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Introduction

Biblical discrepancies refer to apparent contradictions or inconsistencies found within the text of the Bible. These discrepancies have been a subject of discussion and debate among scholars, theologians, and lay readers. From a conservative Christian perspective, these discrepancies are often seen as opportunities for deeper study and understanding, rather than as challenges to the divine inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.

Nature of Discrepancies

Discrepancies in the Bible can arise from various sources, including differences in parallel accounts, variations in numerical data, and apparent contradictions in theological or moral teachings. These can be categorized into several types:

1.Textual Variations: Differences in manuscripts can lead to variations in the text. The Bible was transmitted over centuries through hand-copied manuscripts, which sometimes resulted in minor textual differences. For example, the number of men killed by David's mighty men is recorded as 800 in2 Samuel 23:8, but as 300 in1 Chronicles 11:11.

2.Parallel Accounts: The Gospels often provide parallel accounts of the same events, which can sometimes appear contradictory. For instance, the inscription on the cross of Jesus is recorded differently in each Gospel (Matthew 27:37,Mark 15:26,Luke 23:38,John 19:19). These variations can be attributed to different perspectives and emphases of the Gospel writers.

3.Numerical Discrepancies: Numerical differences are found in various parts of the Bible. An example is the differing ages of Ahaziah when he began to reign, recorded as 22 years old in2 Kings 8:26 and 42 years old in2 Chronicles 22:2. Such discrepancies may arise from copyist errors or different methods of calculation.

4.Theological and Moral Issues: Some discrepancies involve theological or moral teachings that seem to conflict. For example, the apparent contradiction betweenJames 2:24, "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone," and Paul's teaching inRomans 3:28, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." These are often reconciled by understanding the different contexts and audiences addressed by the authors.

Approaches to Resolving Discrepancies

Conservative scholars and theologians employ various methods to address and resolve these discrepancies:

1.Contextual Analysis: Understanding the historical, cultural, and literary context of a passage can often clarify apparent discrepancies. Recognizing the genre and purpose of a biblical book can also provide insight into its message.

2.Harmonization: This approach seeks to reconcile differences by demonstrating how seemingly contradictory accounts can coexist. For example, the differing genealogies of Jesus inMatthew 1 andLuke 3 are often harmonized by suggesting that Matthew traces Joseph's lineage, while Luke traces Mary's.

3.Textual Criticism: Scholars use textual criticism to examine manuscript evidence and determine the most likely original text. This can help resolve discrepancies arising from copyist errors or later additions.

4.Theological Synthesis: By examining the broader theological themes of Scripture, apparent contradictions can be understood as complementary rather than conflicting. This approach emphasizes the unity and coherence of biblical revelation.

Conclusion

While biblical discrepancies may initially appear as challenges to the integrity of Scripture, they often serve as catalysts for deeper study and reflection. Through careful analysis and a commitment to the authority of the Bible, these discrepancies can be understood in a way that affirms the reliability and divine inspiration of the biblical text.Biblical Discrepancies

BIBLICAL DISCREPANCIES

bib'-li-kal diskrep'-an-siz.

SeeDISCREPANCIES, BIBLICAL.

How Much is the Bible Worth?
... admitting that there may be some errors anddiscrepancies and interpolations... the
period succeeding the Reformation that this dogma ofBiblical Infallibility was...

Introductory Essay.
... the latter class lead to apologetic discussions, when apparentdiscrepancies are
discovered.... Reformation gave a new impulse to this department ofBiblical study...

The Old Testament and Modern Science
... Admitting now the presence ofdiscrepancies between science and the Old Testament,
what... interpretation of the purpose of the Bible and of thebiblical writers....

Introductory Notice to Julius Africanus
... early Christian writers, in this important element of allbiblical, in fact... to Aristides,
in which he endeavoured to reconcile the apparentdiscrepancies in the...

The Design and Unity of Luke's History
... other hand, parts of the History seemed to involve insoluble difficulties and
discrepancies.... on the same lines as in the questions of extra-Biblical scholarship...

The Four Gospels.
... We must confess that as we have it in our language it is marked bydiscrepancies,
and now that the stream is... See Davidson's "Biblical Criticism," p. 215, etc....

A Look into the Hebrew Bible.
... it compares part with part, and book with book, to discover agreements, if they
exist, anddiscrepancies, that they... The word "Bible" is not abiblical word....

Translator's Introductory Notice.
... the present treatise (i.7), Augustin speaks of this matter of thediscrepancies
between the... the work might show much that is of interest to theBiblical critic...

General Review of the Question: Summary of the Evidence; and...
... Instead, we are magisterially informed by "the firstBiblical Critic in Europe... have
ventured on introducing so many minute seemingdiscrepancies: and certainly...

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... It has been noticed also byBiblical scholars that these peculiarities are more
marked... Hence arise apparentdiscrepancies, as in the two genealogies of our Lord...

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