ΒΑΛΑΑΚ in the 72 Text of Jude 11: A Proposal*

TLDR: In this paper, the authors propose that the variant Βαλαάκ in the 72 text of Jude 11 be read in light of the theological tendency in the Bodmer codex, especially as evidenced in the christological variants of the Bible.

Abstract: This article proposes that the variant Βαλαάκ in the 72 text of Jude 11 be read in light of theological tendency in the Bodmer codex, especially as evidenced in the christological variants of 72. Initially, scholarly opinion dismissed the ‘Balaak’ reading as nothing more than an inexperienced copyist's careless mistake. Though recognizing the older view to be unsatisfactory, recent explanations are also inadequate. Given neutral or positive traditions about Balaam in Judaism, and in the context of the early Christian belief that the Spirit of Christ inspired the OT Prophets (including Balaam), the article makes a case for reevaluation of the variant.