Explore the intriguing textual variations in Matthew 5:11 with our focused analysis. This article offers a clear view of how different manuscript readings can impact our interpretation of Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes, enriching our comprehension of this essential part of Christian theology.

Introduction

The verse Matthew 5:11 presents a case of textual variation that bears significant implications for understanding Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes. This analysis, grounded in the Documentary Method, seeks to determine the most authentic version of this verse, factoring in both the documentary evidence and internal textual considerations.

Manuscript Evidence and Analysis

Textual Variants Overview

1. Westcott-Hort (WH) and Nestle-Aland/United Bible Societies (NU) Reading:

   • Greek: εἴπωσιν πᾶν πονηρὸν καθʼ ὑμῶν [ψευδόμενοι] (eipōsin pan ponēron kath’ hymōn [pseudomenoi])
   • Translation: “they speak all kinds of evil against you falsely”
   • Manuscript Support: Codex Sinaiticus (א), B

2. Variant 1 (Textus Receptus/TR):

   • Greek: ειπωσιν παν πονηρον ρημα καθ υμων ψευδομενοι (eipōsin pan ponēron rhēma kath hymōn pseudomenoi)
   • Translation: “they speak every evil word [or, thing] against you falsely”
   • Manuscript Support: C, W, Θ, 0196, Family 1, 13, Majority Text

3. Variant 2:

   • Greek: ειπωσιν παν πονηρον καθ υμων (eipōsin pan ponēron kath hymōn)
   • Translation: “they speak all kinds of evil against you”
   • Manuscript Support: D, Old Latin it, Old Syriac syrs

External Evidence

The WH/NU reading is supported by some of the oldest and most reliable manuscripts, including Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, which are critical in the Alexandrian text-type. The addition of ρημα (rhēma, “word” or “thing”) in Variant 1, found in later manuscripts, seems to be an elaboration to complete the perceived gap in the phrase.

Variant 2, which omits ψευδόμενοι (“falsely”), is supported by Western texts, including Codex Bezae (D) and versions in Old Latin and Old Syriac. This variant presents a terser reading, which some argue could be original due to its difficulty and brevity.

Internal Evidence and Contextual Consideration

Bruce M. Metzger notes the uncertainty in deciding whether ψευδόμενοι should be included or omitted. The omission in some Western traditions could be a result of scribal accommodation to the Lukan form of the beatitude (Luke 6:22). However, the inclusion of ψευδόμενοι in the majority of Greek manuscripts and other witnesses suggests its originality in the text. The addition may have been to specify the nature of the evil spoken against the disciples, aligning with Jesus’ teachings’ general tone.

Conclusion

Considering the manuscript evidence and the internal context of the Beatitudes, the most probable original reading of Matthew 5:11 is “εἴπωσιν πᾶν πονηρὸν καθʼ ὑμῶν [ψευδόμενοι],” “they speak all kinds of evil against you falsely.” This reading is supported by the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, and the inclusion of ψευδόμενοι aligns with the broader message of the Beatitudes. The variants appear to be later additions or omissions, reflecting scribes’ attempts to clarify or modify the text based on their understanding of Jesus’ message.

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