The Accuracy of the Bible – The Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount)

Recently, members of another religion have been making comments about the accuracy of the Christian Bible. Let’s examine the accuracy of one of the most famous passages in the Bible known as “The Beatitudes” from the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:1-12. There are two notable differences listed below that occur in versions of the Bible:

1. A few versions place verse 4 after verse 5.

2. A few versions omit the word “falsely” in verse 11.

Examine the text below and consider the two listed variants. Neither of these differences changes the actual meaning of the text. In the New Testament, there are over 15,000 textual variants that exist. Most of the textual variants in the New Testament are similar in nature to the two examples noted above. The important thing to keep in mind is that the message does not change. Both of these textual variants exist due to the editing process for publication. The text was published repeatedly over many centuries and editing changes occurred for a variety of reasons. However, the message remained the same. Remember, Jesus preached and his message was preserved by his apostles and their followers through the centuries. That message as preserved in the New Testament is the same now as it was then.

J. Clontz – based on the textual notes in the Comprehensive New Testament

5

            1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on a mountain. And when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3          “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

                        for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4          Blessed are those who mourn,

                        for they shall be comforted.

5          Blessed are the meek,

                        for they shall inherit the earth.

6          Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

                        for they shall be filled.

7          Blessed are the merciful,

                        for they shall obtain mercy.

8          Blessed are the pure in heart,

                        for they shall see God.

9          Blessed are the peacemakers,

                        for they shall be called sons of God.

10        Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

                        for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you [falsely] for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.