If anyone laughs when he sees our subtlety, to use the Psalmist’s words, about syllables, let him know that he reaps laughter’s fruitless fruit; and let us, neither giving in to men’s reproaches, nor yet vanquished by their disparagement, continue our investigation (Basil the Great, On the Holy Spirit, 1:2; trans. B. Jackson, Accordance Module “Basil-E”).
For scholars, pastors, and others investigating the text of Scripture: subtlety is significant.
Brian P. Baucom 