What about the missing Bible verses?

About the Bible?, All Questions

What about the missing bible verses?

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Bible,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 22, 2025

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When you compare some of the modern Bible translations (for example, NIV, ESV, HSSB) with that of the King James Version (KJV), it would seem as though there are some “missing verses.”

One of the famous verses, is 1 John 5:7–8, where it says in the KJV, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the holy Ghost, and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth.” However, this verse is missing in the most recent translations.

But didn’t Jesus promise that not a single word would be lost (Matthew 5:18)? How is it possible for there to be missing verses then? How then can we trust the Bible? Answering this question isn’t as complicated as it seems.

To begin with, the KJV Bible, written in 1611 AD, utilized the best resources that were available at the time to ensure an accurate translation from the original language into the common language (English).

In the years since 1611, many older manuscripts have been discovered that were carefully evaluated by scholars. Scholars generally consider older manuscripts to be more reliable (since they are closer to the original documents). Therefore, most modern Bible translations exclude/omit verses that appear in the KJV but not in older manuscripts.

Most modern translations will still include a footnote referencing the missing verses.

It is also pertinent to note that the original Bible manuscripts were not divided into chapters and verses as we have today. These were later inventions to facilitate Bible teaching, preaching, writing, and speaking around the globe.

Following the Geneva Bible translation in 1560, the King James Bible was the first major Bible translation, which slightly altered chapter and verse divisions. This structure is now common to all modern English translations.

The tricky part for scholars is deciding what to do when the verse assigned a number in the 1500s does not appear in the original manuscript/text. Since all subsequent verses cannot be simply altered, translators will leave the verse blank and keep the original numbering. In this way, consistency is maintained; for example, if we moved John 3:16 up a verse, then everyone who quotes John 3:16 would not have the same verse.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that no missing verse disrupts the essential Christian teachings. The key message of Jesus as the divine Son of God, the Triune Godhead, the virgin birth of Jesus, His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and second coming all remain undeterred.

Whether you prefer the ESV, NIV, NASB, or any other modern translation, you can be confident that it is a trustworthy one. That it is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12), “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

As important as anything else, the Bible you hold contains God’s plan for salvation for us.

FOR TRULY I TELL YOU, UNTIL HEAVEN AND EARTH DISAPPEAR, NOT THE SMALLEST LETTER, NOT THE LEAST STROKE OF A PEN, WILL BY ANY MEANS DISAPPEAR FROM THE LAW UNTIL EVERYTHING IS ACCOMPLISHEd.

Mathew 5:18

How can i be sure that the right books were included in the bible?

About the Bible?, All Questions

How can I be sure that the right books were included in the bible?

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Bible,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 22, 2025

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Many people question whether the right books were added to the Bible during its canonization (compilation), and if God  did indeed inspire all of them? Concerns also arise about books discovered post-canonization that were not included.

So is the Bible we have today complete and authorized by God?

Bruce Metzger, a renowned scholar from Princeton University, insightfully stated that, “the canon is a list of authoritative books more than it is an authoritative list of books.” What he implied is that the early Christians did not determine what should be in the Bible rather they discovered what books were ‘inspired’ by God and only put those in the Bible. They did so by asking the following questions:

      • Was it written by an acclaimed prophet of God?
      • Was the writing confirmed by the acts of God or by someone who was an established eyewitness? For example, Paul, who witnessed the resurrected Jesus and performed miracles, worked closely with Luke, who carefully investigated and interviewed multiple eyewitnesses to write his account.Was it widely accepted by the people of God?

Further, the approved 66 books that were canonized also met the following criteria:

      • They were recorded during the lives of the apostles’.
      • They were acknowledged by the early church fathers as authoritative.
      • They were collected in a single volume, not as scattered manuscripts.
      • They were publicly read and explained, not hidden or exclusive to a few people.
      • They were commentaries written on these books, which means they had to be thoroughly studied.
      • They were acknowledged by opponents who admitted that that the gospels were written by the disciples.

In some way, all of the 66 books of the Bible we have today meet one or more of these criteria.

In addition, people question the inclusion of certain Apocryphal books (covered in the next question)  and  recent discoveries like the “Gospel of Thomas” and “Gospel of Judas.” However these were later found to be forgeries, not written during the apostles’ lifetimes (written during the second century), failing to meet the early church’s criteria for canonicity.

