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The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

Examination of Textual Variants in Matthew 4:24

Matthew 4:24 presents a textual variant that significantly impacts the interpretation of the ailments from which individuals were suffering when brought to Jesus. The crux of the variant involves the presence or absence of the fourth “και” (and) in the passage, leading to two different readings that either distinguish or conflate the tormented with demon-possessed individuals.

Manuscript Evidence

The variant without the fourth “και” is supported by significant witnesses such as Codex Vaticanus (B), Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (C*), and notable Church Father Eusebius. This reading is rendered as “συνεχομενους [και] δαιμονιζομενους” (being tormented [and] demon-possessed), suggesting a specific emphasis on demon-possessed individuals as those experiencing torments.

Conversely, manuscripts including Codex Sinaiticus (א), Codex Bezae (D), Codex Washingtonianus (W), and the Majority Text contain the fourth “και,” offering a broader list of afflictions and distinguishing between various diseases, torments, and those being demon-possessed as separate categories of sufferers.

Analytical Insights

The exclusion of the fourth “και” in key Alexandrian manuscripts such as Codex Vaticanus and the testimony of early church figures hint at a more nuanced understanding of the afflictions being described. This reading suggests that the torments were specifically associated with demon possession, rather than being a separate category of affliction.

This interpretation aligns with the context of Jesus’ healing ministry, where demonic influence is often portrayed as causing severe physical and psychological suffering. The textual tradition that omits the fourth “και” thus provides a clearer delineation of the types of ailments from which Jesus healed individuals, emphasizing the profound impact of demon possession on one’s well-being.

Theological and Exegetical Implications

Understanding the original reading of Matthew 4:24 has significant theological implications, particularly regarding the nature of suffering and Jesus’ healing ministry. If the original text indeed conflates tormented individuals with those demon-possessed, it highlights the holistic approach of Jesus’ healings. He is shown to address not only physical illnesses but also the spiritual and psychological torment associated with demonic affliction.

Furthermore, this analysis encourages a reevaluation of how modern translations and interpretations reflect the nuances of the original Greek text. The textual variant in Matthew 4:24 challenges translators to carefully consider the interplay between language, context, and theology in conveying the Gospel message.

Conclusion: Determining the Original Reading

After considering the documentary evidence and the internal logic of the Gospel narrative, the reading without the fourth “και” appears to be the most plausible original text of Matthew 4:24. This conclusion is based on the weight of the Alexandrian manuscript tradition and the contextual analysis that closely associates torments with demon possession.

The absence of the fourth “και” in significant early manuscripts and the interpretation that views torments as indicative of demon possession offer a cohesive understanding of the passage. This reading not only aligns with the broader thematic elements of Matthew’s Gospel but also provides insight into the comprehensive nature of Jesus’ healing ministry, which transcended mere physical ailments to encompass spiritual liberation and restoration.

This investigation into Matthew 4:24 demonstrates the vital role of textual criticism in elucidating the New Testament’s message and affirms the complexity of scriptural transmission over centuries.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).