textus receptus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical (Theology/Textual Criticism)
Quick answer
What does “textus receptus” mean?
The name given to the standard printed Greek text of the New Testament, established in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name given to the standard printed Greek text of the New Testament, established in the 16th and 17th centuries.
A term used in textual criticism to refer to the established, received text of a work, particularly the Greek New Testament as compiled by Erasmus and others, which became the basis for many Protestant translations. More broadly, it can metaphorically refer to any canonical or authoritative version of a text.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in academic contexts. In some evangelical circles, it may carry positive connotations of traditional authority; in modern textual criticism, it may carry slightly negative or outdated connotations compared to modern critical texts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively in specialised theological, historical, or philological discourse. Frequency is identical in UK and US academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “textus receptus” in a Sentence
The [translation] is based on the Textus Receptus.Scholars compared the manuscript to the Textus Receptus.This reading is not found in the Textus Receptus.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “textus receptus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Textus Receptus readings are noted in the commentary.
- It's a Textus Receptus-based translation.
American English
- Textus Receptus variants are listed in the appendix.
- He advocates for a Textus Receptus approach.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in theology, religious studies, classical philology, and history of the book. Example: 'The King James Version was translated primarily from the Textus Receptus.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core context. Textual criticism, biblical scholarship, translation studies. Example: 'The apparatus shows a variant from the Textus Receptus at this verse.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “textus receptus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “textus receptus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “textus receptus”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'the textus receptus of the poem' is highly stylised).
- Misspelling as 'textus receptus' (should be italicised and capitalised as a Latin title).
- Pronouncing 'receptus' as /riˈsiːptəs/ (correct is /rɪˈsɛptəs/ or /rəˈsɛptəs/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not used as the base text for modern academic translations or critical editions, which rely on older manuscripts. However, it is still used and preferred by some traditionalist or Byzantine-text-type advocates.
It translates directly as 'the received text' or 'the text that was received' (i.e., accepted or handed down).
It was not created by one person. The name comes from an edition published by the Elzevir brothers in 1633, who referred to the text as 'textum... receptum'. The text itself is based on the work of earlier scholars like Erasmus, Stephanus, and Beza.
No. The King James Version (KJV) is an English translation. The Textus Receptus is the Greek text that served as the primary source for the KJV's New Testament.
The name given to the standard printed Greek text of the New Testament, established in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Textus receptus is usually academic, technical (theology/textual criticism) in register.
Textus receptus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɛkstəs rɪˈsɛptəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɛkstəs rəˈsɛptəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] It became the textus receptus of the movement, unquestioned by its followers.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The TEXT was RECEIVED as standard' (Textus Receptus).
Conceptual Metaphor
A CANONICAL/STANDARD VERSION IS A RECEIVED TEXT (e.g., 'That edition is the textus receptus for Shakespeare scholars.').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Textus Receptus' primarily used?