Textual criticism is the scholarly practice of analyzing and comparing various manuscripts and versions of a text to determine its original form. This method is often applied to ancient writings, such as religious scriptures like the Bible or classical literature, to identify errors, alterations, or variations that may have occurred over time.
By examining differences in wording, style, and content, textual critics aim to reconstruct the most accurate version of a text. This process helps scholars understand how texts have evolved and provides insights into the historical and cultural contexts in which they were produced.