Triads, Groups, and the Text of Jude 22–23

The text of Jude 22–23 is notoriously difficult and continually disputed. While many now acknowledge the antiquity and external evidence in favor of the shortest, two-clause reading found in P72 and other sources, it is often argued that a longer reading with three clauses (printed in the NA / UBS ) has greater intrinsic probability owing to Jude’s triadic style. Recent proponents of the longer reading also argue its plausibility within Jude’s argumentation and the “groups” addressed therein. The present article defends and aims to enhance the probability of the shortest reading on internal grounds. In particular, this article shows that this reading fits Jude’s triadic style and Jude’s call for the “beloved” to exercise mercy on the “disputers” with particular caution

Argumentation theory · Art · Linguistics · Literature · Reading (process) · Style (visual arts) · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Botanical Research and Chemistry · Historical and Linguistic Studies · Philosophy · Psychology