First Translations of the New Testament into Arabic: Mentions, Quotes, Texts
https://doi.org/10.25205/2499-9997-2025-1-53-66
Abstract
There are several versions about the time of the translation the New Testament in to Arabic. They are based on evidence recorded by medieval historians, on citations of texts in theological works, on the presence of fragments of manuscripts that have survived to our days. It is known that the first translations appeared no later than the 9th century, but a number of scholars believe that they were carried out earlier. This is evidenced by Arab historians, but this evidence is not confirmed by the presence of surviving manuscripts. Of particular interest are citations of New Testament texts by Muslim theologians, who translate these fragments from Syriac or Greek in their own way. The latest possible dating of the translation of the New Testament is determined by the surviving manuscripts. The article examines hypotheses about the existence of earlier translations and the historical conditions under which these translations could have been created.
About the Author
S. G. Klimenko
Federal State Budgetary Institution of Culture
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Andrey M. Novichikhin, Candidate of Sciences (History)
References
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Review
For citations:
Klimenko S.G. First Translations of the New Testament into Arabic: Mentions, Quotes, Texts. Universum Humanitarium. 2025;(1):53-66. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25205/2499-9997-2025-1-53-66
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