Hugh Houghton: The first step is to learn how to use an apparatus to see the different readings. The UBS6 edition is ideal for this, as it provides the full attestation of all selected witnesses in variation units which are of particular significance for translation or exegesis. What is more, each is explained in my Textual Commentary, which also has an introduction setting out the principles of textual criticism. The next stage is to go online, perhaps to the New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room or the Center for the Study of New Testament manuscripts, to find images of the documents in order to see and try to understand the readings in context. Good proficiency in Biblical Greek will help with this. Maybe try to transcribe a page, to experience the task faced by copyists. (The International Greek New Testament project has a training programme for volunteers who are interested in contributing towards the Editio Critica Maior.) There’s always something new to find when working with primary sources, but do ask for advice or guidance if there’s anything you don’t understand and make sure you read the introduction of the edition itself. It can be very easy to be led astray by misunderstanding the conventions, but with practice you’ll find that they open up a rich tradition of manuscripts reflecting centuries of history.

Scholarly Editions

Overview

Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS)

Biblia Hebraica Quinta (BHQ)

Editio Critica Maior (ECM)

Novum Testamentum Graece (Nestle-Aland)

UBS Greek New Testament

Septuaginta (LXX)

Vulgate

German Bibles

Lutherbibel

BasisBibel

Gute Nachricht Bibel

Interview with Hugh Houghton

Ten Questions for Hugh Houghton, Author of A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament and Member of the Editorial Committee for UBS6