The Samareitikon, the "xατα Σαμαρειτων" Marginalia in Codex M, and P. Carl 49

This paper explores the relationship between the Samaritan Greek translation of the Pentateuch, i.e., the Samareitikon, and an obscure 5th cent. fragmentary papyrus of Exodus, Carl 49. The latter has been recognized previously as transmitting a text of the Septuagint which was obviously revised towards some kind of Semitic source. It is argued here that the Semitic base upon which Carl 49 was revised was not Jewish but Samaritan. This is based on a textual analysis of the fragment which reveals important connections with the Samaritan textual tradition, specifically the Samaritan Targum. Further, this analysis may possibly be confirmed by external evidence, namely an obscure marginal reading designated x alpha tau alpha Sigma alpha mu alpha rho epsilon iota tau omega nu found in codex M, the heavily annotated 7th cent. Octateuch ms.