Why Were Certain Bible Verses Removed from Modern Translations?

Brief Overview

• Bible scholars discovered that some verses in older translations like the King James Version did not appear in the earliest and most reliable ancient manuscripts available to modern scholars.
• The Catholic Church teaches that Scripture is inspired by God, and modern translations aim to present the most authentic text based on the oldest surviving biblical documents.
• When scholars compared thousands of ancient manuscripts from different time periods and regions, they found that certain passages were added later by copyists rather than written by the original biblical authors.
• The removal of these verses does not change core Catholic doctrine or essential teachings about Jesus, salvation, or Christian morality.
• The Church supports scholarly translation work that uses the best available evidence to present Scripture as accurately as possible to Catholics today.
• Understanding why some verses were removed helps Catholics appreciate the careful work of translators and strengthens confidence in the reliability of modern biblical texts.

The Historical Development of Bible Manuscripts

The Bible we read today has traveled through many centuries of handwritten copies before printing technology existed. For nearly fourteen hundred years after the New Testament was written, monks and scribes copied Scripture by hand, one letter at a time. These ancient copyists worked with incredible care and dedication, yet they were human beings working in difficult conditions. Some made honest mistakes when their eyes jumped from one line to another. Others deliberately added explanatory notes in the margins that later scribes accidentally included in the text itself. Still others modified wording to clarify what they thought the original authors meant. As time passed, later copies were made from copies rather than from the original documents. Small changes multiplied across centuries until many variant readings existed throughout the Christian world. Scholars in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries began systematically collecting and comparing thousands of these ancient manuscripts. They discovered that earlier manuscripts typically contained fewer additions and elaborations than later ones. This research led to a revolutionary understanding that many passages familiar to Catholic readers did not actually exist in the earliest and most reliable biblical texts.

The Role of Textual Criticism in Translation

Textual criticism is the scholarly discipline that compares different manuscript versions to determine what the original authors most likely wrote. Catholic scholars and Protestant scholars have worked together on this important task for over two centuries. The process begins by examining the oldest surviving manuscripts in their original languages, such as Greek for the New Testament and Hebrew for the Old Testament. Experts look at how many manuscripts contain a particular verse and from what time period those manuscripts come. They consider where these manuscripts originated, whether from Egypt, Syria, Asia Minor, or other regions. They examine whether changes appear intentional or accidental based on how scribes normally made mistakes. They study the writing style and context to determine if a passage fits with the surrounding verses. They look for explanatory notes that might have been confused with Scripture. This careful methodology allows scholars to distinguish between what the biblical authors originally wrote and what later additions represent. The Catholic Church supports this scholarly work because the goal is to present God’s Word as accurately as possible. Modern Catholic translations, including the New American Bible and the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, incorporate these scholarly findings.

The Longest Ending of Mark

One of the most famous examples of a verse removed from modern translations is the longer ending of Mark’s Gospel, found in Mark 16:9-20. In many older Bibles, especially the King James Version, this passage describes Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and the other disciples after His Resurrection. The passage includes the promise that believers will perform miracles and speak in tongues. However, most early manuscripts of Mark simply end at Mark 16:8, concluding abruptly with the women fleeing the empty tomb in fear. The Catholic Church recognizes that this longer ending does not appear in the two oldest complete Greek manuscripts, known as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus. Many other ancient manuscripts either lack this passage entirely or include it with a note indicating uncertainty about its authenticity. The style and vocabulary of these verses differ noticeably from the rest of Mark’s Gospel. Early Church fathers like Eusebius and Jerome knew that this ending was missing from the most ancient sources. Modern Catholic scholars believe that an early scribe added this longer ending to give the Gospel a more complete conclusion. Contemporary Catholic Bible translations typically include Mark 16:9-20 but indicate through notes or formatting that these verses are not found in the earliest manuscripts.

