Question

Do you have a book that addresses a variety of alleged inconsistencies in
the Bible. I recently bought a book called Encylopedia of Bible
Difficulties. I have been able to resolve my questions through research. I
must admit that I came upon some recently that concerned me. Is that
normal? To see something that is “inconsistent,” and feel threatened. I
have been a disciple for 17 yrs and it makes me feel bad to feel doubt
after all this time. ;Here’s one question though. In Gen 47 and Heb 11, I
believe one of the Hebrew manuscripts states that Jacob worshiped at his
bed. Do you believe that was a copyist error? However, the NIV decided to
state that he worshiped on his staff. Is it because they believe the word
staff and bed were confused? I believe that there is unanimous agreement
regarding every NT passage except for John 8 and Mark 16. What passages
are unclear in the OT?

Answer

I have a chapter on this subject in my book Reasons for Belief and
www.ipibooks.com. There are also many examples if you go to the web site,
in the questions section under “supposed inconsistencies.” There are also
a couple of good books out there. Unfortunately, I am in Scotland now and
do not have my resources handy, but I know there is an excellent book by
Norman Geissler whose title I cannot remember right now, as well as one
titled “All the Errors in the Bible” which is the classic in the genre.

Let me suggest that when you come up against what seem to be
inconcistencies you begin by simply asking, “How might these seemingly
discrepant things be made to actually agree with one another.” I have
found this to work with the great majority of what at first seem to be
inconsistencies. If this does not work, why not send me a specific
question. I will be happy to address such questions.

For your information, it is perfectly normal to have questions and even
doubts, even after seventeen years as a Christian. You certainly should
not feel guilty. Asaph had doubts (Psalm 73). David had doubts. What
they did is they took their doubts to God, as you can see in the psalms.
You should follow their example. I also suggest you continually remind
yourself of the things you are absolutely sure of. Jesus was raised from
the dead. You have more than enought information to know that, in
general, the Bible is inspired by God. Surely by this time, the Bible has
earned a right to be granted the benefit of the doubt. So do not forget
what you know to be true. This will help you in dealing with those
smaller issues over which you are having doubt. Either way, it is not
sinful to doubt and to question. It is human.

As to the specific example you ask about, apparently there is some doubt
about the meaning of the Hebrew word. Normally, if there is a variant in
the Hebrew Masoretic Text or the Septuagint or the Dead Sea Scrolls, the
NIV translators will tell you, so I assume that there is simply some doubt
about two possible meanings of a Hebrew word. Now, obviously, this
particular example is not significant to any aspect of your faith, so I
think you can put this one behind you. I am not sure what you are asking
about with respect to Hebrews 11. As to NT manuscript issues, yes John 8
and Mark 16 are the only truly significant ones. I address these at my
web site. Just do a search in the questions section.

As to OT manuscript errors, you will find that there are more copyist
error questions, because Hebrew is harder to copy perfectly, not having
vowels, and because it was copied for so many years. Most of the really
significant questions are mentioned in the margins of good Bible
translations. If you have a specific question, please feel free to ask me.

John Oakes, PhD