While doing some work yesterday on the history of the Nestle-Aland, I decided to take a peek at the upcoming NA29/UBS6 editions. I couldn’t find a page for the NA29 at the Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft website and the UBS6 isn’t set for release until Oct. 19. What is available now is the reader’s edition that shares the same text. I’ve given a screenshot of the page below. Besides the very obvious typographic change (which may be unique to the reader’s edition), the most notable updates are these:
- The text adopts the ECM text for all available books. That means Mark, Acts, Catholic Letters, and Revelation. (ECM Matthew is not set for release until December, so it does not include that.)
- The order of books does not follow Erasmus any more but reverts to what is found in earlier MSS (and editions like WH). That means Gospels, Acts, Catholic Letters, Paul (with Hebrews before the Pastorals), Revelation.
- Previously “missing verses” are back in the main text with double brackets. This is the most surprising update and one I did not know about until now. Here’s how the intro explains it: “Unlike in earlier editions of the Nestle-Aland and the UBS Greek New Testament, including the Reader’s Edition, all verses assigned a number within the New Testament are now integrated into the text in double brackets. Previously this was only the case for individual passages which traditionally enjoyed an exceptional position in the church (e.g. Mk 16.9–20; Jn 7.53–8.11).”
You can read the introduction here. Also don't forget about the release of the new Textual Commentary that will accompany the UBS6. 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for NTTC.
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| The format of the new UBS6 Reader’s Edition |
I was really hoping John would be ready by 29. Any updates on ECM John?
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know it’ll be a long wait before we’ll see ECM John.
DeleteI'm definitely liking this typography better than that of previous editions! I hated the italicized Greek font they used. This looks very sharp!
ReplyDeleteBut the use of ekthesis in the THGNT has grown on me, too… I'm finding I'm using it more and more these days, especially because I got a nice PDF edition on my Kindle Scribe for use in church.
I consider the inclusion of previously "missing verses" in the main text to be a major change. I believe this will be reflected in future Bible translations. I miss an academic discussion on the matter. In a sense, "restoring" these verses after several decades — during which readers have become accustomed to their absence, if I may add — represents a more significant change to the text than most other textual updates.
ReplyDeleteIt is a major change, but imho more confusing than helpful.
Delete"the UBS6 isn’t set for release until Oct. 19. What is available now is the reader’s edition that shares the same text."
ReplyDeleteI'm unable to find said readers edition, even with effort. Might you have a link at the ready?
I've added the link in the post.
DeleteBoth books being posted out already. Interesting days ahead!
DeleteCan one actually order from the US? My German isn’t good enough to figure out why the “order” button is greyed out!
ReplyDeleteIn connection to the ECM, they told me that preorders are not possible from the US at this time. I presume that’s also the case for UBS6.
DeleteIf ordering the 2 available volumes from the Bible Society directly, your postal and billing account needs to match otherwise it won't go through. You're then asked to pay via invoice, so you have to be able to make a transfer to a German bank account (in Euro). Delivery is via DHL so it might be possible to order from the US but not sure what shipping charges would be. Let us know how you go!
ReplyDeleteHendrickson should have it for the US soon after it's actual release. Maybe even at this year's ETS or SBL?
ReplyDeleteHmm. Looks sort of like my equitable eclectic Gospel of Matthew, except in Greek instead of English. Thanks for this report Peter. www.jamessnappjr.com
ReplyDelete