For the NT versus other ancient works, what is the number of manuscript variations?
We are certain of over 97% of each word in the New Testament. Homers Illiad is the next most reliably preserved document. It has 643-650 manuscripts, and is 95% accurate. It has 15,600 lines, with about 764 lines in doubt. The Hindu Mahabharata has 250,000 lines and is roughly 90% accurate according to Bruce Metzger. (See the Baker Encyclopedia of Apologetics p.532-533 and A General Introduction to the Bible p.475) It has over 26,000 lines have textual corruption. See A General Introduction to the Bible – Revised and Expanded p.474-475 for more info. Q: Compared to the NT, what are some of the dates of other early documents and the number of copies? A: Here are some other ancient works. Aristotle wrote 364-322 B.C. There are only 5 copies, the earliest being 1100 A.D. Julius Caesar 100-44 B.C. 900 A.D. 10 copies. This is the only direct evidence we have that Julius Caesar actually entered Gaul. Demosthenes 4th century B.C. 200 copies Euripides Tragedies 330 copies (The Origin of the Bi
