Why Was John 5:4 Omitted from the Bible? Uncovering the Truth

The omission of John 5:4 from some versions of the Bible has been a topic of debate among scholars and religious leaders for centuries. This verse, which describes an angel who stirs up the waters of the pool of Bethesda, is present in many early manuscripts of the Bible but is missing from some modern translations. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this omission and what it means for our understanding of the Bible.

The History of John 5:4

John 5:4 is found in many early manuscripts of the Bible, including the Codex Sinaiticus and the Codex Vaticanus. However, it is missing from some other early manuscripts, such as the Codex Bezae and the Codex Washingtonianus. This has led scholars to debate whether the verse was originally part of the Gospel of John or was added later.

One theory is that the verse was added by a scribe who wanted to explain the presence of sick people at the pool of Bethesda. The verse states that an angel would occasionally stir up the waters, and the first person to enter the pool after this happened would be healed. This explanation would have made sense to people in the ancient world who believed in the power of angels and miracles.

Another theory is that the verse was omitted by a scribe who felt that it contradicted other teachings in the Bible. Some scholars have pointed out that the idea of an angel stirring up the waters seems to contradict the Christian belief in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through physical healing.

The Impact of John 5:4's Omission

The omission of John 5:4 from some versions of the Bible has had a significant impact on the interpretation of the Gospel of John. Some scholars argue that the verse is important because it provides historical context for the story of the healing at the pool of Bethesda. They claim that the verse helps us understand why sick people were gathered at the pool and why they believed in its healing powers.

Others argue that the verse is not essential to the overall message of the Gospel of John and that its omission does not affect the core teachings of Christianity. They point out that the Gospel of John teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through physical healing.

Which Versions of the Bible Include John 5:4?

There are many different versions of the Bible, and the inclusion of John 5:4 varies depending on the translation. Here are some of the most popular translations and whether they include the verse:

• King James Version: Includes John 5:4
• New International Version: Does not include John 5:4
• New Revised Standard Version: Does not include John 5:4
• English Standard Version: Does not include John 5:4
• Revised Standard Version: Includes John 5:4

Conclusion

The omission of John 5:4 from some versions of the Bible has been a topic of debate for centuries. While some scholars argue that the verse provides important historical context for the Gospel of John, others believe that its omission does not affect the core teachings of Christianity. Ultimately, the decision of whether to include the verse in a particular translation of the Bible is up to the translators and the religious communities they represent.

"For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement." - 1 John 5:7-8