Some Observations on the Text-Critical Function of the Umlauts in Vaticanus,with Special Attention to 1 Corinthians 14.34-35

Abstract

Over 750 original umlaut sigla appear in the margins of Codex Vaticanus (New Testament), as well as hundreds of bars and textual gaps. Theories have surfaced regarding the intended purpose of these fourth-century notations, principally the false identification of a so-called ‘bar-umlaut’. This article seeks to demonstrate (1) the absence of any significant relationship between Vaticanus’s bar and umlaut, (2) the sectioning function of the paragraphus and gap, (3) the text-critical function of the umlaut appearing with or without the paragraphus (accompanied by several examples), and (4) the authenticity of 1 Cor. 14.34-35, defended against a false understanding of the umlaut’s function.