BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Tischendorf on Trial for Removing Codex Sinaiticus, the Oldest New Testament

Is Constantine Tischendorf a hero or thief?

constantine-tischendorf

Constantine Tischendorf. Photo: Tischendorfarchive Alexander Schick © www.bibelausstellung.de/Courtesy of Helmut Constantin Behrend.

Legendary Leipzig scholar Constantine Tischendorf died surrounded by controversy at the relatively young age of 59. Known for his skills at discovering and deciphering rare ancient manuscripts, Tischendorf’s chance finding of Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest New Testament manuscript, at St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai—and his later removal of the manuscript—made him both famous and infamous. In “Hero or Thief? Constantine Tischendorf Turns Two Hundred” in the September/October 2015 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review, eminent New Testament scholar Stanley Porter reexamines the allegations against Tischendorf in light of new evidence from the Russian archives.

Tischendorf, who spent his career at the University of Leipzig, travelled extensively in search of lost and forgotten manuscripts of the Bible. His deep religious commitments drove him to search for the oldest surviving manuscripts of the Bible. It was on such an expedition that Tischendorf succeeded in finding the oldest complete copy of the New Testament: Codex Sinaiticus, which dates to the mid-fourth century C.E.

He claimed that one night while visiting the Eastern Orthodox monastery of St. Catherine’s, he spied an ancient-looking manuscript in a basket of fire kindling. Upon closer inspection, he discovered a very old copy of the Bible, now known as Codex Sinaiticus. Tischendorf could not contain his excitement and immediately requested it. The monks, tipped off to its value by his enthusiasm, only allowed him to take 43 sheets with him.
 


 
The religion section of most bookstores includes an amazing array of Bibles. In our free eBook The Holy Bible: A Buyer’s Guide, prominent Biblical scholars Leonard Greenspoon and Harvey Minkoff expertly guide you through 21 different Bible translations (or versions) and address their content, text, style and religious orientation.
 


 

codex-sinaiticus

Constantine Tischendorf was said to have salvaged sheets of Codex Sinaiticus—the oldest New Testament—from a basket of fire kindling at St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai. Is he a hero or thief? Photo: Courtesy of St. Catherine’s Monastery.

This small prize was not enough to satisfy Tischendorf, and after a failed attempt to buy the manuscript, he returned to St. Catherine’s hoping to examine the rest of the manuscript, but he was almost entirely unsuccessful. Not one to give up, Tischendorf returned a third time to the monastery under the patronage of the Czar of Russia. It looked like it was going to be another fruitless trip until just before he was scheduled to depart. On February 4, 1859, a monk revealed the remaining sheets of Codex Sinaiticus to Tischendorf. This time Tischendorf was careful to contain his delight, but he did request permission to borrow the manuscript in order to make an identical copy. Granting this favor was complicated due to a power struggle within the church leadership, but eventually, Tischendorf was allowed to remove Codex Sinaiticus with a promissory note for its safe return; it has never returned to St. Catherine’s.

Tischendorf did complete a facsimile edition of the text, but Codex Sinaiticus was gifted to the Russian Czar and remained in the Russian National Library until an economic downturn made it necessary for them to sell it to the British. To date, the majority of the Codex remains in the British Library. These facts have colored the recovery of this important manuscript with accusations against Tischendorf, its revealer, of theft.
 


 
The text of Codex Sinaiticus differs in numerous instances from that of the authorized version of the Bible in use during Tischendorf’s time. Read “What’s Missing from Codex Sinaiticus, the Oldest New Testament?” to compare these differences.
 


 
Stanley Porter, the Dean of McMaster Divinity College, argues that many salient details are omitted from this all too common telling of the events. At the time of Tischendorf, there was nothing uncommon about removing, buying or gifting ancient manuscripts in this manner. He also demonstrates that from the beginning, there were discussions about donating the manuscript to the Russian Czar, as would be appropriate for an Eastern Orthodox monastery, but that the succession problems within the church leadership lead to a more complicated than normal process, which allowed allegations against Tischendorf to linger. Stanley Porter explains how newly revealed documents from the Russian archives exonerate Tischendorf and provide the rest of the story of Codex Sinaiticus’s long journey west.

tischendorf-note

This promissory note left by Constantine Tischendorf in exchange for the oldest New Testament, Codex Sinaiticus, has been the basis of theft accusations, but scholar Stanley Porter argues that this is only one part of the story. Photo: Tischendorfarchive Alexander Schick © www.bibelausstellung.de/Courtesy of St. Catherine’s Monastery.

