Unlike Codex Sinaiticus, which was discovered in the 19th century, Vaticanus was already in the possession of the Roman Catholic Church, hidden away from public scrutiny. For centuries, scholars were denied the opportunity to fully examine it, and even when partial access was granted, it was under strict limitations. The Vatican’s control over this manuscript raises suspicions. If this were truly one of the most valuable biblical texts in existence, why was it kept hidden for so long? And why has it never undergone scientific verification such as radiocarbon dating?
The Textual Corruptions of Vaticanus
One of the biggest problems with Codex Vaticanus is its textual unreliability. Like Codex Sinaiticus, it belongs to the Alexandrian text-type, a minority tradition that differs significantly from the Majority Text, which represents the vast majority of biblical manuscripts. The Majority Text aligns closely with the Textus Receptus, the Greek text underlying the King James Version and the New King James Version.
Vaticanus, however, is riddled with omissions. Mark 16:9-20 is completely missing, cutting off the Gospel of Mark at verse 8, leaving no post-resurrection appearances of Christ. That alone is a glaring issue. If you remove the resurrection accounts from Mark’s Gospel, what are you left with? A story that abruptly ends with fear and confusion.
John 7:53–8:11 is also missing, erasing the account of the woman caught in adultery. This passage has been one of the most powerful examples of Jesus’ mercy and divine authority, yet Vaticanus, like Sinaiticus, does not include it. Similarly, Matthew 6:13 removes the conclusion of the model Prayer: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Why would such a powerful doxology be left out?
Beyond these major omissions, there are also subtle but important changes that weaken doctrinal clarity. In 1 Timothy 3:16, the phrase “God was manifested in the flesh” is altered to “He was manifested in the flesh”. Removing “God” from this verse strips it of one of the clearest statements of Christ’s divinity. Likewise, Acts 8:37, which contains the Ethiopian eunuch’s confession of faith before baptism, is missing entirely. This verse establishes the biblical precedent that faith in Christ precedes baptism, yet Vaticanus leaves it out.
The Connection Between Vaticanus and Sinaiticus
What makes Codex Vaticanus even more suspicious is how closely it aligns with Codex Sinaiticus. While these two manuscripts are often presented as independent witnesses to the early text of the New Testament, they share many of the same omissions and alterations. The fact that they both omit Mark 16:9-20 and John 7:53-8:11 is telling. When two manuscripts—both from the Alexandrian tradition—agree in removing key passages, it suggests intentional textual corruption rather than genuine preservation of the original writings.
Another concern is that both Vaticanus and Sinaiticus contradict the overwhelming witness of the Majority Text, which represents over 5,000 Greek manuscripts that contain the New Testament. The Majority Text includes the verses that Vaticanus omits, meaning the broader witness of history supports their inclusion. Yet, modern scholars give more weight to these two corrupted manuscripts simply because they are older—at least, that is what is claimed.
Despite their supposed antiquity, neither Vaticanus nor Sinaiticus has undergone radiocarbon dating or ink analysis to verify their age. The assumption that they date to the 4th century is just that—an assumption. Without scientific testing, we are left to rely on the word of those who have promoted these manuscripts as authoritative. Given the history of deceit in biblical textual criticism, that is not a risk worth taking.
How Vaticanus Has Affected Modern Bible Translations
Because of the influence of Vaticanus and Sinaiticus, modern Bible translations such as the NIV, ESV, and CSB differ significantly from the KJV and NKJV. Passages that are missing from Vaticanus are either removed or footnoted in modern versions, leading readers to question the authenticity of key biblical passages.
Take 1 John 5:7-8, for example. The King James Version clearly affirms the Trinity: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” In modern versions based on Vaticanus, this verse is stripped down to “For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood.” The removal of the clearest Trinitarian statement in Scripture is no minor issue—it directly affects our understanding of God’s nature.
Other significant omissions, such as Matthew 18:11 (“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.”), weaken key doctrinal points about Christ’s mission. When a manuscript consistently removes references to Christ’s deity, salvation, and resurrection, it raises serious red flags.
Summary of Concerns About Codex Vaticanus
- Questionable Origins – The Vatican kept it hidden for centuries, raising doubts about its authenticity.
- No Scientific Verification – No radiocarbon dating or ink analysis has been done to confirm its age.
- Missing Critical Passages – Omits entire sections of Scripture, including Mark 16:9-20, John 7:53-8:11, and other doctrinally significant verses.
- Contradicts the Majority Text – It does not align with the vast majority of Greek manuscripts preserved by the church.
- Influences Modern Bible Translations – Leads to doctrinally weaker versions of the Bible.
My Final Thoughts
Codex Vaticanus is not a reliable witness to the biblical text. It has an unknown origin, it was hidden away for centuries, and it contains numerous omissions that align suspiciously with Codex Sinaiticus. It contradicts the Majority Text, which has been faithfully preserved through the centuries by the church. It has never undergone scientific verification, and yet, it has been given a position of authority in modern textual criticism that it does not deserve.
The result of elevating Vaticanus as an authoritative manuscript is clear—modern Bible translations have been weakened, and key doctrines have been obscured. Believers must be discerning about the Bible they read. The Textus Receptus, which underlies the KJV and NKJV, has stood the test of time, aligning with the overwhelming witness of Scripture.
The church does not need Vaticanus to determine what God has spoken. His Word has been preserved in the Majority Text, and that is where we must place our trust.
