One of the most well-known verses in the Bible is John 5:4: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” However, this verse is missing from many English translations of the Bible, and this has prompted some Christians to ask why it was removed.
There are various theories as to why this verse was omitted from various Bible translations. Some experts believe that it may have been removed because it could be interpreted as contradicting other teachings found in the Bible. In particular, some believe that this verse could be seen as claiming that believers have already been saved, which contradicts statements from other parts of the Bible that emphasize the concept of ongoing repentance and sanctification.
Some religious scholars have argued that the omission of this verse could also have been due to its potential to become part of a cult-like following among some early Christians. This is because this verse could have been interpreted as indicating that believers are immune from any penalty for their sins. As such, if it had become widely known, it could have been misinterpreted, leading to a potentially damaging theological belief.
Others have suggested that some English translations may have chosen to omit this verse out of a desire to simplify the text. This could have been an attempt to make the text easier to understand, or it could have been done to remove a potentially controversial or confusing passage.
Another popular theory is that this verse was removed to make room for a more comprehensive explanation of the concept of judgment and its implications for believers. For example, by omitting this verse, Bible translations may be able to highlight the idea that repentance and sanctification are essential processes for believers in order to receive eternal life.
The Relevance of John 5:4 in Contemporary Christianity
Despite its omission from many English translations of the Bible, it is important to note that John 5:4 is still very relevant today. While its omission may have been done for practical and theological reasons, its core message remains true.
As such, many contemporary Christian teachings emphasize the importance of repentance and sanctification in regards to eternal life. Similarly, believers are also encouraged to recognize that even believers can be held accountable for their sins under the eyes of God.
Therefore, while this verse has been removed from some versions of the Bible, it is important to remember its core message, which is that repentance and sanctification are necessary steps required for believers to receive eternal life.
John 5:4 and the Old Testament
It should also be noted that John 5:4 has some parallels with a few passages found in the Old Testament. For example, in Job 15:15, it states, “He places his trust in an unloaded bow and makes arrows what his soul desires, and he will not survive the darkness.”
This passage suggests that even the wicked can escape death and judgment by trusting in God. It can also be argued that the idea expressed in John 5:4 is similar, in that believers are saved from death and eternal judgement by placing their faith in God.
The Impact of the Omission of John 5:4
The omission of John 5:4 from some Bible translations has had a number of implications for contemporary Christianity. On the one hand, it has made the Bible easier to understand and less likely to cause misinterpretation or misunderstanding. On the other, it has also led to some confusion over the importance of repentance and sanctification.
Although some have argued that its omission was a mistake, it is important to remember that the verse’s core message still holds true. This is that believers are saved from death and eternal judgement by placing their faith in God. As such, its omission has not removed the importance of repentance and sanctification, but has instead simply presented it in a different way.
John 5:4 in Secular Translations of the Bible
One interesting aspect of this debate is that some non-religious translations of the Bible have included John 5:4. This suggests that there is some disagreement among scholars about the importance and relevance of this verse. On the one hand, some believe that its omission has removed the possibility of misinterpretation and misunderstanding. On the other, others suggest that its presence in the Bible may be beneficial, particularly as it emphasizes the importance of repentance and sanctification.
Ultimately, the decision to omit this verse from some translations of the Bible appears to have been done for practical and theological reasons. While it has raised some questions about the importance of this verse and its relevance today, its core message remains true, in that believers are saved from death and eternal judgement by placing their faith in God.
John 5:4 in Jewish Translations
Interestingly, some Jewish translations of the Bible have not included John 5:4. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but some experts have argued that it is due to the fact that this verse does not fit in well with Jewish beliefs or interpretations of the Bible. This is likely because it emphasizes the importance of faith and acceptance of God, concepts which may not be held in the same regard in some Jewish religions.
Another possible reason for its absence in Jewish translations is its potential to be misinterpreted. By omitting this verse, Jewish translations can ensure that believers are not misled into believing that they are immune from judgment and consequences for their sins.
John 5:4 and Tradition
It is also worth noting that the omission of John 5:4 from some Bible translations has sparked debate among traditional religious scholars. While some believe its omission was a mistake, many others have argued that it is unnecessary and has simply caused confusion.
Ultimately, this debate highlights an important point about the Bible and its interpretation. Specifically, it serves as a reminder that the Bible is not a static text, and therefore, interpretations of it can and will vary from person to person. As such, it is important to be aware of different interpretations and to not forget the importance of the core message of John 5:4, which is that believers are saved from death and eternal judgement by placing their faith in God.
