The wonders of the Web continue to benefit the study of God’s Word. Did you see this article about the Codex Sinaiticus? Using digital technology, and a whole lot of human cooperation, scholars are putting together into one accessible location the entire text of this ancient Greek manuscript of the New Testament.
“The British Library says the full text of the Codex Sinaiticus will be available to Web users by next July, digitally reconnecting parts that are held in Britain, Russia, Germany and a monastery in Egypt’s Sinai Desert.”
I know I took Greek back in seminary, but I’m no Greek scholar. I will be looking to Dr. Dan Wallace for more insight into the significance of this development. But as a Bible lover, I am excited that this incredibly old original manuscript–divided among several libraries and collections and generally off-limits to Joe Schmoe–will soon be available for the world to see and study, online.
Do you they’ll offer it for Kindle soon? 😉
Despite my sarcasm, I’m actually excited about the prospect of being able to view the entire “thing” on-line in one location. I find ancient writings fascinating from the content, to the language used, to the handwriting script, to the illuminations, to the materials, to the binding techniques.
Something in me always seems to mourn a little bit when I hear that ancient books or contents of tombs, etc. have been divided and sent to museums all over the world. I could not fathom trying to decide which portions would go where.
It’ll be cool to see the entire thing in its entirety!
Absolutely fascinating! I love old books (poetry, prose, novels) but the OLD New Testament!!! I knew a man once who was a born again Christian of Jewish descent and he said the Holy Spirit “got” him when he was actually allowed to touch the Torah, to see this would be awe inspiring and breath taking!
~Chel
Welcome, Chel! Thanks for commenting. I loved hearing your story about the awe-inspiring Torah text. My husband used to teach at a Christian school that met in a synagogue. One day (during the semester he was studying Hebrew at seminary) he passed by the assembly room where he noticed a rabbi praying over a scroll of the Hebrew Bible. The rabbi invited him to observe and ask questions during the prayer time. My husband was impressed by the respect and reverence the rabbi held for the document.
I finally got a chance to look at the Codex Sinaiticus site today. I could spend many an hour poring through the pages…