Psalm 17 | 6th-Century LXX Papyrus Manuscript Replica

This handcrafted replica recreates P. Köln IV 168, a small sixth-century Greek papyrus preserving part of Psalm 16:6–7 in the Septuagint, corresponding to Psalm 17:6–7 in most English Bibles. The passage is a deeply personal prayer asking God to hear, answer, and show His steadfast mercy. 

The surviving words center on David’s prayer in Psalm 17:6-7:

“Incline Your ear to me… show Your marvelous mercy.”

Despite its small size, this fragment is especially significant. Scholar Cornelia Römer identified it as the only known papyrus witness to this specific portion of the Psalm at the time of publication, giving it unusual textual importance. Later scholarship has also suggested that the fragment may have functioned as a personal devotional text or amulet, offering a rare glimpse into how Scripture could be used in the daily spiritual life of Christians in late antiquity.

Manuscript Details
•    Manuscript: P. Köln IV 168
•    Inventory: Cologne Inv. 00594
•    Date: 6th century CE
•    Language: Greek
•    Material: Papyrus
•    Text: Psalm 16:6b–7a LXX / Psalm 17:6b–7a
•    Original size: approximately 3.54 × 1.77 inches
•    Repository: University of Cologne Papyrus Collection
•    Probable origin: Egypt; exact provenance unknown

Our replica is carefully handcrafted  on genuine Egyptian papyrus.
Displayed in acrylic standing frame (4" x 6") 
Ships in a black gift/presentation box

Customers have used these replicas for:
Sermon props
Bible studies
Classroom lessons
Seminary education
Personal collections
Church displays
Museum exhibits
Office or bookshelf displays

Modern Replica Only: This item is a modern replica, created for artistic and educational purposes. It is not an ancient artifact.

Image Source: Institut für Altertumskunde an der Universität zu Köln, Papyrussammlung — CC BY 4.0