Have you ever been reading your Bible, only to discover that something seems… missing?
Maybe you came across Matthew 17:20, where Jesus talks about the power of faith as small as a mustard seed.
But then—nothing.
Where is Matthew 17:21? Why is it gone in many modern translations? And more importantly, should it really be missing?
Let’s take a deep dive into this controversial topic and uncover why Matthew 17:21 matters—and why it should stay in your Bible.
The Missing Verse: What Was Taken Out?
Matthew 17:21, as it appears in the New King James Version (NKJV), says:
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
This verse is powerful.
It highlights a deeper truth about spiritual warfare: some challenges, some strongholds, require an extraordinary level of dependence on God through both prayer and fasting.
But if you open many modern translations like the NIV or ESV, this verse is missing entirely.
Instead, you’ll see a footnote saying something like, “Not included in the earliest manuscripts.”
And just like that, an essential spiritual principle is dismissed.
The Scholar’s Argument: “Oldest = Most Reliable”
Those who advocate for the removal of Matthew 17:21 base their argument on manuscript evidence.
The verse is absent in a few of the earliest Greek manuscripts, such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus.
These manuscripts, dating back to the 4th century, are considered “older” than others.
Here’s where the logic comes in: if these ancient manuscripts don’t contain Matthew 17:21, then perhaps it wasn’t part of the original Gospel of Matthew.
It’s tempting to think that the closer we get to the source, the more accurate the text must be. But is that always true?
Not necessarily.
Oldest Doesn’t Always Mean Best
Just because a manuscript is old doesn’t mean it’s reliable.
Let me explain.
Imagine someone copying a letter by hand.
They make a mistake.
The mistake gets copied again.
And again.
Over time, the error spreads.
But what if the correct version of the letter, carefully preserved, is found in a slightly later copy? Would you ignore it just because it’s “younger”?
That’s the issue with the “oldest is best” mentality.
The oldest manuscripts, while valuable, came from specific regions and were influenced by scribes who might have altered or omitted parts of the text—intentionally or not.
Some scholars believe Matthew 17:21 was deliberately removed.
Why?
Because fasting, as a spiritual discipline, began to wane in certain Christian communities at the time these manuscripts were copied.
If fasting wasn’t widely practiced, some scribes may have seen this verse as unnecessary—or even problematic.
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The Case for Keeping Matthew 17:21
So why should this verse remain in the Bible? Here are three compelling reasons:
1. Thematic Consistency
Matthew 17:21 is consistent with the teachings of Jesus. The idea of combining prayer and fasting to overcome spiritual obstacles aligns with the broader message of Scripture. Consider Mark 9:29, a parallel account of the same event:
“This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”
Mark includes the same principle. Removing Matthew 17:21 creates a gap in the story and diminishes the weight of Jesus’ teaching.
2. Historical Evidence
While Matthew 17:21 isn’t found in a few early Greek manuscripts, it is present in the vast majority of manuscripts, including those used to compile the Textus Receptus—the basis of the King James Version (KJV) and NKJV. These later manuscripts often show greater accuracy because they were meticulously preserved by communities that held the Scriptures in high regard.
3. Spiritual Implications
Removing Matthew 17:21 weakens the call to spiritual discipline. Prayer and fasting are tools for believers to draw closer to God and engage in spiritual warfare. Without this verse, a crucial aspect of the Christian life risks being overlooked.
What’s at Stake?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—this is more than an academic debate. It’s about preserving the full counsel of God’s Word. If we let Matthew 17:21 slip away, what’s next?
We need to approach Scripture with reverence, recognizing that God has preserved His Word for generations. While it’s important to study manuscripts and seek the truth, we must also trust the Holy Spirit’s guidance in shaping the Bible we hold today.
Why It Matters to You
Here’s the bottom line: Matthew 17:21 isn’t just an ancient text.
It’s a call to action.
It reminds us that some battles require more than routine prayer—they demand fasting, humility, and unwavering faith.
Think about the challenges in your life.
Are you facing something that feels impossible?
A health crisis, a broken relationship, or spiritual oppression?
Jesus teaches us that victory is possible, but it requires going deeper.
It’s not just about saying a quick prayer; it’s about fully surrendering to God.
Take Action: Embrace Prayer and Fasting
Whether or not your Bible includes Matthew 17:21, the principle remains true.
Don’t let its removal discourage you.
Instead, let it inspire you to rediscover the power of prayer and fasting.
Open your Bible.
Seek Yahshua (Jesus) with your whole heart.
And remember: some victories only come when we kneel in prayer and deny ourselves through fasting.
As you reflect on this, ask yourself:
- What battles in my life require prayer and fasting?
- How can I make these disciplines a regular part of my spiritual walk?
Let’s honor the Word of God—not by debating what’s missing, but by living out the truths we already know.
What do you think? Do you believe Matthew 17:21 should remain in the Bible? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below!
And if this message resonated with you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. Together, we can reignite the fire for spiritual discipline and walk in the power of faith.
