J.J. Griesbach published the first edition of his critical Greek Testament in 1774-77. The earliest portion issued (1774) contains the first three gospels arranged "synoptically;" this was reissued with a fresh title in 1776. In 1775 the remaining books of the New Testament were printed. Lastly in 1777 the first three gospels were set up in their usual order; these, together with the portions published in 1775, form the first edition of Griesbach's text.

Griesbach was the earliest German scholar who ventured to print an independent text, based on his own critical conclusions, though in this edition the Elzevir reading is generally followed.