Hi Lucy,
Let me reiterate that as a rule in translating the KJV that there has to be specific implementation in regards to the said marginal notes in the original 1611 KJV and the very reason why later editions have abandon the use of marginal notes. However, let us be reminded that the
marginal notes of the KJV is a different in today’s
footnotes. Here are the rules 6 and 7 for your reference:
6.
No marginal note at all to be affixed, but only for the explanation of the Hebrew or Greek words which cannot without some circumlocution so briefly and fitly be expressed in the text.
7. Such quotation of places to be marginally set down as shall serve for fit reference of one scripture to another.
So in plain language, they were but only an
explanation not a
criticism or an obstruction and mostly were parallel passage/ references.
But why the later edition has no longer the marginal note?simply because it was generally stated that “No marginal note at all to be affixed…”
Again, why there is a big difference with today’s footnotes?
Today’s footnotes have misled many readers and bring confusion.
Let me demonstrate how misleading these footnotes from many of today’s English versions. Shall we?
Let me start with providing examples:
NKJV NU-Text and M-Text omit verse 36.
The NLT related footnote for 17:35 states:
Some manuscripts
add verse 36,
Two men will be working in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Compare Matt 24:40.
ESV has its footnotes in verse 35
Some manuscripts
add verse 36:
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left
CSB Some mss include v. 36:
“Two will be in a field: One will be taken, and the other will be left.
NASB Early mss do not contain this v
RSV Other ancient authorities insert verse 36, "Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left."
NIV Some Greek manuscripts exclude this verse. The NIV related footnote for 17:35 states:
Some manuscripts include here words similar to Matt. 24:40.
The question is: Are today’s footnotes in most Modern English Versions has a valid claim that “some manuscripts was “ inserted” or some “added” while others “excluded”, others “included” and or “omitted.”?
If it was inserted, added, included etc. where the evidence of this irresponsible act is? All one must have to do is to guess, perhaps a scientific guess. This is called emendation which simply means it’s up to YOU.
Why not in most of the New English Versions retain this verse since there are Greek textual evidences?
The NIV had even the worse footnote not only omitted the verse but made such remarks of excluding the verse in some Greek manuscript. Because it was excluded in some Greek, it will also be excluded in the NIV hence the NIV which is said to be a result of “Scientific Biblical Research” must be a misnomer! NIV is still an incomplete English Version.
Btw, scholars agree that evidences may be source through the following:
- Textual Evidence. Uncials, miniscules extant Greek manuscripts etc.
- Early Bible Versions. Old Latin, Itala, French Oliivati, Gothic etc.
- Quotation from the Church Fathers and Lectionaries.
Bro. Will Kenney has detailed explanation on the link, if you wish to find biblical balance approach.
Luke 17:36 Scripture - Another King James Bible Believer
To conclude, Luke 17:36 the KJV had passed all the evidences and the footnote did not cause any obstruction in the text whereas the NIV especially did not pass the weightier evidence.
If you may, you can proceed by presenting your evidence or cite evidences that some manuscripts have excluded this text?
Thank you.