Physically, Codex Sinaiticus is located in four places: the 43 original sheets in Leipzig; a few remnants forgotten in the Russian National Library; the majority of the text in the British Library; and approximately a dozen sheets that were later discovered after an earthquake at St. Catherine’s. But the digital age has brought the entire manuscript back together in a virtual online museum at www.codexsinaiticus.org/en/.

Learn more about the controversy surrounding Constantine Tischendorf and his removal of Codex Sinaiticus by reading “Hero or Thief? Constantine Tischendorf Turns Two Hundred” by Stanley Porter in the September/October 2015 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.

——————

BAS Library Members: Read the full article “Hero or Thief? Constantine Tischendorf Turns Two Hundred” by Stanley Porter in the September/October 2015 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.

Not a BAS Library member yet? Join the BAS Library today.
 


 

Related reading in the BAS Library:

Hershel Shanks, “Who Owns the Codex Sinaiticus?” Biblical Archaeology Review, November/Decenber 2007.

Charles W. Hedrick, “The 34 Gospels,” Bible Review, June 2002.

Leonard J. Greenspoon, “Major Septuagint Manuscripts—Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus,” Bible Review, August 1989.

Not a BAS Library member yet? Join the BAS Library today.
 


 

Related reading in Bible History Daily:

Is the Gospel of Jesus’ Wife a Fake?

The Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament

Does the Gospel of Mark Reveal Jesus’ Anger or His Compassion?
 


 
This Bible History Daily feature was originally published on September 23, 2015.
 


 


19 Responses

  1. Steven Avery says:

    Correction:
    Leipzig does not have “43 original sheets”, it has 43 leaves or folio, which is 1/2 of 43 sheets (4 pages on a sheet, 2 on a folio, there are 86 pages in Leipzig.)

    More info at:

    Quires – Sheets – Folia – Pages (recto and versa)
    http://www.purebibleforum.com/showthread.php?499-Quires-Sheets-Folia-Pages-(recto-and-versa)

    Steven Avery
    SART
    http://www.sinaiticus.net

  2. Steven Avery says:

    We now have hard textual evidence that Sinaiticus was written using Codex Claromontanus (or one of its two daughter mss) as an exemplar.

    Codex Sinaiticus Authenticity Research
    Homeoteleuton – Text Omitted Because Of Similar Endings
    http://www.sinaiticus.net/homeoteleuton.html

    This effectively ends the myth of it being a 4th century ms. found by Tischendorf, and strongly supports the 1840s production chronology.

    Steven

  3. Gorstak says:

    Hahahahaha!!!! The script survived about 1000 years and then suddenly monks decided to burn it! Hahahahaha!!!!! I can’t believe normal person can believe in it! But British need different excuses for stilling treasures that don’t belong to them all around the world. But to make so bizarre and stupid excuse is unbelievable and it’s humiliation for everyone! Only shameless ppl can tell that documents that were stolen were actually “saved”, from monks who were keeping holy scriptures more than anything about 1000 years and suddenly decided to burn it! And humanity is lucky that right in that moment thief appeared to “save” it! Ahahahahaha!

  4. Raymond Nichols says:

    The Codex Sinaiticus also know as Alepha hailed as the best and oldest manuscript is controversial because it differs from the Texus Receptus, (Received Tex).
    Some considerations:
    Its condition was pristine when found, either it was just copied or never used! Since the monks were burning it for fuel, must had been kept on the shelf never used. You probably have books in pristine condition from not being use very often, then you have other books that are worn out by over use.

    Next we ask why would it be in such good condition, then being disposed of when Tischendorf came upon it. Could it be that it was a manuscript influenced by Gnostic’s of the 1st-3rd centuries. Gnosticism having fallen out of favor and those manuscripts were not use any longer kept on the shelves of the churches of that era.

    Finally, judge for yourself, you do not have to be a Textual Critic Scholar to figure it out. Compare some verses and it becomes clear.
    John 1;14,18;3:16 “Only Begotten: In TR out of Alepha. Are we better with it or without.
    1 Tim. 3:16 “God” is changed to “He”
    Here is what John said “Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world” 1 John 4:3. This is the reference of Gnosticism already working in the 1st. cent. to deny his Deity.
    Ray Nichols

  5. Steven Avery says:

    Tischendorf stole a number of manuscripts, some of the documentation is placed here:

    the theft and mutliation of manuscripts
    http://www.purebibleforum.com/showthread.php?t=91

    A more fundamental question is authenticity of the Sinaiticus ms. with flexible, supple vellum that has never been tested and “The Tale of Two Manuscripts” showing an artificial coloring of the 1859 St. Petersburg heist.

