Why is Matthew 17:21 missing in some Bible translations?

The Gospel of Matthew is a cornerstone of the New Testament, providing a detailed account of Jesus' life, teachings, and works. One passage that often raises questions among readers is Matthew 17:21, which is missing in some modern Bible translations. This verse, in the King James Version (KJV), reads: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." Understanding why this verse is absent in certain translations involves delving into the history of biblical manuscripts, the principles of textual criticism, and the translation philosophies of various Bible versions.

The primary reason Matthew 17:21 is missing in some Bible translations is due to differences in the ancient manuscripts from which these translations are derived. The New Testament was originally written in Greek, and over the centuries, numerous copies were made by hand. These manuscripts are the foundation for modern Bible translations. However, not all manuscripts are identical; variations exist due to copying errors, additions, or omissions by scribes.

Textual criticism is the scholarly discipline that seeks to determine the most accurate text of the New Testament by comparing these manuscripts. Scholars analyze thousands of Greek manuscripts, early translations, and quotations by early church fathers to reconstruct the original text as closely as possible. Two of the most significant manuscript families are the Byzantine text-type and the Alexandrian text-type.

The Byzantine text-type, which underlies the Textus Receptus (the basis for the King James Version), includes Matthew 17:21. However, older and arguably more reliable manuscripts from the Alexandrian text-type, such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, do not contain this verse. These manuscripts date back to the 4th century and are considered by many scholars to be closer to the original autographs of the New Testament.

Modern translations like the New International Version (NIV), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) rely heavily on these older manuscripts. Consequently, they often omit verses that are absent in the earliest sources. Instead of including Matthew 17:21, these translations may include a footnote indicating that some manuscripts add the verse, thus providing transparency about the textual variations.

The verse in question, Matthew 17:21, appears in the context of Jesus' disciples struggling to cast out a demon from a boy. In Matthew 17:19-20, Jesus explains that their failure was due to their lack of faith. The verse in Mark 9:29, which is parallel to Matthew 17:21, states, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." This has led some to speculate that the verse in Matthew might have been added by scribes influenced by the Markan account.

The inclusion or exclusion of Matthew 17:21 does not significantly alter the overall message of the passage. The primary lesson remains the importance of faith and reliance on God, which can be strengthened through prayer and fasting. Jesus' emphasis on faith as small as a mustard seed moving mountains (Matthew 17:20) underscores the transformative power of genuine belief.

The translation philosophy also plays a role in whether Matthew 17:21 is included. The King James Version and New King James Version are based on the Textus Receptus, which includes the verse. These translations prioritize the manuscript tradition that was available during the 16th and 17th centuries. On the other hand, modern translations aim to reflect the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, even if it means omitting verses found in later copies.

It's important to recognize that the absence of Matthew 17:21 in some translations does not undermine the doctrine of the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. The process of textual criticism and the discovery of older manuscripts have provided a more accurate picture of the original text. This ongoing scholarly work reflects the providence of God in preserving His Word throughout history.

Moreover, the practice of prayer and fasting is well-attested in other parts of Scripture. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights (Matthew 4:2) and taught about the proper attitude towards fasting in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:16-18). The early church also practiced fasting and prayer, as seen in Acts 13:2-3 and Acts 14:23. Thus, the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting remain integral to the Christian life, regardless of the presence of Matthew 17:21 in certain translations.

In conclusion, the absence of Matthew 17:21 in some modern Bible translations is a result of differences in ancient manuscripts and the principles of textual criticism. While the verse is present in the Byzantine text-type and the Textus Receptus, it is absent in older and more reliable Alexandrian manuscripts. Modern translations prioritize these earlier sources to provide a text that is as close to the original writings as possible. This scholarly approach does not diminish the core teachings of Jesus or the practice of prayer and fasting, which are affirmed throughout Scripture. Understanding these textual variations enriches our appreciation for the Bible's preservation and the meticulous work of those who seek to faithfully translate God's Word.