THE TRANSMISSION OF THE BIBLE

Clay

Artifacts indicate that writing took place in ancient Sumer around 3500 BC by using a stylus to create impressions on wet clay. This method of transmission was used by biblical prophets to record their writings (Jeremiah 17:1; Ezekiel 4:1).

Stone

Portions of the Old Testament were inscribed on hard surfaces, such as the law (Deuteronomy 27:2-3; Job 19:24) and the Ten Commandments (Exodus 32:15-16).

Parchment and Leather

A more common method was using processed animal skins (excluding pigskin) to ensure durability and portability (Jeremiah 36:23). Durable parchment (calfskin/antelope hide, used after 200 BC) or sheepskin/goatskin (2 Timothy 4:13) were popular choices for transmitting Scripture for over 1,000 years. Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus are examples of vellum Bibles (AD 325-350).

Papyrus

Papyrus is an organic plant that thrived in Egypt around 2100 BC. Material from this plant was processed into paper and served as a common writing surface for the early transmission of the New Testament (2 John 12; Revelation 5:1). Because papyrus manuscripts were plant-based, they were highly perishable.

Writing Instruments

Ancient writing instruments were available to all biblical authors. These included a stylus for writing on clay and wax tablets, engraving tools (or iron pens) for inscribing on stone, and wooden or quill pens for writing on papyrus and animal skins. Ink was stored in an inkwell, from which the pen or quill was dipped for writing.

Printing Press

By 1455, the Latin Vulgate Bible was printed on paper using the movable-type printing press invented by Johannes Gutenberg.

Used to refer to individuals in the Jewish community, particularly scribes, who were responsible for copying and preserving religious texts, including the Bible.

These were teachers or rabbis who played a crucial role in teaching and spreading religious knowledge. They contributed to the interpretation and preservation of Jewish sacred texts, especially during the development and transmission of the Talmud.

The Masoretes carried out their copying work with great care and reverence. They employed techniques such as counting words, cross-checking, and comparing multiple manuscripts to ensure absolute textual accuracy.

A significant feature of the Masoretic period was the addition of punctuation and vowel marks to the text. Previously, Hebrew texts were written only with consonants, without clear punctuation or vowel indications. The Masoretes developed a system of punctuation and vowel marks to help readers understand and correctly pronounce the text.

This period of transmission was unique due to persecution, resulting in few surviving manuscripts. Scholars primarily relied on lectionaries, inscriptions, short manuscripts, and small fragments written in Greek capital letters (uncials/majuscules).