An Unidentified Theological Fragment from the Fifth Century in a Private Collection in Cambridge (DE HAMEL MS 373) -- By: Peter M. Head

Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 56:2 (NA 2005)
Article: An Unidentified Theological Fragment from the Fifth Century in a Private Collection in Cambridge (DE HAMEL MS 373)
Author: Peter M. Head


An Unidentified Theological Fragment from the Fifth Century in a Private Collection in Cambridge
(DE HAMEL MS 373)

Peter M. Head

1. Introduction

This small fragment of a Christian text was purchased early in 2003 along with other small portions of Greek manuscripts on parchment which all turned out to be manuscripts of the Greek Bible.1 Like the other texts, it appears to have been cut and re-used in the binding or repair of other manuscripts. This small square piece of text measures slightly less than 4 by 3 centimetres, and has only four clear lines of text (with some traces of a line above the first readable one), without any extant margin or edge. Most of the text is easily readable (at least on one side).

The hand may be described as a biblical majuscule, quite similar in style and general appearance to Codex Alexandrinus, and to be dated quite confidently to the fifth century.2 Alongside a transcription we have reproduced high-quality long-exposure UV photographs of the manuscript.3

2. Side A

traces visible

…]· διακονοι· χηִρ[αι ? deacons, widows (?)

…]ο διακονοι· ει.[… … deacons …

… ]ִνεοφωτιστοι[ … newly enlightened

…]τως οι γεροִν[τες? those who are married (?)

3. Side B

traces visible

? ευ]ִλογημενος ִσ[4 blessed (?) …

…]ονοματι κυ[… in the name of the Lord

…]ονομα της δο[… name of the …

…] . . . . ִπας . . [… … all/every …

4. Analysis

The vocabulary and the use of a nomen sacrum for κύριος suggest Christian content, possibly involving a discus...

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