Computer-assisted tools for textual criticism

It is probably true to say that without the aid of electronic tools involvement in textual criticism is virtually impossible in the twenty-first century. An everexpanding number of Bible computer modules and databases are becoming available and the possibilities for using them profitably within existing or custom-made programs are expanding. This increasing availability enables several types of data retrieval, and allows scholars to access data and formulate conclusions that would not have been possible with the conventional research methods. The present study briefly describes the available modules, categories of information, and predetermined information included in computer databases and programs. The area best covered in the computer modules is that of morphological analysis, followed by syntactic analysis. While caution is in order because of the human factor behind the data input and the definition of the search categories, computer-assisted research has become an integral part of textual criticism. In linguistic analysis (including the study of orthography) - which often has bearing on textual criticism - one should start the research with computerized databases and supplement these with printed tools. This pertains also to other areas of textual criticism, but in most cases the databases have not yet been sufficiently developed. The subjectivity of recording the data, which comes to light in the results of the searches, is illustrated by computer-assisted examinations of three different spelling patterns.