The phrase “but by every word of God” in Luke 4:4 appears in the King James Version (KJV) but is omitted in many modern translations like the NIV, ESV, NASB, etc. This difference is due to variations in the Greek manuscripts used by different Bible translations.
Why Is It Omitted in Some Versions?
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Manuscript Differences:
- The KJV is based on the Textus Receptus, a Greek manuscript tradition that includes the phrase “but by every word of God.”
- Many modern translations use older and more diverse manuscripts, such as the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, which do not include this phrase in Luke 4:4.
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Matthew 4:4 Contains the Phrase:
- In Matthew 4:4, the full phrase “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” appears in almost all translations.
- Some scholars believe that a later scribe may have added the phrase to Luke 4:4 to match the fuller version found in Matthew.
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Translation Philosophy:
- The KJV translators used the manuscripts available to them in the 1600s, which included the phrase.
- Modern translations prioritize the oldest and most reliable manuscripts, which in this case do not contain the phrase in Luke 4:4.
Does This Change the Meaning?
Not really. Since Matthew 4:4 still includes the full phrase in all translations, the theological message remains unchanged—Jesus emphasizes that spiritual sustenance from God’s Word is more important than physical food.
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