through transparent, reproducible criteria.
Old Testament Textual Corruptions, Changes, and Variants: Scribal Errors, Intentional Alterations, and Alternative Readings
Focused analysis of Old Testament textual variants, explaining scribal errors, intentional changes, and how to weigh alternative readings with the MT as baseline.
Ancient Translations of the Hebrew Scriptures: Aramaic Targums, the Syriac Peshitta, Jerome’s Vulgate, and the Old Latin (Vetus Latina) in Old Testament Textual Criticism
Ancient Aramaic, Syriac, and Latin versions confirm and clarify the Hebrew Old Testament, supporting the Masoretic Text and guiding careful textual restoration.
The Principles and Practice of Old Testament Textual Criticism for Determining the Original
Explore how Old Testament textual criticism helps determine the original text, using established principles and practices for accuracy.
