Papyrus P75 — Bodmer XIV–XV

Physical Description

A substantial papyrus codex preserving approximately fifty leaves, written in a single column with roughly thirty-eight to forty-five lines per page.

Dating the Manuscript

Traditionally dated to the late second or third century. Some modern scholarship has proposed a fourth-century date. The dating remains a matter of scholarly discussion.

Discovery and Preservation

Part of the Bodmer manuscript discoveries associated with Egypt. The manuscript was acquired for the Vatican Library in 2007.

Historical Context

P75 is especially important because it preserves extensive passages from two Gospels in one ancient codex. It is also closely associated with the textual tradition represented by Codex Vaticanus.

Textual Characteristics

The text of P75 displays a particularly close relationship to Codex Vaticanus. Comparison of the two manuscripts is an important example of how scholars identify continuity between witnesses produced at different times.

Significance for Gospel Preservation

P75 provides substantial evidence for the preservation of Luke and John. Its close textual agreement with Vaticanus demonstrates that a remarkably similar form of these Gospel texts was transmitted through the manuscript tradition.

Related Investigations

Sources and Further Reading

1. Bodmer Papyri Collection
   Fondation Martin Bodmer. Bodmer Papyri Collection, including Papyrus Bodmer II, P66.
   Bodmer collection history and manuscript evidence.
2. 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.
3. New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room
   Institute for New Testament Textual Research. New Testament Virtual Manuscript Room.
   INTF manuscript identification and catalogue evidence.