Why Was John 5:4 Removed From the Bible?
Have you ever wondered why certain verses are missing from your Bible? In this blog post, we will delve into the mysterious case of John 5:4 and explore the reasons behind its removal from many modern translations. By understanding the historical context and considering the scholarly perspectives, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the integrity of the biblical text and how it has been preserved throughout the centuries. Join us on this enlightening journey as we uncover the truth behind the disappearance of John 5:4 and discover the benefits of an accurate and reliable Bible translation.
Title: Unveiling the Mystery: The Removal of John 5:4 from the Bible
John 5:4 is a verse that has sparked much debate and controversy among biblical scholars and theologians. This particular verse, which reads, “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had” (KJV), has been removed from many modern translations of the Bible.
The removal of John 5:4 from the Bible can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is important to note that this verse is not found in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts of the New Testament. Manuscripts such as the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, which date back to the 4th century, do not include this verse. Scholars generally consider these manuscripts to be more accurate and closer to the original writings of the biblical authors.
Furthermore, the verse seems to disrupt the flow of the narrative in the Gospel of John. The preceding verses describe Jesus healing a man at the pool of Bethesda, but verse 4 appears to provide a supernatural explanation for the healing. This abrupt inclusion of an angel stirring the waters does not align with the overall style and tone of the Gospel of John, which focuses on the deity of Christ and His miracles.
Additionally, the absence of John 5:4 in early church writings and commentaries also raises questions about its authenticity. Early church fathers such as Origen and Tertullian, who extensively commented on the Gospel of John, make no mention of this verse. This further supports the notion that John 5:4 was likely a later addition to the text rather than an original part of John’s Gospel.
It is important to highlight that the removal of John 5:4 from modern translations does not invalidate the core teachings and message of the Bible. This verse does not impact any major doctrines or theological concepts. The removal is primarily based on the scholarly consensus that it is not an original part of John’s Gospel and was likely added at a later stage.
In conclusion, John 5:4 has been removed from many modern translations of the Bible due to its absence in early and reliable manuscripts, its disruption of the narrative flow, and the lack of mention by early church commentators. While this verse may have held significance in certain historical contexts, its exclusion does not impact the overall message and teachings of the Bible.
Why is there no John 5 4 in ESV?
The absence of John 5:4 in the ESV Bible can be attributed to the fact that most modern translations, including the ESV, do not include this verse. This is because it is widely believed by biblical scholars that John 5:4 was not originally part of the Gospel of John, but was added later by scribes.
John 5:4 reads: “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.”
This verse describes a popular belief during Jesus’ time about a healing pool, but its absence from the oldest and most reliable manuscripts of the Gospel of John indicates that it was likely added by a scribe at a later stage.
To maintain accuracy and consistency with the earliest manuscripts, modern translations like the ESV omit John 5:4. However, it is important to note that the exclusion of this verse does not affect any significant theological doctrines or teachings found elsewhere in the Bible.
Why is John 5 4 not in NIV?
The verse John 5:4 is not found in the NIV (New International Version) of the Bible because it is considered to be a later addition and is not present in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts. This verse, which talks about an angel stirring up the waters at the pool of Bethesda, appears in some older manuscripts, but not in the ones that are considered to be more accurate. The NIV translators, along with other modern Bible translations, prioritize using the most reliable and earliest manuscripts available to provide a faithful representation of the original biblical texts. Thus, they have chosen not to include this verse in their translation.
Which translations include John 5 4?
The inclusion of John 5:4 varies among different Bible translations. It is important to note that most modern translations omit or include this verse as a footnote, indicating that it is not found in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts.
Here are a few translations that include John 5:4:
1. King James Version (KJV): “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.”
2. New King James Version (NKJV): “For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.”
3. New Living Translation (NLT): “for an angel of the Lord came from time to time and stirred up the waters. And the first person to step in after the water was stirred was healed of whatever disease he had.”
It is worth noting that most contemporary translations, such as the New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV), and New American Standard Bible (NASB), do not include John 5:4 in the main text but may mention it as a footnote.
It is always recommended to consult multiple translations and refer to scholarly resources for a comprehensive understanding of biblical texts.
What verses have been removed from the Bible?
There are several verses that have been removed from certain versions of the Bible over the centuries. However, it’s important to note that these removals are specific to certain translations or editions, rather than being universally removed from all Bibles.
One example is the omission of the longer ending of the Gospel of Mark (Mark 16:9-20) in some modern translations. This passage includes the accounts of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection and giving them the Great Commission. While many early manuscripts include this longer ending, some of the oldest and most reliable manuscripts do not, leading some translators to exclude it.
Another example is the omission of the story of the adulterous woman (John 7:53-8:11) in some translations. This passage describes Jesus intervening when religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery before him. Again, while this story appears in many manuscripts, some of the earliest manuscripts exclude it, causing debate among scholars about its authenticity.
It’s worth mentioning that the removal of these verses does not mean they are considered less valuable or important. Scholars make decisions about including or excluding certain verses based on the available manuscript evidence and their understanding of the original text.
Overall, it’s essential to consult multiple translations and editions of the Bible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various textual traditions and the verses that may have been removed in certain contexts.
FAQs
Why was John 5:4 removed from the Bible?
John 5:4 was removed from the Bible because it is widely believed to be a later addition and not part of the original text.
What is the significance of the removal of John 5:4 from the Bible?
The removal of John 5:4 from the Bible is significant because it impacts the understanding of the healing pool mentioned in the passage. This verse, which described an angel stirring the water and the first person to enter the pool being healed, is absent in many modern translations. Its removal raises questions about the authenticity and authority of certain biblical texts.
How does the removal of John 5:4 impact the overall message and interpretation of the Bible?
The removal of John 5:4 does not significantly impact the overall message and interpretation of the Bible.