In the following from the 2013 edition of the NWT, the Watchtower Society indicates that when it released its initial 1950 edition, it considered the Greek text provided by Westcott and Hort as its “master” text. The WTS further states that “since then” it added the Greek texts by Nestle-Aland and by the United Bible Societies to its list of “master texts”. As a result of these additional “masters”, the WTS made some undeclared changes to the 2013 NWT. It does not list these changes or give any explanations.
“Greek Text: In the late 19th century, scholars B. F. Westcott and F.J.A. Hort compared existing Bible manuscripts and fragments as they prepared the Greek master text that they felt most closely reflected the original writings. In the mid-20th century, the New World Bible Translation Committee used that master text as the basis for its translation. Other early papyri, thought to date back to the second and third centuries C.E., were also used. Since then, more papyri have become available. In addition, master texts such as those by Nestle and Aland and by the United Bible Societies reflect recent scholarly studies. Some of the findings of this research were incorporated into this present revision.” (NWT 2013, page 1729)
The article in the 2013 continues, explaining that “some verses” were later additions, and were hence omitted. The list of deleted verses in the 2013 NWT article is identical to the list that has appeared ever since the release of the 1950 edition. With each of these deleted verses, the 1969 Kingdom Interlinear Translation [KIT] explicitly states: “This verse is omitted in the Westcott and Hort Greek text”. So the more recent “masters” have had no effect on the deleted verses. In reality, the WTS is casting its lot with Westcott and Hort in opposition to the Textus Receptus, which is the Greek text used for the King James (Authorised) Version.
“Based on those master texts, it is evident that some verses of the Christian Greek Scriptures found in older translations, such as the King James Version, were actually additions made by later copyists and were never part of the inspired Scriptures. However, because the verse division generally accepted in Bible translations was already established in the 16th century, the omission of these verses now creates gaps in the verse numbering in most Bibles. The verses are Matthew 17:21; 18:11; 23:14; Mark 7:16; 9:44, 46; 11:26; 15:28; Luke 17:36; 23:17; John 5:4; Acts 8:37; 15:34; 24:7; 28:29; and Romans 16:24. In this revised edition, those omitted verses are indicated by a footnote at the location of the omission.” (NWT 2013, page 1729)
The 2013 article continues, commenting on the shortening of two passages. These are not new, either, as this has been its practice with the NWT ever since the 1950 edition.
“Regarding the long conclusion for Mark 16 (verses 9-20), the short conclusion for Mark 16, and the wording found at John 7:53–8:11, it is evident that none of these verses were included in the original manuscripts. Therefore, those spurious texts have not been included in this revision. (Footnote: Further details on why these verses are viewed as spurious can be found in the footnotes of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References, published in 1984.)” (NWT 2013, pages 1729-1730)
These undeclared changes are said to be “minor”, and if the example with Matthew 7:13 is any guide, it is surprising that the WTS bothered to release a 2013 edition. Unless something of significance has been slipped in unannounced?
“Some other wording has been adjusted to incorporate what scholars generally accept as the most authentic reflection of the original writings. For instance, according to some manuscripts, Matthew 7:13 reads: “Go in through the narrow gate because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction.” In previous editions of the New World Translation, “is the gate” was not included in the text. However, further study of the manuscript evidence led to the conclusion that “is the gate” was in the original text. So it was included in this present edition. There are a number of similar refinements. However, these adjustments are minor, and none of them change the basic message of God’s Word. (NWT 2013, page 1730)
If the works of Nestle-Aland and the United Bible Societies were used to amend the text provided by Westcott and Hort, what are the resulting changes that were made to the text of the NWT?
(Underlining added for emphasis).
Doug