The views expressed in this article are of the author only and do not necessarily represent those of the Center for Pastor Theologians.
An Introduction the Greek New Testament Produced at Tyndale House
Dirk Jongkind
Crossway (2019). 128 pp.
Dirk Jongkind accomplished his goal. Writing a short book to serve as a companion to the recently published Tyndale House Greek New Testament, Jongkind provides a helpful guide to students, clergy and scholars alike in using the Crossway-published Tyndale House Greek New Testament (THGNT). This short work, in eight chapters, provides the reader with an explanation of the rationale for a new edition of the Greek New Testament, a discussion of its underlying Greek textual basis, an argument for why specific texts were utilized and a brief summary of the field of text criticism. For the reader already operating from the textual criticism position of reasoned eclecticism, Jongkind’s work, from an evangelical perspective, will serve as a perfect short explanation for the work. However, if a person comes to Jongkind’s work from a Majority/Byzantine position or a Textus Receptus view, this work will have some disappointing chapters.
In his first chapter, Jongkind seeks to defend the creation of this new edition of the Greek New Testament. Operating from an approximating (vs. preservationist) view of biblical text criticism, Jongkind writes, “. . . to say that God inspired the words of the New Testament does not mean that God is therefore under an obligation to preserve for us each and every detail. Textual criticism is a discipline of approximation; it is a discipline that strives to improve further the resolution of the image that is painted by the text” (p. 23). He helpfully discusses text critical issues such as the nomina sacra in manuscripts as well as the numbers of extant textual variants. Given the short nature of the entire work, and the brevity of the chapter, some readers will not be fully convinced that another edition of the Greek New Testament is warranted, but there are helpful elements in the chapter nonetheless.
Chapters two and three are really where the strength of the work resides. In these two chapters, Jongkind provides a very helpful and clear treatment of the practicalities of utilizing the THGNT. Touching on how to use the apparatus, the unique features of the THGNT, and the predominant manuscripts chosen as the underlying basis of the THGNT, Jongkind provides a very helpful partner to accompany the THNGT. It is in these two chapters that he provides a wealth of information about a field that is admittedly quite complex, in a user-friendly fashion. For anyone who plans to utilize the THGNT regularly, these two chapters are very helpful.
Chapter four begins the discussion of how choices were made in the selection of underlying Greek manuscripts and variants for. He provides a helpful overview of the transmission of the biblical text, specifically as it relates to copyists down through the ages. While most Protestant readers of the work, evangelical, or liberal will not object, it need be said that Jongkind assumes the modern critical text position that older manuscripts are generally better. This is assumed in multiple places, but never fully defended. Admittedly, this is the majority position within the field of text criticism today, and the work is not intended as a full treatment of the issue, but the reader would do well to study this presupposition further in addition to reading this particular work. Four particular examples of current debate are given in this chapter (Mark 16:9–20; John 7:53–8:11; Luke 22:43–44; 23:34a). Helpfully, Jongkind (and the THGNT team) take some divergent paths from other editions of the Greek New Testament, both in inclusion (i.e. Luke 22:43–44) and in apparatus notation (i.e. Luke 22:43–44).
Chapters five and six are designed as a brief defense of why the THGNT did not follow the Textus Receptus (Chapter five) or the Majority/Byzantine text (Chapter six). While acknowledging that there is a debate regarding underlying texts is helpful, and recognizing that there are other options is commendable, these two chapters are too short to provide a sufficient defense of the rejection of these texts. Jongkind rightfully states that Textus Receptus advocates largely base their choice on “providential preservation,” but he does not provide any of the other text critical information that further buttresses that view (i.e. historical development, variants which were known and yet rejected during the formation of the TR, etc.) This chapter, while necessary, could be strengthened. Similarly, the chapter on why the Majority/Byzantine was not chosen, while more detailed and lengthier than the previous Textus Receptus chapter, also suffers from omission of necessary information (i.e. patristic sources, assumption that older is better, discussion of regions/ text types). Yet, in this chapter, there are some fair and helpful statements included (i.e. ‘Argument of Artificiality’, p. 97). The final two chapters move from there in short fashion seeking to provide a theological consideration for the THGNT as well as a helpful “Where to Go From Here?” chapter.
Jongkind accomplished his goal. A very practical, accessible companion to the THGNT has been provided, and to write a short, practical work on any issue related to text criticism is a great feat. Jongkind demonstrates his scholarship and skill in this area. Although the work suffers from a few chapters which needed to include more information regarding opposing views of text criticism (i.e. Textus Receptus and Majority/Byzantine), and the work does assume specific views regarding text criticism in some places (i.e. older manuscripts are better), the work is a helpful addition to the text criticism discussion, and a very helpful companion to the THGNT.
J. Ryan Davidson (PhD, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) serves as pastor at Grace Baptist Chapel (Reformed) in Hampton, VA, as well an Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at International Reformed Baptist Seminary in Mansfield, TX. He is a member of the St. Peter Fellowship of the Center for Pastor Theologians.
