FABRICATIONS · INTERPOLATION
Inserted phrase in 1 Cor 10:28
But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof
The inserted phrase, drawn from the Old Testament, suggests scribes felt authorized to add edifying references. It is absent in earlier manuscripts such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, hence the NIV and ESV omit this part. While it may reinforce Christian theology, it demonstrates that the New Testament text was not transmitted verbatim.
THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
The verse references a known Psalm and that the phrase was inserted to remind believers of God’s sovereignty. It is a doctrinally sound addition that doesn’t conflict with Paul’s intent. Thus, it’s interpreted as an enriching comment rather than a falsification.
THE ISLAMIC POSITION
Any insertion, even one in harmony with doctrine, proves the text was open to modification. If scribes added familiar biblical phrases, how can readers discern original teachings from later expansions? It all questions the Bible’s status as an unadulterated divine record. This supports the claim that the Bible’s text is not intact.
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Inserted phrase in 1 Cor 10:28