How do we know the Bible has not been changed or corrupted?
Many people wonder whether the Bible has been altered over time through copying, translation, or human influence. Scripture addresses preservation directly and teaches that God has protected His Word across generations.
Why people ask this question
The Bible was written thousands of years ago and copied by hand before printing existed. Because of this, some people assume the text must have changed or been manipulated. The Bible teaches that God actively preserves His Word.
Scripture teaches that God preserves His Word
Psalm 12:6–7 (KJV)
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Matthew 24:35 (KJV)
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Scripture warns against altering God's Word
Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV)
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Revelation 22:18–19 (KJV)
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Jesus affirmed the reliability of Scripture
John 10:35 (KJV)
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
Luke 16:17 (KJV)
And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Scripture was transmitted through careful preservation
The Bible describes scribes, prophets, and apostles carefully recording God's message. The consistency of Scripture across generations supports its preservation.
Jeremiah 36:28 (KJV)
Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.
Key word study (Strong’s Definitions)
Word (Hebrew: דָּבָר)
Strong’s H1697 — dabar: Word, speech, message, command.
Preserve (Hebrew: שָׁמַר)
Strong’s H8104 — shamar: To guard, protect, keep watch over.
What this means
- The Bible teaches that God actively preserves His Word.
- Scripture warns against altering or corrupting God's message.
- Jesus affirmed the reliability and authority of Scripture.
- The consistency of Biblical transmission supports its preservation.
Gospel connection
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.