This question is very important and often comes up when people begin comparing different Bible versions. The short answer is: yes, there are several verses in certain Bible versions (especially older ones like the King James Version) that are not found in modern versions such as NIV, ESV, or the Indonesian New Translation. However, it is important to understand: those verses were not removed maliciously or intentionally censored.
Let’s discuss this more deeply, with honesty, love, and carefulness, so it will not be misunderstood.
1. Why Are There Differences in Bible Verses?
The Bible was handed down from thousands of ancient manuscripts copied by hand, one by one, before printing machines existed. In this process, there were textual variants, small differences between one copy and another.
When the Bible was first translated into English (such as the King James Version in 1611), the translators used a Greek manuscript called the “Textus Receptus”. This manuscript is very good, but most of it came from the Middle Ages.
However, after the discovery of older manuscripts that were closer to the time of the apostles (such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus), scholars realized that some verses in the Textus Receptus were not present in these earlier manuscripts.
So, in modern Bible versions, some verses are not included in the main text because they are considered additions by scribes. However, those verses are often still listed in footnotes for transparency.
2. Examples of Verses Not Found in Modern Bibles
Here are some examples of verses that are not found in ancient manuscripts and are usually absent from modern versions:
✦ Matthew 17:21
“This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Not found in many early manuscripts.
✦ Mark 7:16
“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Often considered an insertion from Jesus’ sayings elsewhere.
✦ John 5:4
“For an angel went down at certain times into the pool and stirred up the water…”
Believed to be an added explanation by a scribe to clarify the context of the verse.
✦ Acts 8:37
“If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
Not found in the oldest manuscripts.
✦ Mark 16:9-20
This section is known as the “long ending of the Gospel of Mark.” Some old manuscripts end at Mark 16:8. The following section is believed to have been added later, although it still contains a message that is in line with the other Gospels.
3. Does This Mean the Bible Cannot Be Trusted?
Absolutely not. In fact, the opposite is true. The fact that modern translators dare to be transparent by showing parts that may not be original, proves the integrity and honesty in preserving God’s Word.
More than 99% of the Bible’s content remains consistent across various ancient manuscripts, and not a single major doctrine changes because of textual variants. No teaching about salvation, God’s love, Christ’s work, or eternal life is shaken by these differences.
4. What Is the Right Attitude Toward This?
- Do not be afraid of differences. God has never failed in preserving His message.
- Learn more deeply. Compare translations, look at footnotes, and explore the history of the text.
- Focus on the main message. Do not get stuck only on the “missing” verses, but look at the whole, saving gospel of Jesus Christ.
5. Conclusion: God’s Word Remains Complete and Trustworthy
Yes, there are some verses that are not found in the earliest manuscripts and therefore are not included in modern Bible versions. But this is not a deceptive “removal,” rather a responsible academic process.
As believers, we can be sure that God has preserved and continues to preserve His Word so that it remains pure, complete, and trustworthy. As written in Isaiah 40:8, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
