Understanding some of the practices mentioned in previous lessons, we can piece together how to study God’s Word. However, this lesson will discuss some additional intricacies of the Bible that should make our understanding of Scripture clearer.

Manuscript Copies

Considering that there were no computers or printers in earlier centuries, we understand that the earliest manuscripts of the Bible were handwritten copies. Unfortunately, we don’t have any of the original manuscripts from which the copies were made; therefore, it should be understood that every Bible is based on a copied manuscript. We should also understand that there are multiple manuscripts with various names (i.e. Septuagint Vulgate, Dead Sea Scrolls, Masoretic…etc.). Some manuscripts were written in Greek, some in Latin, and others in Hebrew and Aramaic.

Bible Translations

There are numerous Bible translations, also called versions. These versions are all based on the manuscripts that are still in existence. Translations such as the King James Version and the New International Version are some of the most popular versions in existence today.

However, there are differences between the two versions that have caused much discussion. What must be understood is that Bible versions may vary based on the manuscripts from which they were derived. It is hard to say if one Bible version is better than the next version, so it may be best to read multiple versions to gain an understanding of God’s Word.

Missing Verses

A point of discussion among many KJV enthusiasts is the fact that some Bible translations appear to omit various text. For reason, which I have yet to understand, the NIV seems to have become the preeminent “villain” of these translations that have omitted texts and thus many see the NIV as a corrupted translation of the Bible. However, when we compare Bible translations, we will discover that there are multiple Bible translations that also omit these various texts. The reason for these omitted texts is that Bible scholars have determined that there is evidence that some of the Bible verses in the KJV and other translations were never written in the original manuscript. As a matter of fact, in many Bible commentaries, the commentator will often suggest that there is textual evidence for the omission of said verse. The NIV and other translations removed these texts because of the textual evidence. Therefore, we conclude that there’s no grand conspiracy to remove certain text from certain Bibles. And thus, we must realize the KJV is not the original manuscript and should not be used as the official barometer for other translations. We must judge these translations from the “original” manuscripts.

Apocrypha

As you begin to study God’s Word, you might come across Bibles that contain books excluded from the KJV or NIV versions. Tobias, Judith, Baruch, Ecclesiasticus, Wisdom, First and Second Maccabees, are some of the additional books you may discover. These books, often found in Catholic Bibles, are typically considered non-canonical (not part of the accepted standard); therefore, they can be read for their literary worth; but they are not considered “inspired” books.

B.I.B.L.E.

The Bible is often used as an acronym for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Even though there are numerous manuscripts and versions, God has preserved exactly what we need in order to be saved. So whether you are reading the KJV, the NIV, or another version, please understand that the Bible has all the instructions needed in order to leave this earth for a life with God in His kingdom.