Minuscule 81 (in the Gregory-Aland numbering), or α162 (in the Soden numbering)[1] is a Greek minusculemanuscript of the New Testament, on a parchment. It is dated by a colophon to the year 1044.[2] Formerly it was labelled by 61a and 61p (Gregory). The manuscript is lacunose. It was adapted for liturgical use.
Description
The codex contains almost complete text of the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles on 282 parchment leaves (18 cm by 12.6 cm), with some lacunae (Acts 4:8-7:17; 17:28-23:9 - 297 verses). The text is written in one column per page, in 23 lines per page, in small letters.[2]
It contains list of the κεφαλαια (list of contents) only for Epistle of James. Lectionary markings were added on the margin by a later hand (for liturgical use).[3][4]
It has been called "the best minuscule witness to Acts" or "the most important minuscule copy of the Acts". F. H. A. Scrivener stated "its value is shown not so much by the readings in which it stands alone, as by agreement with the oldest uncial copies, where their testimonies coincide".[3]
In Romans 8:1 it reads Ιησου κατα σαρκα περιπατουσιν, for Ιησου (as א, B, D, G, 1739, 1881, itd, g, copsa, bo, eth). The reading of the manuscript is supported by A, Db, Ψ, 629, 2127, vg. The Byzantine manuscripts read Ιησου μη κατα σαρκα περιπατουσιν αλλα κατα πνευμα.[8]
In Romans 13:9 it has additional phrase ου ψευδομαρτυρησεις, the reading is supported by the manuscripts: א (P) 048104365 1506 a b vgcl (syrh) copbo.[9]
In 1 Corinthians 2:1 it reads μαρτυριον along with B D G P Ψ 33 104181326 330 451 614 629 630 1241 1739 1877 1881 1962 1984 2127 2492 2495 Byz Lect it vg syrh copsa arm eth. Other manuscripts read μυστηριον or σωτηριον.[11]
In 1 Corinthians 7:5 it reads τη προσευχη (prayer) along with 𝔓11, 𝔓46, א*, A, B, C, D, F, G, P, Ψ, 6, 33, 104, 181, 629, 630, 1739, 1877, 1881, 1962, it vg, cop, arm, eth. Other manuscripts read τη νηστεια και τη προσευχη (fasting and prayer) or τη προσευχη και νηστεια (prayer and fasting).[12][13]
In 2 Timothy 4:10 it reads Γαλλιαν, along with Sinaiticus C 104 326 436; other manuscript read Γαλατιαν (A D F G K L P Ψ 33 88 181 330 451 614 629 630 1241 1739 1877 1881 1962 1984 1985 2127 2492 2495 Byz Lect) or Γαλιλαιαν (copbo).[16]
In Hebrews 8:11 it reads πλησιον for πολιτην, the reading is supported by Codex Porphyrianus, 104, 436, 629, 630, and 1985.[17]
In 1 John 5:6 it has textual variant δι' ὕδατος καὶ πνεύματος καὶ αἵματος (through water and spirit and blood) together with the manuscripts: Codex Porphyrianus, 88, 442, 630, 915, 2492, arm, eth[18][n 1]Bart D. Ehrman identified it as Orthodox corrupt reading.[19]
History
According to the colophon, it was written on April 20, 1044, by a scribe named John at the request of another monk, named Jakob.[4]
^ abcK. Aland, M. Welte, B. Köster, K. Junack, "Kurzgefasste Liste der griechischen Handschriften des Neues Testaments", Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, New York 1994, p. 47.