Nate
Gold Member
The scholars note where the text we have now differs from older versions differences that are evidence of the inevitable textual hiccups, scribal errors and other human fingerprints that became part of the Bible as it was passed on, orally and in writing.
A Microsoft Excel chart projected on one wall on a recent Sunday showed variations in a single phrase from the Book of Malachi, a prophet.
The verse in question, from the text we know today, makes reference to "those who swear falsely." The scholars have found that in quotes from rabbinic writings around the 5th century A.D., the phrase was longer: "those who swear falsely in my name."
In another example, this one from the Book of Deuteronomy, a passage referring to commandments given by God "to you" once read "to us," a significant change in meaning.
Other differences are more striking.
The Book of Jeremiah is now one-seventh longer than the one that appears in some of the 2,000-year-old manuscripts known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Some verses, including ones containing a prophecy about the seizure and return of Temple implements by Babylonian soldiers, appear to have been added after the events happened.
Scholars seek to correct 'mistakes' in Bible - World news - Mideast/N. Africa - msnbc.com
Hell of an endeavor these scholars are undertaking! Though the main reason I posted this was to show those that constantly use the phrase "because the bible tells us so" may want to be careful... This intriguing book has passed through many hands over the last 2000 years or so and didn't have the church's best interest in mind(though they probably thought they did) ie, Martin Luther.
Although Protestants like to think positively about Martin Luther because of his supposed belief in sola Scriptura (the Bible alone), the truth is that Martin Luther changed parts of the Bible and discounted the value of many books.
Notice a change he admitted to regarding Romans 3:28:
You tell me what a great fuss the Papists are making because the word alone in not in the text of Paul say right out to him: Dr. Martin Luther will have it so, I will have it so, and I order it to be so, and my will is reason enough. I know very well that the word alone is not in the Latin or the Greek text (Stoddard J. Rebuilding a Lost Faith. 1922, pp. 101-102; see also Luther M. Amic. Discussion, 1, 127).
This passage strongly suggests that Martin Luther viewed his opinions, and not the actual Bible as the primary authoritya concept which this author will name prima Luther. By papists he is condemning Roman Catholics.
Martin Luther Changed and/or Discounted 18 Books of the Bible