Why is Matthew 12:47 omitted in some Bible translations? Early Patristic Citations Origen (c. AD 185-253) alludes to the messenger’s statement in Homiliae in Matthaeum 33; Chrysostom (Hom. 44 on Matthew) quotes the verse verbatim; Augustine cites it in De Consensu Evangelistarum 2.27. These references show the verse was in circulation by at least the early 3rd-century church and accepted in the Latin West as well as the Greek East. Parallel Gospel Witnesses Mark 3:32 and Luke 8:20 contain the same sentence almost word-for-word and are undisputed. Even if Matthew 12:47 were secondary, the historical incident remains attested in two Synoptic parallels, preserving the event beyond question. Reasons for Omission or Inclusion 1. Harmonization: A scribe copying Matthew who knew Mark or Luke may have inserted the messenger’s announcement to create uniformity. 2. Parablepsis (eye-skip): Because vv. 46 and 48 both contain “Your mother and Your brothers,” a copyist’s eye could have jumped from the first occurrence to the second, accidentally omitting v. 47. 3. Deliberate Shortening: Some Alexandrian scribes favored brevity and occasionally omitted perceived repetitions (cf. Matthew 27:49 in 01). Given that (a) harmonizing additions are more common than harmonizing omissions, and (b) accidental omission between similar lines is a frequent scribal error, scholars differ on which scenario best explains the data. The result is split textual decisions across editions. Translation Philosophy and Modern Editions • Textus Receptus/KJV, NKJV, MEV, LSB: include the verse because TR follows the Byzantine stream. • NA28/UBS5-based (ESV, NIV, CSB, NET, NASB 2020): bracket or footnote the verse, reflecting preference for 𝔓¹⁰⁹, א, B. Regardless of inclusion or omission, nearly all modern versions provide a footnote informing the reader of the variant so that nothing is hidden. Theological Implications No doctrine depends on Matthew 12:47: 1. Christ’s deity, atonement, resurrection, and exclusive salvation remain untouched. 2. The teaching moment—that obedience to God creates a spiritual family surpassing blood ties—is fully retained in vv. 48-50, Mark 3:33-35, and Luke 8:21. 3. Scripture’s self-attestation of inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16) and preservation (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) are not challenged; textual variants affect wording, not divine truth. Practical Application for Teachers and Preachers 1. Explain the variant briefly; affirm Scriptural reliability; avoid unnecessary alarm. 2. Read vv. 46, 48-50 consecutively if your translation omits v. 47; the flow is seamless. 3. Use the incident to highlight the new covenant family formed by faith in the risen Christ. Summary Matthew 12:47 is omitted in some translations because several early Alexandrian manuscripts lack it, prompting critical editors to bracket or footnote the line. A larger, geographically diverse body of manuscripts plus patristic citation supports inclusion. The variant is neither the result of modern skepticism nor evidence of biblical contradiction. Whether included or footnoted, the surrounding context, corroborating Synoptic parallels, and unanimous doctrinal witness leave the authority and message of Scripture unshaken. |
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