The four main text-types in New Testament textual criticism are the Alexandrian, Western, Byzantine, and Caesarean. These categories help scholars analyze and compare the thousands of existing manuscripts to reconstruct the original text. 

Textual criticism of the New Testament categorizes manuscripts into several text types. The four main text types are:

1. Alexandrian Text-Type

• Date: 2nd–4th centuries CE
• Characteristics: Generally shorter readings, fewer expansions or paraphrases, and more abrupt readings. It is often considered more reliable than other text types. RSV, NRSV, ESV, NASB, NIV, and LEB Bibles are based on Alexandrian-type manuscripts.

2. Western Text-Type

• Date: 2nd–9th centuries CE
• Characteristics: Known for paraphrasing and free alterations. Scribes often changed words and clauses to enhance clarity and meaning.

3. Byzantine Text-Type

• Date: 4th century onward
• Characteristics: Characterized by a larger number of surviving manuscripts. It tends to have more expansions and harmonizations, reflecting a later formalization of the text. The King James and virtually all Reformation era Bibles are based on Byzantine-Type manuscripts.

4. Caesarean Text-Type

• Date: 3rd–4th centuries CE
• Characteristics: A less common type that exhibits features of both the Alexandrian and Western text types. It is primarily associated with the region of Caesarea.

These text types help scholars classify and understand the variations in the New Testament manuscripts and work towards reconstructing the original text.

Major New Testament Text‑Types

Text‑Type	Key Features	Comments
Alexandrian	Earliest, concise, less harmonized; includes Codices Vaticanus & Sinaiticus	Most reliable overall. Basis for RSV, NRSV, ESV, NASB, NIV, and LEB Bibles
Western	Paraphrastic, expansions, unique readings (e.g., Codex Bezae)	Valuable but secondary
Byzantine	Majority of later manuscripts; smoother, harmonized	Least reliable for earliest text. Basis for King James and Reformation era Bibles
Caesarean (disputed)	Regional; mixed features; mostly in Gospels	Interesting but not primary