Comparative Theology · Additions & Interpolations

Theologically Motivated Changes: Luke 3:22 and John 1:18

Handle with care. Ehrman argues these are orthodox corruptions; other scholars dispute his reading. Attribute the argument to him rather than presenting it as settled consensus.

In short

• 1.Luke 3:22: 'today I have begotten you' in Codex Bezae, versus 'with you I am well pleased' elsewhere
• 2.John 1:18: 'the only begotten Son' versus 'the only begotten God'
• 3.The direction of change consistently raises the status of Jesus

The claim being examined

Some variants are not additions of new stories but small changes to the wording of Christology — and they change what the text says about who Jesus is.

The Islamic position

Islam teaches that Jesus is God's servant and messenger, not His begotten son (Q 19:35). Where the manuscripts differ, they often differ precisely on this point.

Analysis

At the baptism, an early reading of Luke quotes Psalm 2:7 directly: 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.' That wording could be read adoptionistically — as though Jesus became Son at his baptism — and it is the harder reading, which normally indicates originality. The alternative, harmonised with Mark, removes the difficulty. In John 1:18 the earliest papyri read monogenes theos, 'only begotten God', while a large body of later manuscripts read monogenes huios, 'only begotten Son'. Whichever is original, scribes were adjusting the divine status of Jesus in the copying process itself.

Side by side

From the Qur'an

From the Bible

Sources

Bart D. Ehrman, The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture · Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament

More in Additions & Interpolations

• 1 Corinthians 14:34-35: The Silence of Women
• Fairness Check: What This Argument Does and Does Not Prove
• John 5:4 and the Angel at the Pool
• The Bloody Sweat and 'Father, Forgive Them'
• The Comma Johanneum (1 John 5:7-8)
• The Long Ending of Mark (16:9-20)