Can Anyone Edit the Bible? The Sacred Text and Its Unalienable Integrity
The Bible is a book of immense importance to countless millions of people worldwide. However, the question of whether anyone, other than God, has the authority to change or edit its contents is a topic of much debate and concern. This article explores this question, drawing from various religious texts and historical contexts.
Only God Decides
Central to many religious beliefs is the belief that the Bible is a divinely inspired text, whose words are immutable and sacred. This is evidenced in various passages throughout the Bible. For example, Exodus 32:33 states, '"And the LORD said unto Moses, "Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book."'
Numerous religious leaders and scholars agree that no human has been delegated the authority to edit or alter the Bible. Any changes made to the text, such as those found in modern versions like the New Living Translation (NLT) or the Living Bible, are often criticized for their divergence from the original texts.
Preservation and Authority
The Bible, in its original form, is preserved with a very high degree of integrity. Even the most conservative of scholars would agree that any additional or subtractive alterations to the text can compromise its original message. For example, '"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you."' (Deuteronomy 4:2, KJV)
Moreover, Revelation 22:18-19 warns against alterations: '"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this book."
Historical and Covenantal Context
The Bible, as we know it today, is a collection of texts primarily written to and for the ancient Hebrew people, often referred to as Israelites. The relevant Hebrew tribes and their descendants are often referred to as the 12 Tribes of Israel. Textual evidence in Deuteronomy 29:1 and Malachi 4:4 underscores this: '"These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab."
The covenant referenced here is specifically with the House of Israel and the House of Judah. While the House of Judah often represents the Jews of various nations, the House of Israel includes other tribes like the Aztecs, Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and more, as listed in the article.
The Warning to Those Who Distort the Text
The warning in Revelation against altering the book is particularly poignant for those who seek to change the text for their own purposes, such as the attempt to remove sections of the Bible during the era of slavery to further their oppressive rule over the chosen people of God. This is an egregious example of the text's sacred nature.
The Bible, like the truth, is a powerful force that can be either hidden or revealed. As more people come to understand their heritage and identity, the truth of the Bible's message will become clearer. This depth of understanding can be obscured when the text is altered, as attested by the historical fact that Baruch, one such book, was left out of the Bible to conceal the truth.
Therefore, the Bible's unalienable integrity is a critical component of its message. Any alterations are not only against the will of God but also against the divine mandate to maintain its sacred status. The preservation and integrity of the Bible are essential for the proper understanding of the word of God and the path to truth.