Comparative Theology · Textual History & Manuscripts
The Interpolated Ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20)
In short
- 1.The earliest reliable manuscripts — Sinaiticus and Vaticanus — end abruptly at Mark 16:8.
- 2.Verses 9-20 (resurrection appearances, snake handling, baptismal salvation) were added later by unknown scribes.
- 3.The earliest Gospel therefore contained no resurrection appearances.
The claim being examined
The view that Mark 16:9-20 preserves an original resurrection appearance narrative.
The Islamic position
Our earliest complete manuscripts of Mark end at 16:8 — with an empty tomb and no appearance at all.
Analysis
The longer ending differs from Mark in vocabulary and style, is absent from the two great fourth-century uncials, and is marked as doubtful in many later manuscripts. Its content — drinking poison unharmed, handling serpents — reflects a later community's concerns, not Mark's narrative.
From the Qur'an
بَل رَّفَعَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًۭا
bal rafaʿahu l-lahu ilayhi wakāna l-lahu ʿazīzan ḥakīman
Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.
From the Bible
The earliest manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.
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