En Bibel som fortfarande skrivs

Paratextkritik i skärningspunkten mellan tillkomst och reception

Abstract

This article explores how biblical texts are shaped not only by their historical formation but also by their reception over time, with a specific
focus on paratextual elements. By introducing insights from new (material) philology, the study investigates how paratexts, such as superscriptions, footnotes, and other textual comments, guide readers’ interpretations and influence the function of the text in various contexts. Through examples from studies of the Psalms and modern Swedish Bible translations, the article illustrates how paratexts have a dual function: they both direct and are shaped by the interpretation of the text. This dynamic interaction between text and paratext highlights that the Bible is not a static monolith but a living document that is continually rewritten and reinterpreted. The article suggests that a deeper understanding of these paratextual elements can integrate research on both the formation and reception of biblical texts, offering new insights into how these texts are interpreted and transmitted across time.