Codex Argenteus (the Silver Bible)
Summary
The Gospels in Gothic, written in silver and gold on purple parchment — nearly all that survives of an entire language's Bible.
- Copied c. AD 500–550.
- Written in gothic on purple-dyed parchment.
- Kept at Uppsala University Library, Sweden (DG 1).
- Contains Matthew, John, Luke.
Sources (2)
- Uppsala University Library (holder of the Silver Bible) · accessed 2026-08-06The holding institution.
- Alvin — Codex Argenteus digitised, Uppsala University Library · accessed 2026-08-06The holding institution's own imaging.
What it is
It was made in Ostrogothic Italy, probably at Ravenna, for the court of Theodoric, around AD 500. One hundred and eighty-eight leaves survive of an original three hundred and thirty-six.
The translation is Wulfila's. In the fourth century he made a Bible for the Goths and, according to the ancient accounts, invented an alphabet to write it in — and left out the books of Kings, on the grounds that his people were warlike enough already.
The manuscript was taken as war booty during the Thirty Years' War and given to Uppsala in 1669.
Manuscript details
- Date
- c. AD 500–550
- Language
- Gothic
- Script
- Gothic alphabet, in silver and gold ink
- Material
- Purple-dyed parchment
- Held at
- Uppsala University Library, Sweden (DG 1)
- Found at
- Made in Ostrogothic Italy; at Werden Abbey by the sixteenth century; to Uppsala in 1669
- Contains
- Matthew · John · Luke · Mark
Why it matters
The passages the manuscripts argue over
The places where the manuscripts differ, the ending of Mark, the woman caught in adultery, the three heavenly witnesses, with the case each way.