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The Volume of the Book.
#31.
The Greek Text of the Revised Version.
Is it trustworthy?
pp. 121 - 125
In Volumes XXIII and XXIV we endeavoured to draw the reader's attention to
several features of importance that justify the use of the R.V. as one of many aids to the
understanding of the Word of God. We sought to be as fair as possible in our
presentation, but we feel that unless this commendation is associated with a warning,
some may be led to a fuller acceptance of the R.V. than we can conscientiously advocate.
The R.V. must be considered from two points of view: (1) The changes that have
been made in the English translation. (2) The changes that have been made in the Greek
text.
The second consideration is the more serious and far-reaching in its consequences. In
direct disobedience to their instructions, the Revisers have forced upon the church a new
Greek Text, a text virtually imposed upon them by Drs. Westcott and Hort, a text
circulated among them privately and under a vow of secrecy, a text never submitted to
the publicity and open examination which such a subject demands. The rule under which
the Revisers undertook their task, so far as the Greek text is concerned, reads:
"To introduce as few alterations as possible into the Text of the Authorized Version,
consistently with faithfulness."
The condition enjoined was that, whenever "decidedly preponderating evidence"
compelled a change in the text, it should be indicated in the Margin. Dean Burgon asks,
with every reason for his astonishment:
"Will it be believed that this notwithstanding, not one of the many alterations which
have been introduced into the original text is so commemorated? On the contrary:
singular to relate, the Margin is disfigured throughout with ominous hints that had `Some
ancient authorities', `Many ancient authorities', `Many very ancient authorities' been
attended to, many more changes might, could, would, or should have been introduced
into the Greek Text than have been actually adopted."
Before proceeding, we must put the reader in possession of a few outstanding facts
concerning the Greek Text so that he may duly appreciate the gravity of the situation
brought about by the Revised Text of the R.V.
If a comparison be made between the A.V. and the R.V. it will be found that there are
36,000 alterations.
Canon Cook, speaking of the Reviser's Text of the first three Gospels, says: