DawahBible

FABRICATIONS · INTERPOLATION

Going to The Father Addition

John 16:16

The Tension
PASSAGE AJohn 16:16
A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
Analysis

This phrase is absent in earlier manuscripts, indicating it could be a later addition. Its inclusion shows how scribes may have felt compelled to clarify Jesus’ words, blending commentary with the sacred text. This underscores the notion that the Bible’s integrity has been compromised over centuries. By contrast, the Quran’s strict preservation prevented such alterations, reinforcing Islamic claims of an uncorrupted revelation.

Perspectives

THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE

The added phrase clarifies Jesus’ meaning, aligning with His frequent references to returning to the Father. Such insertions were marginal notes that entered the main text to smooth understanding rather than to create new doctrine.

THE ISLAMIC POSITION

This added phrase is significant in Christian doctrine. Its presence indicates that scribes were not merely copying but also adding phrases. Such editorial liberties challenge the idea of an unaltered and pure biblical text. If clarifying comments became part of Scripture, how can one reliably distinguish the "Word of God" from human commentary? Furthermore, if this was merely a marginal note, why is it written in the first person, as if deliberately intended to expand Jesus' words?

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TOPIC

Going to The Father Addition