The Aristarchian Signs of Codex Colbertinus-Sarrvianus

Abstract

Scholars acknowledge that Codex Colbertinus-Sarravianus (G) is a significant manuscript for the study of Origen’s Hexapla, especially regarding his employment of the Aristarchian signs asterisk and obelus. This codex has not received adequate attention since it was photographed and published in the late nineteenth century.

This dissertation contains an exhaustive catalog of and commentary on all of the Aristarchian signs in G. The catalog elucidates Origen’s statements in his Commentary on Matthew and Epistle to Africanus, providing evidence to interpret his purposes in his textual labors.

The first chapter situates G within the context of Hexaplaric studies and, based on recent inquiries by Schironi, demonstrates that the present understanding of Origen’s work requires more data and less speculation. The second chapter describes the manuscript. The third chapter lists the verses containing asterisks and provides a commentary on each occurrence. The fourth chapter lists the verses containing obeli and provides a commentary on each occurrence. The fifth chapter revisits the question of the metobelus, adducing examples of its use counter to the present scholarly consensus. The final chapter synthesizes the data and applies the findings to Origen’s statements.

The catalogued information supports recent inquiries by Schironi about the nature and purpose of the Aristarchian signs. The conclusions call into question the relationship between the Aristarchian signs and the Hexapla and challenge the consensus regarding the metobelus.