Why Do Some Bibles Have Missing Verses?

Helping you choose a Bible with confidence is my mission. Part of that is answering common questions about the Bible and then pointing you towards the Bible that is right for you. Today, let's look at the question "Why do some Bibles have missing verses?"

Ever noticed a verse missing from your Bible? Maybe you were looking for a particular passage, and suddenly—it’s just not there! What’s going on? Let’s take a look at why some verses are “missing” and what it means for us today.

1. What Happened to Those Missing Verses?

Imagine a bookshelf full of history. Some books are ancient, others newer, but they all tell the same story. The Bible is like that. It’s been carefully copied, translated, and preserved for generations. Some older translations, like the King James Version (KJV), were based on later manuscripts, while modern ones—like the New International Version (NIV) and English Standard Version (ESV)—use even older, more reliable manuscripts.

The truth is, those “missing” verses aren’t really missing. They were added later by well-meaning scribes, and modern scholars, with better access to ancient texts, have worked hard to reflect the earliest and most accurate versions of Scripture.

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2. What Are Some of the “Missing” Verses?

Some of the most well-known verses that don’t appear in modern translations include:

📌 Matthew 17:21 – “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
📌 Mark 16:9-20 – The longer ending of Mark, which many believe was added later.
📌 John 5:4 – The angel stirring the waters at the Pool of Bethesda.
📌 Acts 8:37 – A confession of faith before baptism.

These verses may not appear in modern translations, but their message is still alive in Scripture—you can often find them in footnotes, ensuring that no part of God’s Word is hidden.

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3. Why Did Scholars Make These Changes?

Imagine a group of dedicated scholars, sitting around a table, pouring over ancient scrolls. That’s what biblical translators do. They want to ensure that every word we read is as close to the original text as possible.

✅ Older manuscripts provide better accuracy.
✅ Later additions were likely inserted with good intentions, but they weren’t in the earliest copies.
✅ Footnotes help maintain transparency, so you can see what was included in previous versions.

God’s Word isn’t being taken away—it’s being protected and preserved as best as possible.

4. Can You Still Trust Your Bible?

Absolutely! God’s message has never changed. Whether a verse is in the main text or a footnote, the Bible remains the inspired Word of God. The truth of Scripture remains unshaken.

📌 Want deeper understanding? A good study Bible can help you explore the differences between translations and why they matter.

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5. Which Bible Should You Choose?

✅ Love tradition? Try the KJV or NKJV.
✅ Looking for accuracy? The ESV, NASB, and NRSV are great choices.
✅ Want something readable? The NIV or NLT make scripture come alive.

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Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s not about what’s “missing”—it’s about what remains. And what remains is God’s faithfulness, His truth, and His love for you. No matter what version you read, He is speaking to you through His Word.

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