Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus
The Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (c. 5th century AD) is a Greek palimpsest manuscript — the original biblical text was partially overwritten in the 12th century with a Greek translation of the sermons of Ephrem the Syrian. It contains portions of both the Old and New Testaments and is one of the four great uncial codices.
History & Background
These ancient manuscripts and early printed editions represent the foundational textual tradition of the Bible. From the great Greek codices — Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, Alexandrinus — to the Hebrew Masoretic text, the Latin Vulgate, and the Septuagint, these documents form the bedrock upon which all modern Bible translations rest. They are the raw materials of biblical scholarship, preserved across centuries through the dedication of scribes, monks, and scholars who understood their eternal value.
Canon Proximity Rating
These ancient manuscripts represent the earliest surviving witnesses to the biblical text and are the primary sources for all modern critical editions of the Old and New Testaments.