Most of us are familiar with the narrative in John 5:1-9, which recounts the story of the man who had been paralyzed for 38 years at the pool of Bethesda. Let’s revisit this passage:
“Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ 7 ‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.’ 8 Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” (John 5:1-9, NIV).
Did you notice something missing? If you read closely, you might realize that verse 4 is absent in this passage! Starting from verse one and counting, you go: 1, 2, 3… then directly to 5. This missing verse, John 5:4, is a point of curiosity and discussion for many Bible readers.
The Curious Case of the Omitted Verse: John 5:4
For those using Bible versions like the NIV, ESV, NRSV, CEV, NLT, and NET Bible, verse 4 is indeed missing. However, if you consult the NASB or NCV, you’ll find it enclosed in brackets. The KJV and NKJV, on the other hand, include John 5:4 without any brackets or notations. So what exactly is going on with John 5:4? What does this verse say, and why is it treated so differently across Bible translations?
The missing words in John 5:4 typically read: “for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted” (NASB).
The reason for this discrepancy lies in the fascinating world of biblical manuscript study. Scholars dedicated to comparing ancient Greek New Testament manuscripts, known as textual critics and paleographers, have made a significant discovery. They found that the material constituting what we know as John 5:4 is absent from the earliest and most reliable manuscripts of the Gospel of John.
These meticulous scholars have uncovered evidence within some older manuscripts themselves. In approximately two dozen manuscripts, scribes had actually placed asterisk marks next to this verse. These marks served as a warning to future scribes copying the text, indicating that the verse was likely not part of the original writing. Adding to this evidence, linguistic analysis reveals that a significant portion of the Greek words in John 5:4 are unique and not found anywhere else in the Gospel of John. This linguistic anomaly further supports the conclusion that John 5:4 was not originally part of the New Testament.
Modern Bible Translations and Textual Accuracy
Following manuscript discoveries in the 19th century, Bible translators after 1900 gained access to more ancient texts that illuminated the likely non-original nature of John 5:4. This is why modern translations often omit the verse entirely or include it within brackets, signaling its questionable authenticity. The King James Version (KJV), translated before these manuscript discoveries were widely available, naturally includes the verse without brackets. The New King James Version (NKJV) followed the KJV in this regard. Modern translations, by either omitting or bracketing John 5:4, provide a more accurate representation of what the original inspired text likely looked like.
The Superstition Surrounding the Pool of Bethesda
Why might John 5:4 have been added to the text later if it wasn’t original? It’s not because the Bible shies away from angels; angelic beings are prevalent throughout Scripture. However, in ancient times, much like today, folklore and superstitions surrounding spiritual matters were common. The belief that an angel periodically stirred the waters of Bethesda, granting healing to the first person who entered, was likely one such popular superstition.
Interestingly, John 5:7 does mention the stirring of the water, reflecting the common belief, but it notably omits any reference to an angel. It’s plausible that John was aware of the prevailing folklore concerning the pool but deliberately chose to exclude the mention of an angel in his original account. Perhaps his intention was to avoid endorsing the superstitious belief about angelic intervention in the water. By leaving out the popular folklore element in John 5:4, John directs the reader’s focus squarely on the true source of healing present at Bethesda – Jesus Christ himself.
Lessons from the Missing Verse: John 5:4
“The case of the missing verse,” John 5:4, offers valuable lessons for all Bible readers. Firstly, it underscores the importance of attentive Bible reading. If we can overlook something as noticeable as a missing verse number in John 5, what other details might we be missing? Close reading and careful observation are crucial for deeper understanding.
Secondly, comparing different Bible translations proves to be beneficial. Even biblical scholars who are proficient in Greek and Hebrew utilize and compare various manuscript traditions and translations. Examining how different translations handle John 5:4 can draw our attention to significant textual issues and nuances.
Thirdly, it reinforces the necessity of ensuring our preaching and teaching are firmly grounded in the most reliable biblical text. Countless individuals dedicated their lives to meticulously transmitting the biblical text across generations. The least we can do is to engage with it thoughtfully and pay close attention to its details and textual history. Understanding the story of John 5:4 enhances our appreciation for the Bible and the diligent work of those who have preserved and translated it for us.
