Textual harmonization

A reference page linking a name, group, or concept to the materials that discuss it.

Aligning parallel passages through additions or changes; may be deliberate editing, not proof of a copyist’s identity.

Modern comparison of harmonization in 4QDeutⁿ, following VanderKam p.20. Does not reproduce the fragment or equate this witness with every Samaritan readingIL Archive · original diagram · CC BYImage source

Text

Details can move between command and fulfilment or between parallel accounts. Ulrich explains recurring expansions in some Exodus/Numbers witnesses, beyond spelling mistakes. ^[1]

The diagram presents Sabbath rationales in 4QDeutⁿ from Deuteronomy5:15 and Exodus20:11. It does not match SP everywhere; harmonistic describes a procedure, not a copyist’s sect. ^[2]

References and notes

Eugene Ulrich (2012). “The Evolutionary Composition of the Hebrew Bible.” In Editing the Bible, pp. 23–40. SBL. Pp.32,34: Exodus additions from Deuteronomy and explicit fulfilment of commands; 4QNumᵇ. Ulrich identifies editorial editions; not automatically every scribe’s practice. Return to the text ↑
James C. VanderKam (2016). “Texts, titles, and translations,” pp.18–20: examples from Samuel and Deuteronomy. Pp.18–20: Samuel and 4QDeutⁿ harmonization of Sabbath rationales, Exodus20:11/Deuteronomy5:15. Greek agreement does not automatically identify a better reading. Return to the text ↑

Research history

Substantive changes are retained here. Minor copy edits remain in the internal operational log.

Edition 2 · 11 October 2026 · editor:aladmin

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IL Archive, «Textual harmonization», Edition 2, https://ilarchive.com/en/entities/harmonization