Multiple translations, recensions, and source texts: the Armenian versions of the Apocalypse of John and their editorial challenges

Van Elverdinghe, Emmanuel [UCL]

Due in large part to its late canonical acceptance, the biblical book of Revelation has enjoyed only a peripheral role in the Armenian tradition. Likewise, it has largely remained on the margins of scholarship, in spite of four printed editions and more than 200 manuscripts transmitting it. Although it is clear that several different redactions are extant, there is still no consensus about their number and genealogy, especially as regards the most ancient text forms. In addition, the Armenian texts have been translated from, or revised on, Greek witnesses belonging to different groups. A recent collation of the Armenian editions in the framework of the forthcoming Editio critica maior of the Apocalypse has made it abundantly clear that a new edition is a crucial desideratum. However, any such work ought to be preceded, first and foremost, by a careful consideration of the whole textual tradition, including its relationship with the Greek (and other versions) in the light of the recent advances in this field, and by a reassessment of the various translation and revision techniques. This paper offers a summary status quaestionis, discusses the peculiarities and shortcomings of the extant editions, illustrates the relevance of the Armenian tradition for establishing the Greek text, and makes a number of suggestions in view of a future edition of the Armenian version.