The rigorous and spiritually guided process of canonization assures us that the Bible we have today is complete and authoritative. The 66 books of the Bible meet the stringent criteria set by early Christian Church, affirming their divine inspiration and historical reliability.

The 66 books of the Bible were carefully recognized as divinely inspired through rigorous criteria, affirming their completeness, historical reliability, and authority as God's Word.

Why are there so many translations of the Bible?

About the Bible?, All Questions

Why are there so many translations of the Bible?

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Bible,   All Questions

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Jan 22, 2025

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The multitude of Bible translations available often leads to questions about the authenticity of these texts. Skeptics have also argued that since the original manuscripts were translated multiple times, the original meaning may have been lost in the process. However, this assumption wrongly implies that the scriptures we have today are translations from older translations (i.e., the NIV version based on the KJV version and so forth).

Q. How are the Bible versions translated? 

Many modern translations, especially the most academically respected ones like the ESV, NASB and NIV for example are translated directly from the original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) as a base / source. These translations aim to be as faithful as possible to the original texts.

Q. But why are there so many translations?

There are multiple translations because of advancements in our understanding of ancient languages and changes in mordern language. As our understanding of ancient linguistics evolves, our ability to interpret the precise meanings of the Hebrew and Greek words improves, giving us the need to have updated translations.

Moreover as languages changes overtime, words take on a different meanings as society changes. Therefore, someone translating something generations ago would have worded something differently than they would have if they produced it today.

This is why we have different Bible versions to update and clarify these changes.

Additionally, it must be noted that different translation committees use varying principles.

Some translations use a word-for-word approach that takes the original word in Greek and Hebrew and gives a literal translation. Although this process provides clarity in terms of the words, it can sometimes read as a little vague. 

The other translations use a thought-for-thought approach by applying the ideas/views to the text so that it would read more smoothly in context.  

Considering this, many Bible scholars and preachers would usually recommend using two translations. The reason being is to ensure that you are getting a richer meaning of the text and to attain the fullness of all contributing factors that come with understanding God’s word.

Lastly, despite the variety of translations, it is important to note that fundamental Christian doctrines—such as salvation through grace, the virgin birth, the resurrection, and the crucifixion of Jesus—remain consistent across different versions.

In conclusion, having multiple translations does not imply that the original meaning of the verses was lost or changed. Instead, we have them because language changes over time, and committees are working with different principles to bring the distinctions of an ancient language to the present age. In short, the Bible versions we have were created to make it easier to read by suiting it to a modern language style.

Bible translations preserve the original meaning while adapting to language changes, ensuring core Christian doctrines remain consistent and reliable.

Why should I study the Bible?

About the Bible?, All Questions

Why should I study the Bible?

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Bible,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 22, 2025

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For many Christians understanding why to study the Bible is essential. While the most christians would understand the gospel message not all engage with the Scriptures for a deeper insight into God’s plans & character and for their personal spiritual growth.

As Christians, we must not only listen to God’s word being taught at church, but also know how to access all of its richness and internalizing it allowing the word to transform our lives.

The following are a few reasons why we should study the Bible:

      • Gives us direction in life (Psalm 119:105)
      • Protects us from sin (Psalm 119:11)
      • It protects us from temptation. (Mathew 4:1-10)
      • It will help you become more like Jesus Christ, (John 17:17)

The Bible is more than just a book; it is divinely inspired by the Spirit of God and is useful for every believer. It contains divine truth, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, reveals to all readers the Savior.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Lastly, Jesus Himself testified to the absolute authority of the Bible as the Word of God. He affirmed the Bible’s divine inspiration (Matthew 22:43), its indestructibility (Matthew 5:17-18), its infallibility (John 10:35), its final authority (Matthew 4:4,7,10), its historicity (Matthew 12:40; 24:37), its factual inerrancy (John 17:17) and that Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35).

In conclusion, studying the Bible is vital for gaining wisdom, understanding God’s will, and living a life that aligns with His purposes. Additionally, it’s not only about acquiring knowledge but about experiencing spiritual growth and transformation. Studying the Bible is a journey into understanding the depths of God’s Word and applying it to one’s life.

Studying the Bible fosters spiritual growth, reveals God’s will, and transforms lives through its divine truth and authority.

Are there any contradictions in the Bible?

About the Bible?, All Questions

Are there any contradictions in the Bible?

