Has Bible's content changed over time?

Question

I mean are there things added or taken off during the past?
Would't have it happened since there are so many versions of translations?

Answer 1

Yes, archeologists have found multiple ancient versions of several books of the Bible. Additionally, the New Testament did not exist for several centuries after Christianity was formed. Once the bshops of the early Church decided they needed to determine which books were canonical and which were not, they argued for months over what books to include in the Bible.

The arguements over what books to include continued for centuries. After the Protestant Reformation, the Bible was revised by many Protestant faiths. That is why there is an Old Testament, a New testament, and an Apocrypha (books of left out of the Old Testament like "Judith" and "Ecclesiasticus," and Psalm 151). Some Christian denominations consider the Apocrypha as sacred writings, others do not.

Add to the controversy over the books to include the fact that English is a dynamic, changing langauge. The meanings of many words used in the King James Version (the "KJV") of the Bible no longer mean what they did when that translation was written. An important example: "Charity" used to mean to treat another as if you loved them. (Which is a very accurate translation from the ancient Greek word "agape.") Now "charity means to give to those in need. When you read 1 Corinthians 13:13 in the KJV ("And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.") The real meaning of the KJV version is different than we think, not because the Bible has changed, but because our use of the word "charity" has changed. Most new translations of the Bible use "love" instead of "charity." It's closer to the real meaning, but it is not quite correct. That use of "love"has led to lots of couples using 1 Corinthians 13 as a reading at their weddings. However, it really is an innappropriate use of that verse.

Answer 2

Some things do get l9ost in translation, more meanings for each word in other languages. Also, men have their own agenda to the translation....they have found lost books, they say that many were left out on purpose. Who knows the real truth? Unless you are a scholar or are taught under a scholar and know the traditions of the time when the bible was written, you have no idea what a lot of it means because so much of it is related to the customs and laws of the day. So, I spent a few years learning under a great woman teacher of the bible who knew all the meanings and customs and made it so real and easy to understand. I really felt like I learned more that I ever would have without her help. It makes such a difference when you are taught by a person that understands and can teach.

Answer 3

Not really.
The only thing is the apocrypha,it is a small section of books that are mostly historical and not really spiritual.They are still in the Catholic Bible and were in the original KJV
but alter removed by the protetstants because they really didnt have much Spiritual intervention in them.
However,I havent read anything contradictory in the core messages and most of them were repeats of other books in the old testament for example 1st and 2nd Esdras is more or less the same books as Ezra and Nehemiah, only translated from greek and latin, which the Jewish Rabbis rejected.
The doctrinal message has not changed and there arent any secret loop holes being hid by clergy.
The dead sea scrolls which had a copy of Isaiah were translated and pretty much Identical to the KJV.

Answer 4

The content has been pretty much the same over the years but of course the translations and versionsmay change WORDS be/c of the change in words' meanings but not the values taught. There are so many versions be/c people have discovered new ways to study the Bible, much like you would have with ANY subject. To the others that think there is a "perfect" religion, I have an important annoucement.......THERE IS NONE!!! Man has changed and argued over so much concerning religion in the past years. Man has really destroyed what Christianity was suppose to be with their own stupid agendas. The Bible was written by man BUT GOD INSPIRED. Man has always been the instrument in the grand design. You really have to study all the religions in the world and really try to disprove Christianity to see that it really is true. This is just isn't an empty optionL many people have done the same and documented it. There are certain things in the Christian religion that I don't agree with but the basic message has always given me hope and countless others in times stress and need: God loves us and only wants the best for us. He sent us a tremedous gift and it ours if we want it. That is what I believe. That other stuff that so many people waste their time arguing over is just icing. I don't try to shove it down peoples throat or belittle what they believe. I certianly wouldn't call others beliefs stupid be/c they are not. If it gives you hope and joy and I mean REAL hope even in the worst times, then maybe God sent it to you for strength. There are a couple books that really helps alot if you want to look into them. The first one is really powerful, "90 Minutes in Heaven" By Don Piper. Check this one out for sure be/c it is about finding strength in weakness and the worst times of your life.The other is The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. This is a guy that was out to DISPROVE God and Christianity. Really read this work be/c it will answer alot of your questions. I hope this helps!

Answer 5

First of all, ignore Abdulla, Paganmom, and all of the other idiots who apparently have no idea what they're talking about. Abdulla is a Muslim, and Pagan means one who worships many idols or gods. So these people don't know what they're talking about.

The Catholic translation I have a problem with. Why? Because only recently, like this year, did the Pope decide that babies who die "do" go to Heaven. Until he decided this, they believed that babies that died during child birth, went to this "mythical place called purgatory". The King James Version (KJV), which is the 2nd oldest I believe, says that children automatically go to Heaven until they reach the age of accountability. When they can make and understand their own decisions, if they decide to follow Christ, they go to Heaven. Sorry, I just had to discredit the silly people!

The KJV is the most accurate. To help you out, I suggest you get the one I and my husband use. The King James Study Bible. You've still got your thee's and thou's, but you also have original words that don't make much sense to us. So what they do is put a little number next to it and we find it in the middle margin, updated to what the word means today. Also, at the bottom of most of the pages, are notes on what you're reading to help you better understand.

However, the best way to understand the Bible is to simply ask God to help you understand it. Just say, "My Heavenly Father, I thank you for all of the wonderful blessings you have given me and my family. I am forever grateful. Father, I come to you now seeking your guidance to understand your Words.Father, I ask that you open my eyes and my heart so that I can be closer to You. For I know that I can only achieve that by understanding what You've written. In Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen"

You don't have to day it exactly like that. I just wanted to give you an idea of what to say. You should always start out by thanking Father for what He's done for you, oh, I left out telling Him that you do love Him. I tell Father several times a day. You'll be surprised how much you'll understand after a while.

God Bless,

Answer 6

The true content or the Greek is unchanged. The translations differ a bit from choosing one word over another due to the changes in our language. God personally has something in stake with this Word and would protect it over time. In addition, those translators and scribes would also be believers. As such, they would take great care not to change something so valuable or risk God's punishment by doing so.

Answer 7

The books of the bible were decided on in the 300's by a group of men. There were a lot more books that just didn't make the cut.
After all the translations there have been changes, some have kept the original meaning, others have been changed to say something completely different...like the word to discribe Mary translated to young girl, not virgin, but the church changed it in translation and now we think of Mary as a virgin=)

Answer 8

Yes, I must say that Bible content has changed. We have to take into consideration all the different translations out there. I must say that the main idea has and always will remain the same: God is our creator and Jesus is the only way to the to God, which in turn makes him God. Unless you're a Pharisee or a scribe, the content really doesn't matter...God only require us to genuinely believe and obey.

Answer 9

Much important information has been taken out of the Bible via modern translations such as reference to Jesus as the only way to get to Heaven, the Virgin Birth, reference to the Trinity. (Just a few examples)
The new translations are "supposedly" easier to understand but in my opinion that translates into easier to "swallow" by sinners who don't care to really know the Truth.

Answer 10

Yes there is and has. So they claim, that they need to update the Book. What for I don't know the real reason. But my thought is:
If God wrote the Book, why does it need clarification. I thought God is suppose to be clear in what he says and also simply to the point. Mankind is changing things because they are greedy for control. Control the minds, everything else falls suite.