The Story of the Woman Caught in Adultery

Another passage familiar to many Catholics that does not appear in early manuscripts is the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 7:53-8:11. This beloved passage depicts Jesus showing mercy and compassion to a woman brought before him by accusers ready to execute her. Jesus famously tells the woman that he does not condemn her and instructs her to go and sin no more. Yet virtually no early Greek manuscripts of John’s Gospel contain this story. The passage appears in some later manuscripts and in the Latin Vulgate, but textual evidence strongly suggests it was not part of John’s original Gospel. Scholars note that this story interrupts the flow of the Gospel narrative and reflects a different theological emphasis than John typically demonstrates. The passage also appears in some manuscripts as part of Luke’s Gospel rather than John’s Gospel, suggesting it circulated as an independent story before being incorporated into different Gospel accounts. Despite its absence from the earliest sources, the Catholic Church teaches that this passage conveys authentic Christian wisdom about judgment and mercy. The Church acknowledges that while this account may not be original to John’s Gospel, it preserves important truths about Jesus that align with all four Gospels. Modern Catholic Bibles include this passage but note in their introductions that the earliest manuscripts do not contain it.

First John 5:7-8 and the Comma Johanneum

The text known as the Comma Johanneum, found in the King James Version at 1 John 5:7-8, represents another significant example of textual addition. The traditional reading includes the phrase “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost.” This verse became very important in Christian discussions about the Trinity during the early centuries of Church history. However, scholars found that this exact phrasing never appears in any Greek manuscript before the sixteenth century. The passage does appear in some Latin manuscripts, particularly in Spain and Africa, but Greek witnesses to this text are nearly nonexistent until very late. Textual scholars believe that Christian theologians or copyists gradually expanded the shorter original text to emphasize the Trinity more clearly. Early Church fathers who wrote extensively about the Trinity, such as Augustine and Athanasius, never quoted this particular verse in their theological arguments. The Catholic Church has never relied solely on this passage to establish the doctrine of the Trinity since the doctrine is supported by many other Scripture passages. Modern Catholic translations accurately reflect that this phrase is not present in the most reliable early manuscripts. The core theological truth about God as Trinity remains firmly rooted in other biblical passages that appear in all manuscript traditions.

The Longer Ending of Luke

Some manuscripts of Luke’s Gospel include additional material that does not appear in the oldest and most reliable sources. Certain versions contain extended resurrection appearances and teachings that other manuscripts lack. These variations illustrate how scribes sometimes expanded Gospel accounts with additional stories or details. The phenomenon of scribal additions occurs more frequently at the beginning and end of biblical books. Scribes apparently felt more freedom to make additions at these natural transition points. This pattern helps scholars identify which verses are likely original and which are later additions. Early scribes sometimes included marginal notes explaining difficult passages, and later copyists confused these explanatory comments with the biblical text itself. The more modern Catholic translations, based on earlier manuscript evidence, present Luke’s Gospel in its more concise form. The doctrinal content of Luke’s Gospel remains complete and theologically sound without these later additions. This situation demonstrates how textual scholarship helps Catholics access Scripture as the original authors wrote it.

Understanding Scribal Motivations

Ancient scribes made changes to biblical texts for various reasons, and understanding these motivations helps explain why some verses were added. Some scribes sought to harmonize differences between the Gospels, particularly when one Gospel account seemed incomplete compared to another. They believed they were clarifying the text by adding information from parallel Gospel accounts. Other scribes added explanatory details they thought helped readers understand difficult passages. They sometimes corrected what they perceived as grammatical errors or unusual vocabulary choices. Some scribes made theological adjustments, adding material they believed would strengthen Christian doctrine or counter false teachings circulating in their communities. Still other changes resulted from simple human error, when a scribe’s attention wandered or their eyes accidentally skipped lines. Some alterations occurred when scribes tried to expand abbreviated passages or interpret cryptic references. The vast majority of scribal changes were minor and did not affect meaning, but some additions became substantial enough to appear as entire verses in later copies. Modern scholars can often identify when changes occurred by studying patterns across different manuscript families. The Catholic Church recognizes that these scribal activities, while understandable in context, do not represent the original inspiration of Scripture.

