Re:Bible API
by highmastdon on Sunday July 05, 2020 @06:11PM
(#23742546)
While the chapter and verse were only introduced much later, the Judaic explanation of the scriptures, especially the Pentateuch, has been referencing parts of it by naming every passage (of 3-5 chapters) by the first meaningful word. This was done in writing as early as the Babylonian exile, as can be found in the Babylonian Talmud. Even now in traditionally written Tora scrolls, there are no chapters and verses, but one searches for the name of that Parasha to find the relevant portion
> Chapter and verse come in when you want to quote something, or shorthand something, or refer someone to a specific and narrow section.
It's also worth noting that the Bible is a text that pre-dates the printing press. Modern citation technology (cite edition and page number) depends on having standardized, mass-produced editions. It makes sense that closely-analyzed texts that only appeared in hand-made bespoke editions would need a different system.
Edit: This is a pretty interesting topic. Looks like the chapter/verse divisions were standardized after the printing press, but had roots in earlier systems of division [1]. Plato and Aristotle also got standardized sub-page-level citation systems around the same time [2].
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chapters_and_verses_of_the_Bib...
[2] https://getproofed.com/writing-tips/citing-plato-and-aristot...