Multi-source hypothesis

Proposed solution to the synoptic problem

Marie-Émile Boismard,
Philippe Rolland,
Delbert Burkett

The Multi-source hypothesis is a proposed solution to the synoptic problem, holding that Matthew, Mark, and Luke are not directly interdependent but have each drawn from a distinct combination of earlier documents. It encompasses a family of theories differing in the particulars of the nature and relationships of these earlier documents.

An early form of the theory was proposed by Herbert Marsh over two centuries ago.^[1] More recently, Marie-Émile Boismard proposed a structurally similar theory,^[2] which was further developed by Philippe Rolland^[3] and Delbert Burkett.^[4]

According to these theories, the common material among the three synoptic gospels ultimately derives from a proto-gospel somewhat like Mark. This proto-gospel underwent two independent revisions, A and B. Mark was formed by recombining these two revisions. Matthew built upon A and Luke upon B. Both Matthew and Luke also drew from a common source Q, as well as other sources for their unique material.

References

^ Marsh 1823, pp. 167–409.
^ Boismard 1979, pp. 1–17.
^ Rolland 1984, p. 136 Rolland hypothesizes a proto-Matthew source originally composed in Hebrew
^ Burkett 2004, pp. 141–2 Burkett hypothesizes a proto-Mark source originally composed in Greek

Sources

Boismard, Marie-Émile (1979). "The Two-Source Theory at an Impasse". New Testament Studies. 26: 1–17. doi:10.1017/s002868850000864x. S2CID 144085583. (translated by Lorraine Caza, Robert Beck and Francis Martin)
Burkett, Delbert (2004). Rethinking the Gospel Sources: From Proto-Mark to Mark. Continuum. ISBN 978-0-567-02550-0.
Marsh, Herbert (1823) [1801]. "Dissertation on the Origin of our Three First Canonical Gospels". In Michaelis, John David (ed.). Introduction to the New Testament. Vol. 3, pt. 2 (2 ed.). F. & C. Rivington. pp. 167–409. OCLC 9174154.
Rolland, Philippe [in French] (1984). Les Premiers Évangiles, un nouveau regard sur le problème synoptique (in French). Les Éditions du Cerf. ISBN 978-2-204-02118-0.