Early fragment of Matthew.
Papyrus P104 — The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
Oxyrhynchus Papyrus 4404
Manuscript designation
P104
Estimated date
Second century AD
Manuscript category
Papyrus
Writing material
Papyrus
Language
Greek
Present repository
Oxyrhynchus Papyri collection, Oxford, England
Shelfmark
P. Oxy. 4404
Gospel Contents
Matthew 21:34–37, 43, 45, preserving parts of the parable of the wicked tenants and its surrounding narrative.
Gospels represented: Matthew
View the Ancient Manuscript
Where available, consult manuscript images or the holding institution's digital edition.
Physical Description
A small fragment of a papyrus codex leaf, written on both sides in a single column. The original page contained approximately thirty-one lines. Only portions of the original text remain legible.
Dating the Manuscript
Assigned to the second century on paleographical grounds. The date is approximate.
Discovery and Preservation
The fragment was discovered among the papyri from Oxyrhynchus in Egypt and published in the Oxyrhynchus Papyri series. It is among the earliest surviving witnesses to Matthew.
Historical Context
P104 preserves part of a parable spoken by Jesus during His final ministry in Jerusalem. Its early date makes it particularly valuable for examining the transmission of Matthew.
Textual Characteristics
The fragment provides evidence for the wording of Matthew 21. The possible absence of verse 44 has attracted textual-critical attention, although the damaged condition of the manuscript requires caution in interpreting the evidence.
Significance for Gospel Preservation
P104 provides an early physical witness to Matthew's account of Jesus' Jerusalem ministry. Its surviving wording can be compared with later manuscripts, contributing to the evidence for the preservation of Matthew while also illustrating how scholars evaluate individual textual variations.
Related Investigations
Sources and Further Reading
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Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts Digital Collection
Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts. Digital Manuscript Collection.CSNTM manuscript catalogue and digital research resources.
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New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room
Institute for New Testament Textual Research. New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room.INTF manuscript identification and catalogue evidence.
Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts, P104; The Oxyrhynchus Papyri, volume LXIV, P. Oxy. 4404.
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