Johannine Comma
The Johannine Comma is a passage in the New Testament about the Trinity
I John 5:7-8 in the King James Version reads:
- For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
The italicized words are the Johannine Comma; these words do not appear in the great majority of early Christian texts -- most (but not all) scholars agree the passage was probably added centuries later by persons unknown. The passage is quoted by none of the Greek Fathers, who, had they known it, would most certainly have employed it against heretics who denied the Trinity.[1]
However, a few argue that the Johannine Comma is indeed properly part of Scripture.[2][3] It is included in the King James English version; it is excluded in Martin Luther's German translation.
Most modern Bibles, such as the NIV, omit the Johannine Comma (I John 5:7-8 (NIV)). Most Bible experts from all persuasions believe that the Comma should not be there and that the Trinity is apparent from other passages anyway.[4]
see also
references
- ↑ Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, (2nd ed. 1993) online
- ↑ Defense of the Johannine Comma
- ↑ Is is true that 1 John 5:7 ... ?
- ↑ Holding, James Patrick, Comma Toss
