6/9/11

Missing Bible Verses?

Quite a few years ago, when I was dating my very first boyfriend, we argued about what type of bible should be used.  I think at that time, I used a New King James Version or maybe a New International Version bible, he argued that words were changed and or left out of that version as well as other versions.  He made me really take a look at what I was reading.  God has a pretty strong feeling about adding or subtracting from His bible, just take a look at this verse!!

Revelation 22:18-19

 18For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
 19And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
It makes it pretty clear that God doesn't like people tampering, in any way, with His words!  Just the other day I stumbled across a list of verses missing from most bible versions!!  Here's the list, you may want to go over your bible and see if these verses are missing, or they may have been moved to a footnote.


1. Matthew 17:21
2. Matthew 18:11
3. Matthew 23:14
4. Mark 9:44
5. Mark 9:46
6. Mark 15:28
7. Luke 17:36
8. Luke 23:17
9. John 5:4
10. Acts 8:37


And worse, these are just A FEW of the verses left out.  I didn't know there were so many until now.  In addition, there is one other thing I heard during a sermon not too long ago.  Most people believe the mark of the beast will be a tattoo of some type of tattoo or marking on the hand or forehead.  However, the bible has something different to say!!  It also depends on which version of the bible you use as well, and it's just ONE letter that makes the difference!!  For this example I'll show the same verse from three different popular translations, and then the one from the King James Version.


Revelation 13:16 (NIV)

16 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads,

Revelation 13:16 (NKJV)
16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,

Revelation 13:16 (MSG)

13-17This second Beast worked magical signs, dazzling people by making fire come down from Heaven. It used the magic it got from the Beast to dupe earth dwellers, getting them to make an image of the Beast that received the deathblow and lived. It was able to animate the image of the Beast so that it talked, and then arrange that anyone not worshiping the Beast would be killed. It forced all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to have a mark on the right hand or forehead. Without the mark of the name of the Beast or the number of its name, it was impossible to buy or sell anything.

Now for the King James Version!

Revelation 13:16

 16And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:


I was really stunned when my pastor pointed this out.  In the hand or forehead, not on it???  It's even more interesting when you learn that the FDA has already approved a computer chip for use in humans for transferring medical information! (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6237364/ns/health-health_care/t/fda-approves-computer-chip-humans/)


Is this something you were aware of?  Does it concern you?  Feel free to share in the comment section!!

5 comments:

Gretchen said...

I used to work at a Christian Bookstore (for 4 years) and this particular battle would rage between some of our customers. The reason that different translations of the Bible (to an extent) don't bother me is having a greater understanding of HOW a translation is wrought. The King James isn't actually word-for-word from the actual manuscripts, which you COULD say is "adding or subtracting from the Word." The ONLY way to get the "actual" version of the scriptures is if you learn archaic Hebrew and Greek. The scriptures that you listed ARE in the other Bible translations, they're simply included in a more natural thought-for-thought flow, or some blend of that and word-for-word.

Also, The Message is technically a paraphrase, not a translation, meaning that it's not intended for study but rather for comprehensive reading.

Monica said...

I truly appreciate your opinions! I understand that the only way to get the “actual” version of the scriptures would be to learn archaic Hebrew and Greek, however, wouldn’t it stand to reason to read the version that is closest to original? The more versions and translations, the more men are adding, or taking away from God’s word trying to make it more “understandable”. I know for a fact in the New International Version there are over 40 verses that are COMPLETELY removed! Revelation 22:19 “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” If God felt that strongly about His words being removed, shouldn’t we feel that way as well? This is just food for thought; I definitely don’t want to offend anyone! In some ways this seems like such a small issue, just words you know? At the same time it’s these words that we have built our religion on! Again thank you so much for your opinions, I love hearing other people’s thoughts and reactions!!

Monica said...

Your welcome! Thank you for being so gracious in your comments!! A lot of people get very heated when discussing such topics! And no worries about the length of your comment!! My comments tend to be ridiculously long as well! Actually, the thought hadn't occured to me that perhaps the KJV had verses added, mainly because I would think and hope that God would leave us with a version that wasn't altered dramatically. Haha, unfortunately it's not one of those things we can be totally sure of! I would never go so far as to say that the KJV is the ONLY version, however at the moment I would say the KJV and the NKJV are the bibles I'm most comfortable with! I only meant for this post to be educational, as many may not know or have realized how much was removed, or that any was! I originally thought there were only small changes or words, I had no idea entire verses were missing! I've actually always wanted a parallel bible so I could read and see different translations/versions all in one place! So much easier than having lots of seperate bibles! Thanks again for your comments, and I hope you have a great weekend!!

Monica said...

No reason to feel bad!! Thank you so much for your book recommendations!! I'm actually a part of a few blogging for book programs, and I need to post some book reviews!! I will definitely have to get my hands on this book and read through it!!

Anonymous said...

Haha! I understand book reviews! I'm going to read yours :) It's Sophie btw. Sometimes, I'm too lazy to sign in!