Why Is Matthew 17:21 Omitted from Most Modern Bibles?

Discussing the reason for the omission of Matthew 17:21 from most modern editions of the Bible.

[captnMorgan]

Hold on. So sinaiticus omits completely vs 21 in Matthew 17 and omits the phase and fasting in mark 9:29. And the later scribe is trying to “correct” both verses. 1) by adding the whole verse in Matthew 21 and 2) by adding “and fasting” in mark 9. So the later scribe has a 3rd reading that does not appear at all in sinaiticus. Wouldn’t the logical conclusion be that the scribe has access to a/other manuscripts that has the entire reading and he is trying to correct what he feels was omitted in sinaiticus. If he was purely trying to “harmonize” Mark 9 with Matthew 21 then there would be no need to add “and fasting” to Mark 9. He would simply copy Mark 9:29 as it appears in sinaiticus and transpose it to Matthew 21.

[baldwinIV]

In my modern Bible Matthew 17:21 is not even mentioned while Mark 9:29 only says "You can only cast away those only with prayer." while fasting is not even mentioned. But from my mother's old Bible both verses are relevant and said as they should be...

[russellmcdonald]

Wonderful. Thank you for the detailed explanation and for the graphics too!

[J_Z]

I'm so glad that you brought up Metzger given his heavy involvement with the RSV and NSRV. Bart Ehrman (who was Metzger's student) has a semi-recent episode of his podcast that gets into 20th century translation and revision efforts for those interested!

[mabell]

This is very interesting commentary. "Just the facts please" is very appreciated.

[samantharaulin]

That’s why I liked the NAB I had. It has many annotations, and always pointed out when things were likely not original very clearly. Annotations and cross reference verses made it so much more awesome to read

[Guithangba]

Why would anyone remove the word "fasting" which was written in red letters in (Mark 9:29 ) unless they are trying to mislead new believer.

[Dannyoffgrid]

The demons are glad that the fasting part was removed.

[NapaMistU]

It's also worth noting that translations are based on a particular edition of the Greek text, (which is noted in the introductory notes), which text is assembled and published by textual scholars such as Metzger, but also many others. They make most of the decisions as to what should be considered original, and their published text will usually be followed by translators. Since most translations are based on the same Greek text, they generally agree on which verses are in doubt. The differences arise because the King James was based on a Greek text that was available in Europe in 1500 before much textual work had been done, known as the Textus Receptus.

[philsphan]

I think the best translations either out the verse in brackets and explain everything Dan says in a footnote, or leave it out and put in the footnote. Don’t leave people guessing, tell them the truth.

[markhodge]

Dan is one of the very best Bible scholars I have ever heard. He explains everything so well in understandable terms for laymen!

[RonKris]

Can you please expand your comment "...and with all of the end times nonsense that's being proliferated right now it seems to be more of a concern to a lot of people" . What exactly are you implying? Thanks

[quid]

Are there any in-print versions of the New Testament for critical reading that leave these passages in tact but somehow mark them or color code them to draw attention to their later addition?

[WoolandFlax]

Appreciate the description with what seems like actual evidence. Thx

[smarterthan]

End times nonsense? You might want to read Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation and not put an "allegorical" label on everything.

Do you not believe Chriat is returning?

God bless, brother. I'm not attacking you personally, so don't take offense.

[naysneedle]

So interesting to see how the manuscripts were altered. The fact that the alterations took place suggests that the writings were thought of quite differently in the past than how we think of them today. Although I'm sure there are still many who would like to make little changes here and there, and perhaps a bit of that goes on in the translation choices of some editions, idk.

[HaloK]

Great job! I get asked about verses like this when we study how we got the Bible. The evidence is so important.

[grantbartley]

Would have helped if you said what the verse actually says. I haven't managed to memorise the Bible yet.

[carlosmattey]

Read:Atomic power with God thru prayer and fasting. Franklin Hall

[ThatsNotMyWife]

Thanks Dan! It's so nice to see visual evidence of the funny business that has so often occurred in the Bible.