What are the differences in readings of biblical manuscripts called?

The term "variants" refers to the differences in readings of biblical manuscripts that can occur due to various factors, such as transcription errors, editorial changes, or differences in source texts. In textual criticism, identifying and analyzing these variants is crucial for understanding the history and development of biblical texts. Scholars compare manuscripts to establish the most authentic or original readings, and the term "variants" encompasses all types of textual differences found across different copies of biblical books.

In this context, "variations" and "discrepancies" can imply differences but do not specifically connote the scholarly analysis seen with the term "variants." "Alterations" might suggest intentional changes made to the text, but it doesn't encompass the broader category of all differences found in manuscripts. Thus, "variants" is the most precise and widely used term in biblical scholarship when discussing manuscript differences.