The 1527 edition of Erasmus’ Novum Testamentum stands as a vital contribution to the progression of biblical scholarship, showcasing Erasmus’ ongoing refinement of the Greek text and his growing influence on the religious landscape of the time. As the fourth of five editions, this 1527 version represents a crucial stage in the evolution of the Greek New Testament, reflecting Erasmus’ continued scholarly diligence and adaptation to the unfolding theological controversies of the Reformation.
Building upon his previous editions of 1516, 1519, and 1522, Erasmus approached the 1527 edition with a more comprehensive set of resources. Notably, for the first time, he was able to reference and incorporate the Complutensian Polyglot, a highly respected six-volume Bible produced in Spain, which included a meticulously compiled Greek text. This allowed Erasmus to make further corrections and refinements to his own work, enhancing the accuracy of his Greek text and its alignment with earlier sources.
One of the key distinctions of the 1527 edition is its increased attention to textual accuracy. Erasmus utilized the Complutensian Polyglot alongside his own Greek manuscripts to make more precise corrections, particularly in the Gospels and Pauline Epistles. This version also demonstrated his deepening concern for ensuring that his text could withstand the scrutiny of both Catholic and Protestant scholars, as his work was now being used as a critical text in Reformation circles across Europe.
The 1527 edition is significant not only for its scholarly improvements but also for the political and religious context in which it was produced. By this time, the Reformation was gaining momentum, and Erasmus found himself increasingly in the middle of debates between Catholics and Protestants. His desire to remain a neutral scholar is reflected in this edition, as he strived to present a Greek text that could be trusted by both sides, while still advancing the accessibility of Scripture to the lay reader.
While the 1522 edition laid the foundation for the King James Bible of 1611, the 1527 edition further strengthened the text’s reliability and reputation among both academics and translators. This facsimile invites you to explore a pivotal moment in the history of biblical scholarship when Erasmus, armed with new resources and responding to growing theological tensions, produced a refined Greek New Testament that shaped Christian thought for centuries.
Product Dimensions: 8.5" wide x 2.5" deep x 13" high
Product Weight: 5.75 lb.
