Evidence for Hebrew NT original writings: Occurrance of "And "

Statement of belief: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17 KJV)

Created 5926_[(*??*)] 11 15 2030 [2014-02-16]

Updated 5926_[(*??*)] 11 15 2030 [2014-02-16]

Which NT Books Were Originally Written in Hebrew?

Considering the Frequency of “And “

Abstract:

Considering nothing but the incidence of verses beginning with a Greek word meaning ‘and’ or ‘but,’ it appears as though Paul’s epistles are possibly less likely to have been originally written in Hebrew, that is, in comparison to most of the remainder of the NT books.

Considering, additionally, the evidence that a transcript of an original Hebrew Epistle to the Hebrews is extant, it may appear, from the incidences above referenced, as though at least Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians and 2 Thessalonians may also be based upon a Hebrew original text.

Based upon the same considerations James, 1 Peter, and 3 John may also be less likely to have been written in the Hebrew language.

Considerations:

The Biblical Hebrew language is extensively characterized by its use of “And “ at the beginning of sentences. When literally translated into other languages by conscientious translators doing their best to faithfully reproduce an original Hebrew text into another language, this characteristic [the “And “] should be expected to show up also in the second language.

To what extent can the above be used for the purpose of supporting or rejecting the contention that most or all of the New Testament books were originally written in the Hebrew language?

The Greek is most of the time using either one of the words “δε” and “και” to indicate the words “and” or “but.” Finding the exact incidence of each of those Greek words as used at the beginning of a sentence is a bit more complicated, but using e-Sword for producing a simple hit list of the occurrence of “And “ in KJV, which I believe fairly well represents the combined incidence of said Greek words, I find the following:

The number of verses in each NT book should be fairly closely represented by the following hit list, that is searching for the incidence of the letter ‘s:’

Using Excel for combining the above into a list showing the incidence of “And “ at the beginning of a verse, I find the following:

Conclusion:

As based upon the incidence of verses beginning with “And “ in KJV, as a crude representation of the corresponding incidence in the Greek MSS, I find that the NT books least likely to have originally been written are, in order of decreasing likelihood: 3 John (0% incidence of “And ,”) Titus (2%,) Philemon (4%,) James (7%,) 1 Peter (7%,) 1 Timothy (9%,) Philippians (9%,) Romans (11%,) 1 Thessalonians (12%,) 2 Timothy (12%,) 2 Cor (12%,) 1 Cor (14%,) Galatians (14%,) Ephesians (14%,) 2 John (15%.)

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