Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 59:4 (Dec 2016)
Article: How Your Greek NT Is Changing: A Simple Introduction To The Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM)
Author: Peter J. Gurry

JETS 59:4 (December 2016) p. 675

How Your Greek NT Is Changing:
A Simple Introduction To The Coherence-Based
Genealogical Method (CBGM)

Peter J. Gurry1

Abstract: The present paper seeks to explain a new method being used to edit the standard editions of the Greek NT used by scholars, students, pastors, and translators. Known as the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method, it has been used to edit the Catholic Epistles and is set for further use in editing the remaining books of the NT. Unfortunately, the method has so far induced incomprehension more than it has critical engagement. This is due in part to the density of current explanations of the method. The modest aim of this paper is to address this misunderstanding by offering a simple introduction. After setting the CBGM in the context of previous genealogical methods, the article explains the basic features of the method, the new tools it provides, and the preliminary results of its use. The conclusion suggests that the CBGM holds promise for editing the text of the NT and that it therefore deserves greater attention from NT scholars. An appendix offers an index of variants discussed in relation to the CBGM.

Key Words: textual criticism, Coherence-Based Genealogical Method, CBGM, NA²⁸, UBS⁵, use of computers, Jude 5, 2 Pet 3:10

In the last fifteen years, a new text-critical tool known as the Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM) has been used to edit the text of the NA²⁸ and the UBS⁵, the most common editions of the Greek NT used by students, teachers, pastors, and translators. So far it has been used to edit the Catholic Epistles, and it is currently being used to edit Acts, John, and soon Revelation. Following this, the remaining books of the NT will each be edited in turn. Unfortunately, the method remains little known outside of the small circle of dedicated NT textual critics. Even among textual critics, the method continues to confound.2 One of the most common reactions to the method is neither acceptance nor rejection but rather defeated resignation about ever understanding it. The present paper has the modest goal of presenting a short and easily digested introduction to this new and important development in NT textual criticism. It will not explore the deeper intricacies of the method nor will it offer any serious attempt at critical engagement. Instead, this essays hopes to aid in that necessary

JETS 59:4 (December 2016) p. 676

first step of such engagement: proper understanding. In this way, it may be...