Catholic Teaching on Scripture and Textual Accuracy

The Catholic Church teaches that Scripture is the inspired Word of God, preserved by the Holy Spirit through the centuries. The Church also recognizes that human involvement in copying and translating Scripture means attention to scholarly accuracy matters greatly. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that we know divine truth through Scripture and Tradition transmitted by the Church. Modern Catholic teaching supports careful scriptural scholarship to recover the most authentic text possible. Pope Pius XII encouraged Catholic scholars to use the best scientific methods available to study Scripture. The Second Vatican Council affirmed the importance of translation from the most ancient manuscript sources available. The Church teaches that minor textual variations do not compromise the essential message of Scripture. Catholic scholars work collaboratively with other Christian scholars in this textual research. The goal of this work is to serve the faith, not to undermine it. Understanding the textual history of Scripture strengthens Catholic confidence in Scripture’s reliability.

The Relationship Between Fewer Verses and Catholic Doctrine

Some Catholics worry that removing verses from the Bible might weaken doctrine or create confusion about what the Church teaches. The reality is that Catholic essential doctrine does not depend on the verses that scholars have identified as later additions. The divinity of Jesus Christ stands firmly on many verses that appear in all manuscript traditions. The Resurrection of Jesus appears consistently throughout the entire New Testament. The necessity of grace for salvation pervades all authentic biblical texts. The reality of the Eucharist finds support in many passages that scholars universally accept. The apostolic authority of the Church flows from numerous biblical foundations. The existence of purgatory and the communion of saints rest on various Scripture passages. Catholic moral teaching about love of God and neighbor appears repeatedly throughout Scripture. The Church’s understanding of sin and redemption does not depend on specific verses that textual evidence suggests were added later. Rather than weakening faith, understanding textual history can actually strengthen Catholic understanding of Scripture.

How Manuscripts Were Compared

Scholars developed sophisticated methods to compare thousands of ancient biblical manuscripts and determine the most reliable text. They began by collecting and cataloging manuscripts from across the Mediterranean world and the Middle East. They noted the date each manuscript was produced, based on writing style and physical characteristics. They identified which biblical books each manuscript contained. They compared word-for-word readings across manuscripts to identify where scribes made changes. They created detailed charts showing which manuscript families contained which variant readings. They analyzed patterns to determine whether a change likely resulted from accidental error or deliberate modification. They studied how different geographical regions developed their own manuscript traditions. They recognized that older manuscripts generally had fewer accumulated changes than younger copies. They observed that readings appearing in multiple independent manuscript families were more likely to be original. This painstaking work took decades and required expertise in ancient Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and paleography. Catholic scholars contributed significantly to this research and continue participating in ongoing textual study. The results of this scholarship inform modern Catholic Bible translations.

The Significance of Earliest Manuscripts

The earliest surviving biblical manuscripts provide the most valuable evidence for determining what the original biblical authors wrote. Scholars generally give more weight to older manuscripts because they have fewer opportunities for copying errors to accumulate. The oldest nearly complete New Testament manuscript, Codex Vaticanus, dates to approximately the fourth century. Codex Sinaiticus, another extremely important early manuscript, also dates to around the fourth century. These manuscripts predate other famous manuscripts like the Byzantine texts that were copied many times over subsequent centuries. Earlier papyri fragments provide even more ancient testimony but typically contain only portions of Scripture. Manuscripts from Egypt often survived because the dry climate preserved them in excellent condition. Manuscripts from other regions were destroyed by damp, heat, or war over the centuries. Catholic scholars recognize that these early manuscripts represent reliable witnesses to the original biblical text. The Church’s liturgical use of Scripture throughout the centuries provided an additional check on textual accuracy. When scholars compare what the early Church quoted from Scripture in their writings with what manuscripts contain, they find general agreement. This consistency demonstrates that modern textual analysis relies on sound methodology.

