A Common Objection
One of the most common criticisms leveled against the Bible today is this:
“Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions and errors?”
Many people have heard this claim repeated so often that they assume it must be true — without ever seriously investigating it themselves.
But is the Bible truly riddled with mistakes?
Or is this accusation a myth built on misunderstandings, misrepresentations, and misinformation?
Let’s find out.
1. The Bible’s Bold Claim: It Is Perfect and True
The Bible unapologetically claims to be:
- The Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Completely true (John 17:17)
- Without error (Proverbs 30:5-6)
“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
— Proverbs 30:5–6 (ESV)
If the Bible is truly God’s Word, it must be free from real error — because God Himself cannot lie or contradict Himself.
2. What People Call “Errors” Are Usually Misunderstandings
When people claim the Bible has contradictions or mistakes, they usually fall into one of these categories:
a. Context Problems
Verses are quoted out of context, leading to false impressions.
b. Translation Differences
Variations between ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek translated into English sometimes cause apparent discrepancies.
c. Copyist Variations
Minor differences exist between ancient manuscript copies — none affecting any doctrine.
d. Different Perspectives
Multiple eyewitnesses describing the same event from different angles (common in legal testimonies) often enhance, not contradict, credibility.
e. Figurative Language Misread Literally
Metaphors, poetry, and prophetic imagery can be misunderstood when interpreted as rigid literal prose.
In short: most “errors” dissolve when the Bible is read carefully, contextually, and respectfully.
3. No Proven Error Has Ever Overthrown a Single Christian Doctrine
Even critics admit:
- No historical claim of the Bible has been conclusively disproven.
- No archeological finding has invalidated a single major biblical account.
- No theological teaching essential to Christianity has been undermined by alleged errors.
The Bible’s main message — about God, humanity, sin, redemption, and eternal life — remains unshaken.
4. Can We Trust the Manuscripts?
Yes! The Bible’s textual foundation is far more reliable than any other ancient document.
| Document | Approximate Copies | Earliest Copies Date From | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Testament | 5,800+ (Greek) | within 30–50 years of originals | 99.5% |
| Homer’s Iliad | 1,800 | 500 years after original | ~95% |
| Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars | 10 | 1,000 years after original | lower |
The Bible is, by far, the best-preserved and most-attested ancient book in history.
5. The Bible Is Not Just True — It Is Absolute Truth
When read in context, understood carefully, and compared with historical and archaeological evidence, the Bible proves itself not merely accurate —
but absolutely true.
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
— John 17:17 (ESV)
6. Why This Matters: Truth You Can Build Your Life On
If the Bible is trustworthy:
- You can trust its promises.
- You can believe its warnings.
- You can rest your hope on its Savior.
The Bible is not full of errors.
It is full of life-changing, eternity-shaping, soul-saving truth.
“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
— Psalm 119:160 (ESV)
Conclusion: Don’t Believe the Lies. Trust the Truth.
The next time someone claims the Bible is full of errors, ask:
Have you really read it? Carefully? In context? With a heart open to truth?
The Bible doesn’t fear investigation — it invites it.
It is not afraid of scrutiny — it shines under it.
Because it is, and always will be, the inspired, inerrant, infallible, Absolute Truth of God.
Next in the Series:
- Who Chose the Books of the Bible? (Coming Soon)