THE BIBLE IN THE ARMENIAN TRADITION

By Vrej Nersessian

The Bible in the Armenian Tradition provides a concise historical account of the development of the Bible in Armenia and of the illustrative traditions that are represented in surviving codices. This survey of Armenian Bible history will provide an important source of reference for Biblical scholars and anyone with and interest in the history of Christianity. Nersessian describes the origins of the first translation of the Bible into Armenian in the 5th century, which inspired the invention of the Armenian alphabet itself. He also examines illuminated Bible manuscripts, in particular looking at the importance of the physical book itself to the Armenian Christian tradition, which holds the religious book in reverence. The role of the patron or donor in commissioning such a manuscript is also examined. Later printed Armenian Bibles are also chronicled revealing fascinating examples of religious differences between the Armenian and Catholic Christian traditions. Illustrated throughout.

 J. Paul Getty Museum (2001)