How Modern Catholic Translations Handle Disputed Verses

Catholic Bible translations today employ different strategies for presenting verses that appear in some manuscripts but not in the earliest sources. The New American Bible, the most widely used Catholic translation in English, includes notes explaining which passages lack strong manuscript support. The Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition similarly provides footnotes identifying passages absent from early manuscripts. These translations include disputed passages in the biblical text but make their textual status transparent to readers. This approach honors the traditional Catholic use of Scripture while maintaining scholarly honesty about textual evidence. Readers can see both the passage and the explanatory note indicating its questionable authenticity. This transparency helps Catholics understand how modern translations work. It demonstrates that translators are not hiding information but rather making scholarly judgments evident. Some Catholic parishes choose traditional translations that include all traditional verses without such notes. The Church permits this choice while also endorsing translations that reflect modern scholarship. Catholics can confidently use either approach because both are considered valid.

The Impact of Printing on Textual Stability

Before printing technology developed in the fifteenth century, every copy of Scripture had to be written by hand. Printed Bibles created the first widely standardized versions of Scripture. Early printed editions of the Greek New Testament were based on relatively late manuscripts available to Renaissance printers. The printer Desiderius Erasmus produced one of the first printed Greek Testaments, and his text formed the basis for the King James Version published in 1611. This Textus Receptus, as it was called, included the longer ending of Mark, the story of the woman caught in adultery, and the Comma Johanneum. When early Protestant scholars began working with this printed text, it became standardized in Protestant Bibles for centuries. Catholic editions were based on the Latin Vulgate rather than the Greek original. The discovery of much older manuscripts in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries demonstrated that the Textus Receptus included later additions. Modern printing allows easy production of different translations based on different manuscript sources. Catholics can now access translations grounded in the earliest and most reliable evidence. This represents a significant improvement in providing God’s Word as accurately as possible.

The Council of Trent and Scripture

The Catholic Church at the Council of Trent in the sixteenth century officially declared the Latin Vulgate as the authentic text of Scripture for the Church. This decision reflected the Church’s respect for the long tradition of Latin translation going back to Saint Jerome. The Council was responding to Protestant challenges about the authority of Scripture and Tradition. At that time, scholars did not have access to early Greek manuscripts now available to modern researchers. The Church’s position at Trent reflected the best available knowledge and was not based on modern textual evidence. Contemporary Catholic scholarship continues to honor Tradition while also incorporating modern manuscript discoveries. The Church does not regard ancient decisions about Scripture as preventing current scholarship. Modern popes have encouraged Catholics to engage with scriptural scholarship using the best available methods. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reflects this openness to scholarly advancement. Catholic universities employ scholars who participate fully in textual criticism research. This demonstrates that the Church values truth wherever scholarly investigation leads.

Understanding Scribal Harmonization

One common type of scribal change involved harmonizing the Gospels to make them more consistent with each other. When scribes noticed that Matthew, Mark, and Luke reported events slightly differently, they sometimes “corrected” one Gospel to match another. For example, if Matthew’s version of a saying contained more detail than Mark’s version, a scribe might add Matthew’s details into Mark’s account. This seemingly helpful activity actually created new textual variants that did not represent the original authors’ intentions. Scholars can often identify harmonizing changes by comparing them against the manuscript evidence. If a change brings one Gospel into agreement with another but appears only in later manuscripts, scribes likely created it. Interestingly, such harmonizations show that scribes believed the four Gospels should basically agree with each other. This reflects the Church’s ancient teaching that the four Gospels present one consistent witness to Jesus. However, the original Gospel authors apparently valued diversity of perspective and presentation. Preserving the Gospels as they were originally written, rather than harmonized versions, better serves the Church’s understanding of Scripture today.

The Challenge of Determining Original Authorship

Scholars sometimes face difficulty determining whether a passage represents something the original biblical author wrote or something added later. They consider multiple factors when making these determinations. They examine the style and vocabulary to see if the passage matches the rest of the text. They observe whether the passage disrupts the narrative flow or seems to fit naturally. They note whether the subject matter and theological perspective align with the surrounding material. They study early Church writings to see whether ancient church fathers quoted the passage. They examine manuscript evidence to determine how widely and early the passage appears. They consider whether the passage addresses historical issues that would make sense in the original author’s context. They reflect on whether adding the passage improved the text’s clarity or theological impact. No single factor determines the answer, but the convergence of multiple factors builds a scholarly consensus. The Catholic Church respects these scholarly judgments while recognizing that ambiguities sometimes remain. This acknowledgment of scholarly limitations actually strengthens the Church’s credibility.

