Textual Development within Paradigms and Paradigm Shifts

It is evident that the Hebrew Bible was continually edited by successive later hands. Despite some dissenting voices, this is implied by the differences seen in documented evidence. Although part of this evidence supports the conventional redaction-critical assumption that texts were almost exclusively expanded (e.g., MT/LXX Jeremiah, the Samaritan Pentateuch), some documented evidence implies that more radical techniques were used, including rewriting, relocation, and omission. Both types of evidence have to be included in any model that seeks to understand how the texts were edited. The dichotomy of evidence and alternation between conservative transmission and more radical phases of transmission may be perceived from the perspective of paradigms and paradigm shifts. The conservative transmission by expansions took place within the same ideological paradigm, while radical editorial techniques are probable in paradigm shifts. Recognition that the development of the Hebrew Bible took place within both paradigms and paradigm shifts has potentially considerable consequences for redaction criticism.