The Dictionary of the New Testament Background

[Paul Younan]

Oops - meant to say "the latest dates to the 9th century." <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/blush.gif" alt="" title="Blush" /><!-- s -->

It's not a "throwing away" of originals. When they reach a state of decay they are copied immediately, and then buried or burned in a respectful manner - much like a funeral service of a deceased relative. This is done so that the fragments don't fall on the floor and become trampled on.

This is why you have over 1,000 year span between the DSS and the Aleppo Codex. Ever wonder why we don't have Hebrew OTs still around from the 4th or 5 centuries? <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->