Minuscule 21
Minuscule 21: An Overview
Minuscule 21 is a significant Greek minuscule manuscript of the New Testament Gospels, notable for its historical and textual importance. Written on parchment, it is cataloged under the siglum 21 in the Gregory-Aland numbering system and ε 286 in the von Soden classification. Scholars have employed palaeography, the study of historical handwriting styles, to date this manuscript to the 12th century, although some propose that it may originate from the 10th century. The manuscript not only contains the text of the four Gospels but also features marginal notes and liturgical texts, which add layers to its historical context.
Description of the Manuscript
Minuscule 21 is structured as a codex, which is an early form of the modern book. The manuscript consists of 203 leaves made from high-quality parchment, each measuring approximately 23 cm by 18 cm. The text is presented in two columns per page, with each column measuring around 16.3 cm by 4.6 cm, written in black ink. Initial letters are highlighted in either red or blue ink, which adds visual appeal to its pages.
The content of Minuscule 21 includes the texts of all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—though it does have some omissions. Notably missing are passages from Mark 13:28-14:33 and Luke 1:10-58; 21:26-22:50. The text is organized into chapters (known as κεφαλαια or kephalaia), with chapter numbers indicated in the margins. Titles (τιτλοι or titloi) are written at the top of the pages to further guide readers through the text.
Textual Organization and Features
The manuscript also incorporates divisions according to Ammonian Sections, totaling 237 sections in Mark, with the final section concluding at Mark 16:15. However, there is no reference to Eusebian Canons within this manuscript, which are other early methods for organizing Gospel texts into sections.
In addition to Gospel texts, Minuscule 21 includes lessons (αναγνωσεις or anagnoseis) that provide additional liturgical content. The number of lessons varies across the Gospels: there are 129 lessons in Matthew, 190 in Mark, 309 in Luke, and a substantial 379 in John. This educational component indicates that the manuscript was likely used for both personal study and public worship.
Later additions made by a different hand in the 15th century include liturgical books containing hagiographies such as Synaxaria and Menologion written on paper. This suggests that the manuscript continued to be valued and utilized long after its initial creation.
Notable Textual Variants
An interesting feature of Minuscule 21 is its treatment of certain Biblical passages that have been subjects of debate among scholars regarding their authenticity. For instance, John 5:4 is marked with an obelus—a symbol indicating uncertainty about its authenticity—while the pericope adulterae (John 7:53-8:11) is notably omitted altogether from this manuscript.
Textual Analysis
The Greek text found in Minuscule 21 exhibits characteristics of various text-types. While it predominantly aligns with Byzantine text-type elements, it also incorporates some Western and Caesarean features. Biblical scholar Kurt Aland classified it as Category V within his New Testament manuscript system, indicating a mixed textual tradition that reflects its complex history.
Utilizing methods such as the Claremont Profile Method—a specific analytical approach for studying textual data—scholars have identified Minuscule 21 as representing textual family Kx in specific passages from Luke (1, 10, and 20). This classification aids researchers in understanding how this manuscript fits into broader textual traditions within early Christian writings.
Variant Readings
Among its variants, one notable reading appears in Matthew 27:9 where it states: “ἐπληρώθη τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ Ἰησαίου τοῦ προφήτου” (fulfilled what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet). This variant has limited support; it is mainly corroborated by a single Latin manuscript known as Codex Rehdigeranus. Other manuscripts refer to “Jeremiah” or omit any reference to a prophet altogether, illustrating how textual variants can illuminate different interpretative traditions within biblical scholarship.
Historical Context
The origins and early history of Minuscule 21 remain somewhat obscure. Scholars speculate that it was likely produced in Calabria based on paleographical evidence and stylistic comparisons with other manuscripts from that region during similar time periods. At the end of Luke’s Gospel, a note reads “κυριε σωσων με, τον αμαρτωλον ονησιμον” (the Lord save me, the sinner Onesimus). This inscription suggests that an individual named Onesimus may have been responsible for copying this manuscript, providing a personal connection to its creation.
The manuscript has undergone various examinations throughout its history. It was partially collated by Johann M. A. Scholz during the early-to-mid-19th century and received further scrutiny from Paulin Martin who described its features comprehensively. Caspar René Gregory also documented his observations upon viewing it in 1885.
Current Location
Dated by the Institute for New Testament Textual Research (INTF) to the 12th century, Minuscule 21 was initially housed at Fontainebleau before becoming part of the prestigious collections at the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris, where it continues to be preserved under shelf number Gr. 68.
Conclusion
Minuscule 21 stands out as a valuable artifact within biblical manuscripts due to its unique textual features and historical significance. Its construction as a codex marked an important evolution in bookmaking during the medieval period while reflecting various textual traditions existing among early Christian communities. As scholars continue to study its contents and contextualize its history, Minuscule 21 contributes richly to our understanding of biblical texts and their transmission over time.
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