South End
Church of Christ

4001 Taylor Blvd
Louisville, KY 40215

 

Broken Body
Aaron Erhardt

What is the correct translation of 1 Corinthians 11:24? Some translations say, "This is my body, which is for you" (ESV, NIV, ASV, NASB, HCSB), while others say, "This is my body, which is broken for you" (KJV, NKJV). Obviously, our question hinges on the word "broken." Should it be included in the text?

The word "broken" is not found in the earliest manuscripts. However, it does appear in the Received Text, from which the King James Version was translated. Kevin Cauley wrote, "...it is most likely the case that the word was added through a mistake or an incorrect memory early in the history of the transmission of the New Testament" (Is there a contradiction between 1 Corinthians 11:24 and John 19:36? article). Putting it more succinctly, Gareth Reese said that the word "does not enjoy integrity" (1 Corinthians, footnote, p. 404).

In addition to the textual problem, there is another issue. John strongly emphasized the fact that Jesus' body was unbroken. John 19:36 says, "For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: Not one of His bones will be broken." 

The newer translations are correct in omitting the word "broken." The text should simply read "which is for you."

   

 


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