Abstract
I argue that the transposition of verses 34 and 35 after verse 40 in western manuscripts D, G and 88, does not strongly support the modern interpolation hypothesis which contends that since there are textual deviations, as well as significant inconsistencies if not contradictions between the content of verses 34 and 35 and the rest of First Corinthians, the verses were inserted into the epistle by post-Pauline editors. I review the "egalitarian interpretation" of 1 Cor 14:34-36, and my earlier arguments against the modern interpolation hypothesis. Assuming the egalitarian interpretation, I suggest the editors of manuscripts D, G and 88, removed verses 34 and 35 from their canonical location at 33/36, and inserted them after verse 40 in order to shelter the silencing and subordination of women from the critique of verse 36 and to positively associate the silencing and subordination of women with Paul's admonition for decency and order. I further argue that the editors assessed that the verses in question were misplaced by an earlier editor for which they offered a corrected edition. I conclude that both the earlier and modern interpolation interpretations of the final verses of the fourteenth chapter of First Corinthians assessed that the canonical text was incoherent. Yet both interpretative projects are unable to resolve the textual incoherence that results with the removal of verses 34 and 35 before the twofold negative rhetorical question of verse 36.
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