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The three most popular Greek texts

What Greek text stands behind a Bible translation?

When translating the Bible, scholars examine one or more Greek texts of the New Testament. Each text varies slightly. It is important that scholars show the texts they are using and how they deal with the differences. Here are the three most popular texts used.

This page explains a source-text difference. It does not rank editions, and it does not make a theological claim beyond what this guide supports.

Now showing Guided. What a Greek New Testament edition is, then the three listed Greek-text columns.

This is an educational comparison guide — not a Bible reader, and not a quiz that picks a best Bible. You can change this anytime.

What is a Greek New Testament edition?

It is a published Greek text that scholars have prepared from surviving manuscripts. Editions differ because the underlying copies differ, and because editors weigh those differences differently.

Received TextWestcott-HortNestle-Aland / UBS

2012 / 2014 editions

Nestle-Aland and United Bible Societies

Also known as Novum Testamentum Graece, , and

Latest editions: 2012: Nestle-Aland, 28th Ed. 2014: United Bible Societies, 5th Rev. Ed.

Manuscript foundation

based on Byzantine and manuscripts. Text reliability was assessed by examining external evidence (date, source, amount, relationship to other manuscripts) and internal evidence (the text itself). Recently discovered manuscripts: Oxyrhynchus Papyri (1898); Chester Beatty Papyri (1930); Bodmer Papyri (1955).

Supporters say

Scholars believe they have used the most reliable portions from all of the manuscripts (Byzantine, Alexandrian, and Western), including the most recently discovered papyri.

Considerations

A few scholars argue that manuscripts have been influenced by Egyptian pagan and Gnostic teachings. However, the majority of scholars disagree and prefer this Greek text.

Associated translations

Linked from each translation’s listed textual-basis line — not a ranking.

Different textual bases can sometimes contribute to differences, but translation approach, language, purpose, and other factors may also matter. Do not treat a wording difference in a passage as proof of the underlying Greek text.

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