Why Some Bible Translations Omit Matthew 17:21
The Gospel of Matthew, a pivotal book in the New Testament, narrates the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Among its many passages, Matthew 17:21 has become a focal point of discussion due to its omission in several contemporary Bible translations. This verse, found in the King James Version (KJV), reads: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." To understand why this verse is missing in some translations, one must delve into the history of biblical manuscripts, the principles of textual criticism, and the translation philosophies of various Bible versions.
Manuscript Variations and Textual Criticism
The primary reason for the absence of Matthew 17:21 in some translations stems from the differences in ancient manuscripts. The New Testament was originally written in Greek, and over the centuries, scribes made numerous copies by hand. These manuscripts are not uniform; variations occur due to copying errors, intentional changes, or omissions.
Textual criticism is the discipline that compares these manuscripts to reconstruct the most accurate text of the New Testament. Scholars examine thousands of Greek manuscripts, early translations, and citations by early church fathers. Two significant manuscript families are:
- Byzantine text-type: This includes the verse in question and underpins translations like the KJV.
- Alexandrian text-type: Older manuscripts like Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, which do not contain Matthew 17:21, are part of this group, often considered more reliable due to their earlier dating.
Translation Philosophies
Modern translations like the New International Version (NIV), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) rely on these older manuscripts. They often omit verses like Matthew 17:21, which are not found in the earliest sources. Instead, they might include footnotes to inform readers about textual variations, ensuring transparency.
Context and Parallel Texts
Matthew 17:21 appears in a narrative where Jesus' disciples fail to cast out a demon. In Matthew 17:19-20, Jesus attributes their failure to a lack of faith. A parallel verse in Mark 9:29, which does not have this verse, suggests that the addition in Matthew might have been influenced by the Markan account. The core message of faith and the power of prayer and fasting remains intact, even without Matthew 17:21.
Implications for Doctrine
The omission of this verse does not undermine the doctrine of the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. Textual criticism and the discovery of older manuscripts aim to provide a text closer to the original autographs. This scholarly pursuit reflects God's providence in preserving His Word.
Prayer and Fasting in Scripture
Despite the textual variations, the practice of prayer and fasting is well-established in other parts of the Bible. Jesus fasted for forty days (Matthew 4:2), and fasting is discussed in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:16-18). The early church also practiced these disciplines, as seen in Acts 13:2-3 and Acts 14:23.
In conclusion, the absence of Matthew 17:21 in some modern Bible translations is due to the reliance on older, more reliable manuscripts and the principles of textual criticism. This scholarly approach ensures that the translations are as close as possible to the original text, without diminishing the core teachings of Jesus or the importance of spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. Understanding these textual variations enhances our appreciation for the meticulous preservation and translation of God's Word.