Why Was Matthew 17 21 Removed

Why Was Matthew 17:21 Removed? A Look at Textual Variations and Interpretations

The question of Matthew 17:21's removal is a misconception. This verse, which speaks about the disciples' inability to cast out a demon, is not removed from modern Bible translations. The confusion likely stems from variations in early manuscripts and the subsequent scholarly discussions about the authenticity and inclusion of specific verses. This article will explore the textual variants surrounding Matthew 17:21 and explain why it remains a part of most modern Bible translations.

Understanding Textual Criticism and Variant Readings

The Bible, like any ancient text, has undergone a process of transmission over centuries. This process involved copying and recopying manuscripts, sometimes leading to minor variations in wording. These variations are called textual variants. Textual criticism is the scholarly discipline dedicated to evaluating these variants to determine the most likely original wording of the text.

Many early manuscripts of the New Testament contain Matthew 17:21, while some omit it. This doesn't mean it was intentionally "removed," but rather that different scribes, in different regions, may have made omissions or additions during the process of copying. These variations are not always deliberate alterations; they can result from simple errors during transcription.

The Content of Matthew 17:21 and its Context

The verse in question, typically rendered as "But this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting," (depending on the translation) relates directly to the preceding verses. It follows an account of Jesus healing a boy possessed by a demon, highlighting the disciples' failure to perform the same miracle and emphasizing the power of prayer and fasting in overcoming spiritual obstacles. Its removal would significantly weaken the contextual flow and the overall message of the passage.

Why Some Early Manuscripts Omit the Verse

Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the omission of Matthew 17:21 in some early manuscripts:

• Accidental Omission: A simple scribal error during the copying process could have resulted in the verse being skipped unintentionally.
• Homoteleuton: This refers to the similar endings of two consecutive lines, potentially leading to a scribe skipping a line inadvertently. Such instances are known to have occurred in ancient manuscript copying.
• Harmonization: Some scholars suggest that scribes might have omitted the verse to harmonize it with other accounts of exorcism in the Gospels. This might be a less likely explanation, given the overall context of the passage.

The Consensus of Modern Biblical Scholarship

The vast majority of modern Bible translations include Matthew 17:21. This is based on the textual evidence showing that the verse is present in many reliable and well-attested manuscripts. While textual critics acknowledge the variant readings, the inclusion of the verse is deemed more likely based on a critical assessment of the available manuscripts and their historical relationships.

Conclusion: No Removal, Just Textual Variations

There is no evidence that Matthew 17:21 was deliberately removed from the Bible. The variations in different manuscripts reflect the natural processes involved in the transmission of ancient texts. However, based on the overall weight of evidence, most modern translations rightly retain this verse as an integral part of the Gospel according to Matthew, providing crucial insight into the power of prayer and fasting in spiritual warfare. The ongoing study of textual variations allows us to understand better the complexities of the biblical text and the processes that have shaped its transmission through history.