Why is Matthew 17 verse 21 missing? Understanding the Disappearing Verse
You might have noticed when reading the Gospel of Matthew, specifically chapter 17, that verse 21 seems to be absent in some versions. This can be a bit confusing, especially if you're accustomed to a Bible where this verse is present. Let's dive into why this phenomenon occurs and what it means for our understanding of the biblical text.
The Case of the Missing Verse
The primary reason why Matthew 17:21 is missing in many modern translations is related to the way biblical texts have been preserved and translated over centuries. The Bible as we know it is a collection of ancient manuscripts, and these manuscripts aren't always identical. Scholars have to meticulously compare these texts to determine the most original and reliable wording.
Textual Criticism: The Detective Work of Biblical Scholars
This process of comparing manuscripts is called textual criticism. Think of it like a historian trying to piece together a history book from multiple, slightly different original drafts. Textual critics examine a vast array of ancient Greek manuscripts (and sometimes other ancient languages like Syriac and Latin) of the New Testament. They look for variations, omissions, and additions.
In the case of Matthew 17:21, the verse reads:
"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." (King James Version)
This verse appears in the widely used King James Version (KJV) and some other older translations. However, when scholars compare the earliest and most reliable Greek manuscripts, they find that this verse is often absent. Many of the most important and ancient Greek manuscripts, including Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus (both dating from the 4th century AD), do not contain Matthew 17:21.
The Manuscript Evidence
The vast majority of early Greek manuscripts that do include verse 21 are later in date and, in some cases, show signs of being influenced by the Gospel of Mark. Specifically, the passage in Matthew 17:14-20 describes Jesus healing a boy with epilepsy. In the parallel account in Mark 9:29, Jesus explains that this particular kind of demon could only be cast out by prayer. It's believed that some scribes, noticing the thematic similarity and perhaps wanting to emphasize the importance of prayer, may have incorporated a version of Mark's explanation into Matthew.
Why Do Different Translations Vary?
Modern Bible translations, such as the New International Version (NIV), English Standard Version (ESV), New Living Translation (NLT), and others, generally rely on the most recent scholarship and the findings of textual criticism. These scholars weigh the evidence from the earliest and most numerous manuscripts. Therefore, when the earliest and most authoritative manuscripts omit a verse, modern translations will typically follow suit, often including a note to inform the reader about the textual variant.
The absence of Matthew 17:21 in these translations isn't an attempt to remove a theological point. Instead, it's an effort to present the text as accurately as the surviving manuscripts allow. The message about the power of prayer and fasting is still powerfully conveyed throughout the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, even without this specific verse.
What Does This Mean for You?
It's important to understand that this is a common occurrence in biblical translation. The goal of translators is to provide the most accurate representation of the original biblical languages based on the best available evidence. The variations in manuscripts, while sometimes leading to slightly different readings, rarely affect the core theological doctrines of Christianity.
If you're using a translation that includes Matthew 17:21, you can still benefit from its message. If your translation omits it, you can be confident that this is due to the manuscript evidence and that the overarching themes of faith, prayer, and spiritual warfare are still robustly presented in the surrounding verses and throughout Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do some Bibles have Matthew 17:21 and others don't?
This is due to differences in the ancient manuscripts that translators used. Many of the oldest and most reliable Greek manuscripts do not contain verse 21. Modern translations often omit it to reflect the evidence from these earliest manuscripts, while older translations might have included it based on later manuscript traditions.
Is Matthew 17:21 an important verse?
The verse, "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting," emphasizes the importance of prayer and fasting in overcoming certain spiritual challenges. While the verse itself may be absent in some translations due to manuscript evidence, the theme of the power of prayer and faith is a central and consistent message throughout the Bible.
How do Bible translators decide which verses to include?
Bible translators use a process called textual criticism. They compare thousands of ancient manuscripts to determine the most likely original wording. They give more weight to older, more numerous, and more reliable manuscripts. If a verse is consistently missing from the earliest manuscripts, it may be omitted in modern translations, often with a note explaining the variation.
Does the omission of Matthew 17:21 change the meaning of the Bible?
No, the omission of Matthew 17:21 in some translations does not fundamentally change the core teachings or theological message of the Bible. The principles of prayer, faith, and spiritual authority are abundantly present in other passages. The variation is a scholarly decision based on manuscript evidence.
