Work dossier · summary and historical context
The Old Georgian translation of the Catholic Letters (James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude) survives in manuscripts such as the Oshki and Gelati Bibles, with a translation tradition traditionally dated to the 5th–6th centuries but earliest extant witnesses from the 10th–11th centuries. The text reflects multiple recensions and liturgical use, as shown in lectionary manuscripts. This edition is based on a single source and lacks a full critical apparatus, limiting its representation of the complex textual tradition.
The Old Georgian Catholic Letters are crucial for understanding the early transmission of the New Testament in the Caucasus, the development of the Georgian literary language, and the liturgical practices of the Georgian Church. They reflect the intersection of Greek, Armenian, and local traditions, and their complex recensional history illuminates scribal and theological trends over centuries.
The Georgian translation of the Catholic Letters likely originated in the 5th–6th centuries, during the early formation of the Georgian Church under Greek and Armenian influence. The earliest surviving manuscripts, such as the Oshki Bible (10th c.) and Gelati Bible (11th c.), show a complex transmission with multiple recensions, indicating ongoing revision. The letters were part of the Georgian New Testament canon from early times and were read liturgically, as evidenced by lectionary manuscripts prescribing readings. The translation reflects the theological register of early Georgian Christianity, with phrases like 'servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ' and 'crown of life' resonating with hagiographic and ascetic traditions. The inclusion of the Epistle of James, accepted late in some Eastern canons, shows Greek influence on Georgian canon formation.
Apparatus · what the pipeline recorded
| Coptic | Rendering | Count | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| no glossary terms recorded | |||