Minuscule 551 (in the Gregory-Aland numbering), ε 251 (in the Soden numbering),^[1] is a Greek minuscule manuscript of the New Testament, on parchment. Palaeographically it has been assigned to the 12th century.^[2] Scrivener labeled it by number 538.

The codex contains a complete text of the four Gospels on 233 parchment leaves (size 21.9 cm by 15.4 cm). The writing is in one column per page, 22-23 lines per page.^[2]

The text is divided according to the κεφαλαια (chapters), whose numerals are given at the margin, and the τιτλοι (titles of chapters) at the top of the pages. There is a division according to the Ammonian Sections, and some references to the Eusebian Canons. The number of Ammonian Sections and κεφαλαια are varies from what is usual.^[3][4]

It contains the Epistula ad Carpianum, Prolegomena (added by a later hand), tables of the κεφαλαια (tables of contents) are placed before every Gospel. There are barbarous headpieces to the Gospels.^[4]

It contains lectionary markings at the margin, incipits, (Synaxarion and Menologion added by a later hand), subscriptions at the end of each Gospel, with numbers of στιχοι, and pictures of the four Evangelist.^[3]

The Greek text of the codex is a representative of the Byzantine text-type. Aland placed it in Category V.^[5] According to the Claremont Profile Method it represents the textual family K^x in Luke 1, Luke 10, and Luke 20.^[6]

The manuscript was held in the Karakalou monastery at Athos peninsula. In 1837 Robert Curzon, Lord Zouche, brought this manuscript to England (along with the codices 547-550).^[4][3] The entire collection of Curzon was bequeathed by his daughter in 1917 to the British Museum, where it had been deposited, by his son, since 1876.^[7]

The manuscripts was added to the list of the New Testament minuscule manuscripts by F. H. A. Scrivener (538) and C. R. Gregory (551).^[4] Gregory saw it in 1883.^[3]

The manuscript was examined by Scrivener, Dean Burgon, and Gregory.^[3]

It is currently housed at the British Library (Add MS 39594) in London.^[2]

• List of New Testament minuscules
• Biblical manuscript
• Textual criticism

• S. Emmel, Catalogue of Materials for Writing, Early Writings on Tablets and Stones, rolled and other Manuscripts and Oriental Manuscript Books, in the Library of the Honourable Robert Curzon (London 1849).