Add MS 12134

The Book of Exodus, or ܡܦܩܢܐ, translated form the Septuagint by Paul of Tellā, and divided into chapters called ܩܦܠܐܐ, of which there are ten in the manuscript. There also 42 marginal sub-divisions and over 3300 versicles. The text starts on f. 2r with an imperfect listing of the lessons that are rubricated in the text. The list is composed of various circles arranged in a 6x3 matrix within a red and green ruled box, where each circle contains the name of the lesson as well as the quire and opening for finding the lesson.

Following the index, an explanation of the text and the manuscript are found on ff. 2v-7v in a section titled ܩܦܠܐܐ ܕܡܦܩܢܐ. The text of the Book of Exodus itself begins on f. 8v. The text is that of the Hexapla of Origen, with the critical marks and the various readings of Aquila, Symmachus and Theodotion, indicated by the Syriac letters ܐ, ܣ, or ܬ, or by ܓ when they are in agreement. The additional passages of the Samaritan codex are also given on ff. 27r-v, 29v, 31r, 33r, 35r, 39r, 61v, 66r-v, and 84v. The tetragrammaton is denoted in the margins with the word ܦܝܦܝ.

The colophon is found on ff. 132v-133r, and it states that this copy of the Book of Exodus was based on several different versions, all of which had been collated together, as well as with a Hebrew copy from the Samaritans (for the LXX), which was corrected by Eusebius Pamphili.

Below this, on f. 133r, is a doxology, followed by a short text in smaller characters. This text states that the manuscript was completed in the month of Šubat 1008 AG (697 CE) and asks believers reading the book to pray for its creator, Lazarus.

A later note is found on f. 134r, in which Maymún bar Ḥalfún Mšamšānā (Deacon) provides advice to his fellow readers. The note is dated 1282 AG (971 CE).

The manuscript features considerable amounts of marginalia throughout, including some in Greek. A large Syriac inscription on f. 133v carries the words ܒܪܝܬܐ ܩܕܡܝܬܐ, while underneath it is an Arabic text that is too faded to read. Much of the graffiti on f. 1v, which also contains some geometrical patterns and does not appear to belong to the main text, is illegible. Nonetheless, the name ܐܒܘܠܦܪܕ ܒܪܗ ܕܝܘܣܦ is clearly visible, as well as a few of the Arabic words.

A note on the fly-leaf states that this volume, as well as all other manuscripts in the series Add MS 12133-12181, were purchased from the Reverand H. Tattam in June-August 1841. Rev. Tattam had previously acquired the manuscripts from the Monastery of St. Mary Deipara.

Some pages show signs of water damage, and ff. 1 and 134 are damaged.