The Coptic Versions

Abstract This chapter begins by discussing the introduction of Christianity into Egypt and the translation of the New Testament into Egyptian (Coptic) language. Coptic represents the last phase in the development of the ancient Egyptian language. It then discusses the early manuscripts of the Coptic versions of the Bible such as the Sahidic version, Achmimic version, Sub-Achmimic version, middle Egyptian version, Fayyumic version, and the Bohairic version. Finally, it analyses several Coptic versions, which reveal textual profiles characteristic of the several sections of the New Testament.