The Role of Church Fathers in Preserving Scripture

The early Church fathers and their writings provide important testimony about which verses were considered authentic Scripture. When these ancient Christian leaders quoted from Scripture in their theological and pastoral writings, they relied on the texts available in their time and place. Later scholars can compare these quotations with surviving manuscripts to understand how texts varied across different regions. If virtually all Church fathers quote a particular passage consistently, it suggests the passage was widely accepted as Scripture. If Church fathers never mention a passage that later manuscripts include, it suggests the passage was a later addition. Augustine, Jerome, Origen, and other major Church fathers sometimes discussed variations in Scripture they observed. Their observations provide valuable hints about which verses were already considered questionable in their time. The Church recognizes these fathers as important witnesses to the authentic Scripture. However, the Church does not regard every statement by a Church father as infallible truth. Rather, their collective testimony helps modern scholars understand the textual history of Scripture. Catholic scholarship values this patristic testimony as part of the broader tradition through which Scripture has been preserved.

Practical Implications for Catholic Readers Today

Understanding the history of biblical texts need not confuse or disturb Catholic faith. Modern scholarship actually demonstrates the extraordinary care with which Scripture has been preserved across centuries. The vast majority of biblical passages appear identically in all manuscript traditions. The disputed verses represent a tiny fraction of the total biblical text. Catholic faith rests on the authentic teachings of Scripture as accurately recovered through scholarly research. Reading a modern translation based on the earliest manuscript evidence provides access to Scripture as the original authors wrote it. Catholics can confidently read and meditate on Scripture knowing that modern translations reflect careful scholarship. When Catholics encounter footnotes about textual variants, these notes represent scholarly honesty rather than weakness or confusion. Understanding these matters can deepen Catholic appreciation for the gift of Scripture. Catholics can respond to questions about removed verses by explaining the scholarly basis for textual decisions. This knowledge helps Catholics defend the reliability and authority of Scripture. Faith and scholarship work together to serve the Church’s understanding of God’s Word.

The Ongoing Nature of Textual Research

Biblical manuscript research continues today as scholars continue finding ancient texts and studying them with improved technology. Discoveries of previously unknown ancient manuscripts occasionally occur at archaeological sites. High-resolution digital imaging allows scholars to read damaged manuscripts more clearly than ever before. Scientific analysis of manuscript materials sometimes provides more precise dating information. International cooperation among scholars ensures that expertise from many cultures and Christian traditions informs research. Catholics participate actively in this ongoing work through Catholic universities and research institutions. The Church benefits from scholarly advances that improve understanding of Scripture. Modern research has consistently confirmed rather than contradicted the reliability of earlier textual scholarship. Occasionally new discoveries suggest that a previously accepted reading was actually less well supported than scholars thought. These revisions demonstrate the honest self-correcting nature of scholarship. The Catholic Church trusts this process because it aims at recovering and honoring God’s Word. As technology improves and more ancient texts surface, scholars will continue refining their understanding of the original biblical text. Catholics can approach these developments with confidence that truth will prevail.

Conclusion: Faith and Scholarship in Harmony

The question of which biblical verses to include in modern translations represents an important intersection of faith and scholarly investigation. The Catholic Church does not regard these matters as threatening to faith but rather as serving faith through accuracy and honesty. Understanding why certain verses do not appear in the earliest manuscripts strengthens rather than weakens confidence in Scripture. Knowing that modern Catholic translations reflect careful study of ancient sources assures readers that they possess reliable Scripture. The removal of verses that appeared only in later manuscripts actually testifies to the Church’s commitment to authenticity. Catholics can trust that their modern Bibles, whether based on early manuscripts or traditional texts, contain the authentic Word of God. The Church teaches that Scripture is divinely inspired, and this inspiration extends through the centuries of careful preservation and study. Modern scholarship serves the Church by clarifying which texts genuinely represent the original biblical testimony. Faith in God’s Word and respect for scholarly truth go hand in hand. Catholics today are privileged to read Scripture informed by centuries of faithful preservation and modern scientific study.