    Codex Sinaiticus Authenticity Research
    http://www.sinaiticus.net

  6. Patricia says:

    Is there a scroll that tells Jobs story, it seems like such a far fetched story and if not how and where did they get the entire scroll,

  7. Richard Cross says:

    Question. If the manuscripts were so accurate, and so desirable, why were they discarded for kindling? When you discards and burn something in a fireplace you assent to the fact that it is of no value. They were monks, and they were knowledgeable, and were in charge. Remember the introduction to the story, He claimed that one night while visiting the Eastern Orthodox monastery of St. Catherine’s.
    All of the books that use part of or the whole of the Codex Sinaiticus are copyrighted. Only one Bible is not copyrighted.
    Ponder that.

  8. melquiadesp says:

    If Tischendolf did not ” stoled” the manuscripts,How do we know if the current versions of the new testament is accurate?!… good job !!!!

  9. josephh57 says:

    Joseph says,
    Very interesting article in that it reveal historical truth about the King James Version. There is no religious belief system higher than truth. I will follow truth where ever it leads me. After all is said, it was Jesus (Yeshua) who said, “the truth shall free you”. Indeed, it will free us from lies, deceptions, illusions, and delusions. Interestingly, the name “Jesus” do not appear in the 1611 King James Bible. Translators of the Bible removed the real name “Yeshua” and changed it to the name “Iesous” and changed that name to “Jesus”.

  10. Rita Walker says:

    Is it true at St. St. Catherine’s that there was only one way in. You had to be put in a basket and lifted up to the door.
    Thanks
    Rita

  11. Colette says:

    I would also like to humbly add that it was the early monks that designed their scripts with images. The Jews designed their script with music. If you ever find a text that is not designed and is accompanied by “music” then your going back in time. It will have a musical flow.

  12. Colette says:

    Love this article. The monks in their time made a few copies. There are, I’m sure, more out there yet to be found. Monks were perfectionists. They wrote and re wrote as many writers and scribes do. I have no doubt that there were many imperfect copies made that were burned. After the script, they designed the borders with images. If the borders did not have the designs on them yet then chances are that they are a throw away mistake in copying. The designs were references for the teachers of the Word. Reading was still an elite ability. The Monks vowed not to put out texts to the public unless they were done perfectly fearing the displeasure of the Father. From there how it found its way out of the fire leaves me wondering for sure.

  13. JAMES MOODY says:

    Loved this article. So informative. Thanks so much for sharing it.

  14. A.D. says:

    man can not surmise what ^G~D
    may impliment to accomplish a purpose , johanes ; does not an
    integral part our crucifixction of Jesus Christ involve a thief and Hero ?

  15. Jesse says:

    Thanks for a very interesting article on the priceless Codex Sinaiticus manuscript. I’d also like to hear more on the Aleppo Codex.

  16. suzannem17 says:

    Not just lost–possibly burned up. I see T. as a hero.

  17. inaldo f barreto says:

    He was a hero, the manuscript would get lost in the monastery.

  18. johanes saragih says:

    I do not think God need both hero or thief.

  19. Mario says:

    The kjv of the word of God that we now have, is sufficient. God knows what He’s doing.

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


19 Responses

  1. Steven Avery says:

    Correction:
    Leipzig does not have “43 original sheets”, it has 43 leaves or folio, which is 1/2 of 43 sheets (4 pages on a sheet, 2 on a folio, there are 86 pages in Leipzig.)

    More info at:

    Quires – Sheets – Folia – Pages (recto and versa)
    http://www.purebibleforum.com/showthread.php?499-Quires-Sheets-Folia-Pages-(recto-and-versa)

    Steven Avery
    SART
    http://www.sinaiticus.net

  2. Steven Avery says:

    We now have hard textual evidence that Sinaiticus was written using Codex Claromontanus (or one of its two daughter mss) as an exemplar.

    Codex Sinaiticus Authenticity Research
    Homeoteleuton – Text Omitted Because Of Similar Endings
    http://www.sinaiticus.net/homeoteleuton.html

    This effectively ends the myth of it being a 4th century ms. found by Tischendorf, and strongly supports the 1840s production chronology.

    Steven

  3. Gorstak says:

    Hahahahaha!!!! The script survived about 1000 years and then suddenly monks decided to burn it! Hahahahaha!!!!! I can’t believe normal person can believe in it! But British need different excuses for stilling treasures that don’t belong to them all around the world. But to make so bizarre and stupid excuse is unbelievable and it’s humiliation for everyone! Only shameless ppl can tell that documents that were stolen were actually “saved”, from monks who were keeping holy scriptures more than anything about 1000 years and suddenly decided to burn it! And humanity is lucky that right in that moment thief appeared to “save” it! Ahahahahaha!