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Bible,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 22, 2025

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What would you say if someone told you that the Bible contains contradictions? It’s unfortunate that many Christians are usually silent whenever posed this question since they themselves struggle with interpreting the scriptures.

But, before we tackle this question, we need to be honest.

Does the Bible contain challenging passages? Yes, some readings are easy to understand, and some are tough. Are there Biblical challenges? Yes, but are there any verified contradictions? Absolutely not.

Whenever anyone asks about the contradictions of the Bible, we need to explain to them that just because there are tough passages doesn’t mean we conclude there are contradictions.

To understand these differences/tensions in the Gospels, we should consider the following two essential points:

(1) We must be able to distinguish between a ‘Difference’ and a ‘Contradiction.’

            • Contradictions are errors that are definite / absolute and cannot be reconciled. For example, take the famous story of the Titanic ship; if some survivors said the ship broke in half and another group stated that it sank in one piece, this would be classified as an apparent contradiction.
            • A ‘Difference’ for  example, would be if you went home and your spouse comes to you and says, “a man showed up at the door and said that I won a cheque for a million dollars.” But an hour later, she/he calls their parents and says, “two men showed up at the doorstep one with a cheque and the other with a camera saying I am going to be on television.” This scenario would illustrate a difference and not a contraction. One scene contained more information, while the other was not exhaustive.

Many of the ‘alleged’ Bible contractions are differences and not contradictions.

(2) We should also understand that the genre in which the gospels were recorded was according to the ‘Greco-RomanBiography.’ Wherein much like today’s literature, some liberties were allowed (such as time compression and lack of precision) when it came to minor chronological details. For example, one commonly disputed argument is concerning Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness, where the authors Mathew and Luke invert the first and second temptations in their books. This does not disregard the Bible’s authenticity, as they both give the same message.

In conclusion, the Bible contains no contradictions. While some passages may present challenges or differences, these do not undermine the core message of the Gospel. It’s crucial to distinguish between differences in detail and true contradictions. The Bible, when properly understood, is consistent in its teachings and reliable in its testimony. The truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection remains unchallenged, affirmed throughout scripture, and stands as the foundation of the Christian faith.

The Bible contains no contradictions—only differences that enrich its depth and context.

Is the Bible Historically Reliable?

About the Bible?, All Questions

Is the Bible historically reliable?

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Bible,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 22, 2025

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In order to establish the Bible as a true document, it must be historically reliable. Therefore, it must depict people, places, and events accurately.

In order to answer this question, we will examine six lines of testimony that begin with the letter E, which can be applied to any document to validate its historical accuracy.

Early testimony – The majority, if not all, of the New Testament scriptures were written before 78 AD. The fact that these documents were written within a generation of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and during the apostles’ lifetime, helps prove their authenticity. Additionally, the early church writings and other historical documents affirm this timeline.

Eyewitness Testimony – Between the Gospel of John and Acts, around 140 eyewitness accounts are documented. These accounts come from apostles or their contemporaries, lending credibility to the events they describe. The presence of eyewitness testimony is one of the most important components of historical evidence.

Embarrassing testimony – The Bible contains many embarrassing details that you wouldn’t expect the writers themselves to have made up like Peter denying Jesus, the disciples running into hiding after Jesus’ crucifixion and women being the first to witness the resurrection. These embarrassing details contribute to the historical authenticity and help establish the truth of the Gospel.

Excruciating testimony – The New Testament writers died painful/agonizing deaths when they could have escaped simply  by denying Christ. But they stood boldly for the truth they had witnessed and went to their deaths anyway.

Expected testimony – The Old Testament prophecies lead us to expect a Messiah with the same characteristics as Jesus. One of the most famous prophetic chapters is Isaiah 53 which was written approximately 600 years before Jesus was born which collaborates the New Testament accounts – mainly the crucification.

Extra-biblical testimony – Even if you disregard all the New Testament manuscripts, there are about ten other authentic ancient non-Christian sources available. These sources were written within 150 years of Jesus’s life (documenting His storyline and the early church), and by using them alone, you could draft gospel account.

In conclusion, the combination of these evidences robustly supports the Bible’s historical reliability. Its diverse yet consistent accounts attest to its credibility as a historical document.

The Bible's historical reliability is supported by early writings, eyewitness accounts, fulfilled prophecies, external evidence, and even embarrassing and excruciating testimonies, all of which confirm its authenticity as a true and credible document.

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