Why is Matthew 17:21 missing from modern Bibles?

If you’re comparing an older translation of the Bible, like the King James Version, to a more modern one, you might notice that Matthew 17:21 seems to be absent. This verse reads, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

The reason for its omission lies in the complex world of textual criticism and the ongoing effort to reconstruct the most accurate version of the original biblical texts.

Textual Criticism and Manuscript Evidence

• The Goal: Scholars meticulously compare thousands of ancient manuscripts of the Bible, looking for differences and attempting to determine which readings are most likely the original ones.
• The Problem: Not all manuscripts are created equal. Some are older, some are more carefully copied, and some belong to different textual traditions.
• The Evidence: In the case of Matthew 17:21, the oldest and most reliable manuscripts do not include this verse. This suggests it was likely a later addition, perhaps copied in from the parallel passage in Mark 9:29.

Why Do Some Older Translations Include It?

Older translations, like the KJV, were based on a smaller set of manuscripts that were available at the time. These manuscripts often included additions or variations that have since been identified as less likely to be original.

Modern Translations and the Quest for Accuracy

Modern translations prioritise the most reliable manuscript evidence in their efforts to present the text as close as possible to its original form. This means omitting verses that are likely later additions, even if they were included in older, more familiar translations.

The Importance of Understanding

It’s crucial to remember that the omission of Matthew 17:21 does not diminish the importance of prayer and fasting in the Christian life. These practices are emphasised throughout the Bible. However, this particular verse appears to be a later addition to the text of Matthew, and modern translations reflect this scholarly understanding.