  4. Raymond Nichols says:

    The Codex Sinaiticus also know as Alepha hailed as the best and oldest manuscript is controversial because it differs from the Texus Receptus, (Received Tex).
    Some considerations:
    Its condition was pristine when found, either it was just copied or never used! Since the monks were burning it for fuel, must had been kept on the shelf never used. You probably have books in pristine condition from not being use very often, then you have other books that are worn out by over use.

    Next we ask why would it be in such good condition, then being disposed of when Tischendorf came upon it. Could it be that it was a manuscript influenced by Gnostic’s of the 1st-3rd centuries. Gnosticism having fallen out of favor and those manuscripts were not use any longer kept on the shelves of the churches of that era.

    Finally, judge for yourself, you do not have to be a Textual Critic Scholar to figure it out. Compare some verses and it becomes clear.
    John 1;14,18;3:16 “Only Begotten: In TR out of Alepha. Are we better with it or without.
    1 Tim. 3:16 “God” is changed to “He”
    Here is what John said “Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world” 1 John 4:3. This is the reference of Gnosticism already working in the 1st. cent. to deny his Deity.
    Ray Nichols

  5. Steven Avery says:

    Tischendorf stole a number of manuscripts, some of the documentation is placed here:

    the theft and mutliation of manuscripts
    http://www.purebibleforum.com/showthread.php?t=91

    A more fundamental question is authenticity of the Sinaiticus ms. with flexible, supple vellum that has never been tested and “The Tale of Two Manuscripts” showing an artificial coloring of the 1859 St. Petersburg heist.

    Codex Sinaiticus Authenticity Research
    http://www.sinaiticus.net

  6. Patricia says:

    Is there a scroll that tells Jobs story, it seems like such a far fetched story and if not how and where did they get the entire scroll,

  7. Richard Cross says:

    Question. If the manuscripts were so accurate, and so desirable, why were they discarded for kindling? When you discards and burn something in a fireplace you assent to the fact that it is of no value. They were monks, and they were knowledgeable, and were in charge. Remember the introduction to the story, He claimed that one night while visiting the Eastern Orthodox monastery of St. Catherine’s.
    All of the books that use part of or the whole of the Codex Sinaiticus are copyrighted. Only one Bible is not copyrighted.
    Ponder that.

  8. melquiadesp says:

    If Tischendolf did not ” stoled” the manuscripts,How do we know if the current versions of the new testament is accurate?!… good job !!!!

  9. josephh57 says:

    Joseph says,
    Very interesting article in that it reveal historical truth about the King James Version. There is no religious belief system higher than truth. I will follow truth where ever it leads me. After all is said, it was Jesus (Yeshua) who said, “the truth shall free you”. Indeed, it will free us from lies, deceptions, illusions, and delusions. Interestingly, the name “Jesus” do not appear in the 1611 King James Bible. Translators of the Bible removed the real name “Yeshua” and changed it to the name “Iesous” and changed that name to “Jesus”.

  10. Rita Walker says:

    Is it true at St. St. Catherine’s that there was only one way in. You had to be put in a basket and lifted up to the door.
    Thanks
    Rita

  11. Colette says:

    I would also like to humbly add that it was the early monks that designed their scripts with images. The Jews designed their script with music. If you ever find a text that is not designed and is accompanied by “music” then your going back in time. It will have a musical flow.

  12. Colette says:

    Love this article. The monks in their time made a few copies. There are, I’m sure, more out there yet to be found. Monks were perfectionists. They wrote and re wrote as many writers and scribes do. I have no doubt that there were many imperfect copies made that were burned. After the script, they designed the borders with images. If the borders did not have the designs on them yet then chances are that they are a throw away mistake in copying. The designs were references for the teachers of the Word. Reading was still an elite ability. The Monks vowed not to put out texts to the public unless they were done perfectly fearing the displeasure of the Father. From there how it found its way out of the fire leaves me wondering for sure.

  13. JAMES MOODY says:

    Loved this article. So informative. Thanks so much for sharing it.

  14. A.D. says:

    man can not surmise what ^G~D
    may impliment to accomplish a purpose , johanes ; does not an
    integral part our crucifixction of Jesus Christ involve a thief and Hero ?

  15. Jesse says:

    Thanks for a very interesting article on the priceless Codex Sinaiticus manuscript. I’d also like to hear more on the Aleppo Codex.

  16. suzannem17 says:

    Not just lost–possibly burned up. I see T. as a hero.

  17. inaldo f barreto says:

    He was a hero, the manuscript would get lost in the monastery.

  18. johanes saragih says:

    I do not think God need both hero or thief.

  19. Mario says:

    The kjv of the word of God that we now have, is sufficient. God knows what He’s doing.

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