Form, Source, and Redaction Criticism

Abstract

AbstractThis article looks at form criticism, source/literary criticism, and redaction criticism. Form criticism, like source criticism, literary criticism, and redaction criticism, is a scientific method of interpreting the texts of the Old Testament. Literary criticism constitutes the first methodological step on the path to seeking the origin and provenance of a text. Further steps (including form criticism and redaction criticism) must follow later, in order to place a stratum or source in its proper place within a larger textual whole where possible. Here, the term ‘literary criticism’ is used rather than ‘source criticism’. Redaction criticism concerns itself with form and not with content. Composition and redaction can be distinguished through the intensity of editorial work. Composition can be recognized by a more intensive engagement with the units and the way that they are fitted together and built into episodes to achieve a desired end. Redaction tends to put the individual texts next to each other, but in an uncoordinated way.